Price and equipment

The naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V8 all-wheel-drive 4S sits in the middle of the three-model Panamera launch range. Priced from $282,400 (plus on-road and dealer costs), the 4S is $12,200 more than the rear-wheel-drive S and $82,500 less than the AWD Turbo flagship. Soon to be added to the line-up are two V6 models; the $193,000 RWD Panamera and the $204,400 AWD Panamera 4 (plus costs). A hybrid V6 is also on the way.

Sat-nav, a Bose six-disc sound system, sunroof, power tailgate and 14-way front powered seats are all standard but the 4S gets only part-leather trim, dual-zone (not even tri-zone) climate control and standard (not radar) cruise control. Keyless start is an option and there's no spare tyre: merely sealant and a compressor.

There is plenty of mechanical trickery, including a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, active suspension, variable AWD, fuel-saving engine stop-start and even a rear spoiler that pops up automatically at 90km/h.

Under the bonnet

The 4.8-litre V8 engine's outputs of 294kW and 500Nm are OK but not world beating.

It can burble along at low revs, barely hinting at its capabilities. But push the throttle and it comes alive like an angry bear that's just been zapped with a cattle prod. Click into "Sport" mode and the engine is sharper and PDK holds on to gears longer. In manual mode precise control is delivered, although the gear-change buttons on the steering wheel are not as intuitive as proper paddles. Nor is the PDK as smooth at launch or low speeds as a regular automatic. The stop-start function is surprisingly intrusive, switching the engine on and off, but a button can deactivate it.

Porsche claims the 4S will average 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres on premium fuel. We managed 11.0L/100km after almost 900 kilometres of varied driving.

How it drives

At cruising speeds, the 4S lacks the isolated sophistication of an S-Class or even a BMW 7-Series as there's more drivetrain whine and road noise inside.

But up the pace and the Porsche keeps getting better - gripping, accelerating, turning and stopping with an exquisite level of control. Only the steering disappoints and only because it offers less feel than a razor-sharp 911. But it is still direct, faithful to inputs and confident.

Comfort and practicality

Unlike the exterior, there are few reservations about the Panamera's interior. The use of leather, wood, aluminium and velour (carpet) is beautifully combined with a well-resolved cockpit. Buttons proliferate on the ramped centre console but their functions are easily understood.

The main issues are distracting reflections of the dash-top in the windscreen and limited rearward visibility.

The upsweep of the glasshouse beyond the door pillar also adds to an enclosed feeling in the rear. There's no shortage of head, knee and legroom but a Mercedes S-Class is better for chauffeured passengers.

By 911 standards, interior storage is exceptional but there's only one cupholder up front and two in the back.

Under the hatch you'll find a long, narrow space that fits 432 litres of luggage. Fold down the rear seats and that expands to a bicycle-swallowing 1250 litres.

Safety

The Panamera hasn't been crash tested by NCAP but there is no doubting its fundamental solidity and quality.

The 4S is well stocked with passive and active safety gear including front, side, curtain and front-knee airbags (rear-side bags are optional), a pedestrian-friendly bonnet, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, active bi-xenon headlights and rear parking sensors.

Overall verdict

Technically, the 4S is yet another potent and convincing Porsche. But the luxury equipment equation isn't quite so compelling, nor is the exterior styling.

Appreciating this car truly depends on your priorities. If you gain enjoyment from driving then this is your executive express. No arguments.

THERE'S no arguing with the concept of the Porsche Panamera - a luxury grand tourer that expands the legendary sports-car marque into another lucrative market segment. But the execution has caused plenty of debate, especially exterior styling that mixes elements of the iconic 911 with a rotund hatchback.

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