Porsche Panamera diesel: Test Drive Review

The launch of Porsche’s diesel Panamera luxury saloon was overshadowed by the simultaneous arrival of the 159g/km petrol-electric hybrid, so we’ve decided to revisit the diesel

The hybrid costs more than £87,000 and despite its lower CO2, is actually less fuel-efficient than the 172g/km diesel, which uses its 245hp 3.0-litre engine to achieve a respectable 43.5mpg.

The Panamera isn’t pretty, but it’s surprisingly nimble, while passengers would never know it’s a diesel, such is the performance and refinement.

It’s a lovely machine, and the most sensible fleet-orientated car Porsche has yet produced in terms of running costs and practicality, although still expensive to acquire and run. If you can rationalise the styling, and the facelift due this summer is likely to bring further efficiency gains, then it’s worth considering for those at boardroom level who want a car that is both a logical and an emotive choice.