PRE FLIGHT BRIEFING I PORSCHE PANAMERA S

⊲ Why is it here?

Because a luxury saloon doesn’t need to look like a posh taxi. Porsche’s family car – with us since 2010, and now in its second generation – may have been overshadowed by Porsche’s own SUVs and the electric Taycan, but there’s still a huge appeal in its fourseat-911 ethos.

⊲ Any clever stu ? Compared to the rivals here, no. The relatively unshowy Panamera is focused on executing the basics brilliantly. That includes a 2.9-litre petrol V6 that may share some elements with Audi but has become Porsche’s own; it’s a marvel of engagement and e ciency. And hats o to the £6707 optional carbonceramic brakes, which deliver – again and again – with usable power, in all weathers, without fade.

⊲ Which version is this? Considering it’s not a huge seller, the range is ridiculously big. Body wise, you have this Sports Saloon (actually a hatch) or the Sport Turismo (sort-of estate). Rearor all-wheel drive, turbo or hybrid, six or eight cylinders, and very fast or extremely fast. Our 4S is roughly in the middle of the Panamera range, although it’s one of the most expensive cars in this group of rivals.