| First Drive | Zweifligen-Friedrischsruhe, Germany | Porsche Panamera Diesel |
Key Facts
Pricing: £62,124
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI, Jaguar 3.0D S, BMW 535d
CO2 emissions: 172g/km (167g/km)*
Combined economy: 43.5mpg (44.8mpg)*
Top speed: 150mph
0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
Power: 247bhp at 3,800 - 4,400rpm
Torque: 406lb.ft at 1,750 - 2,750rpm
*on optional low rolling resistance tyres
In the Metal: 
Familiarity is increasing the Panamera's appeal visually, even if it's never what you'd call conventionally pretty. It's functional, though we do wish Porsche didn't stick quite so rigidly to its 911 is best philosophy on the styling front. The diesel differs little from its petrol or hybrid brethren, only the diesel badges behind the front wings and unique tailpipes giving up its choice of fuel pump.
The same is true inside, with only the rev-counter's blob of red paint unusually low at 4,800rpm suggesting something's different. The cockpit cabin remains impressive, the rear seats surprisingly spacious and the boot a little lacking. All the same as its relatives then.
Driving it:
All the same, except there's not quite the loony performance on offer. That said, 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds is perfectly respectable, as is its 150mph potential. The V6 turbodiesel is Audi sourced and produces 247bhp. Again that's not mighty these days, Audi itself having a 309bhp two-stage turbo version of the same unit. Porsche says it doesn't fit in the Panamera. That the engineers know that speaks volumes, but it's wrong to write off the Panamera Diesel as lacking.
Indeed, without the mind-concentrating performance there's time to appreciate the Panamera's other qualities. Particularly its handling. Standard cars get fixed rate damping, though all the launch cars had optional PASM variable suspension. The steering feels as alert as ever, its weighting good and accuracy high, the suspension achieving a fine balance between supple ride comfort and control. Cornering flatly the Panamera Diesel might not have huge firepower to exit bends with indecent speed, but it retains its ability to carry its less easily gained pace.
The brakes are strong, and refinement very high, with Porsche's engineers managing to produce an exhaust that's very un-diesel-like in its tone. The eight-speed automatic slips through its ratios so effectively it's best left alone. However, if you do wish to swap cogs yourself be sure to go for the sports steering wheel, which brings with it paddles - in place of the hopeless push-me-pull-me buttons on the steering wheel spokes. The Diesel may not be as ridiculously rapid or sporting in its nature as its V8 petrol relatives, but it's still an enjoyable drive.
What you get for your Money:
Like its siblings the Panamera Diesel comes with a decent standard level of equipment. Leather covers the interior, there's front and rear park assist, cruise control and Porsche Communication Management including touch-screen satnav.
Worth Noting
Choose the low rolling resistance tyre package and you'll improve the official combined economy figure from 43.5- to 44.8mpg. CO2 emissions also reduce from 172- to 167g/km.
Summary
There are faster, more driver-focused diesel sports saloons, but the Porsche Panamera Diesel mixes comfort and ability in a very accomplished all-round package. Hardly surprising then that Porsche GB anticipates around 50% of its full-year Panamera sales to be powered by this engine. Sensible doesn't necessarily mean it's not an admirable choice, though if you've sampled the craziness on offer from its petrol relations you might find the Panamera Diesel a little bit lacking. Only a little mind, and you'll sail past the faster cars as they fill up - repeatedly - speed is not always measured in raw pace.
