Every new Porsche model has two design elements that have stayed true since the company's inception. The first is that each model is built around the driver. The second is that they all look the same, or at least remarkably similar. The Panamera is quite a departure for Porsche on both counts. Sure, the looks are unmistakably Porsche and it doesn't look as ungainly as a Cayenne, but it's no supermodel either.

It's Unmistakable

Each evolution in the 911 series has looked much the same as the others. The basic characteristics are present in all of the Porsche range, and haven't changed much in thirty years. Even the Cayenne, with its frog eyes and sinuous lines is still unmistakably Porsche. Looks aside, the Panamera's drives well, as you would expect from a Porsche. However it isn't all about the driver this time. There are now two extra seats in the back to consider, and while the car tries to satisfy all four, it unfortunately compromises the most important one.

The main selling point of any Porsche is the grin that their cars generate when you drive them. BMW aren't the only company to package and sell "joy." It's one of the reasons the company has been so successful, and why it has such a fanatical following. The Panamera tries to be everything to everyone, and succeeds, just not convincingly. It isn't as good to drive as a 7 series, as comfortable as an S class, or as pleasing to the eye as a Maserati Quattroporte. However, it is still a pleasure to drive, and be driven in.

Pulling Power

It is still a fast car despite its size. The engines are modified versions of the Cayenne's V8 and perform well in all models. It can effortlessly pull this two tonne car to it 60 mph within 5.6 seconds for the S, and 4.2 seconds for the Turbo. Yes you did read that right, I said pull. The engine is at the front in the Panamera; another departure for Porsche, at least in its car line-up. To support the saloon configuration, the engine had to be moved to the opposite end. That's the reason for the longer, bulbous nose, rather than the shorter down-slope of the 911, Boxster and Cayman. Even though the engine is at the other end, it doesn't detract from the driving experience.

The air suspension in the Turbo has different modes, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. They are all part of the Porsche's Active Suspension Management and offer quite different ride characteristics. All three offer a comfortable ride and great road holding. The Sport Plus lowers the suspension by 25mm and almost eliminates body roll through corners. None of the settings are too soft or too hard, and all absorb whatever a road throws at them with relative ease.

Everything has a Price

The Panamera currently comes in three flavours, the Panamera S, with two-wheel drive and 400bhp priced at 72,266. The Panamera 4S which is the four wheel drive version, costing 77,269, and the range topping Panamera Turbo, sporting a turbocharged 500bhp engine and a price tag of 95,298. At this price point you would expect a great car for your money. Don't get me wrong, the Panamera is a great car, it is a Porsche after all. It just feels like a jack of all trades, but appears master of none.

Written by Jamie Kavanagh