Panamera Diesel

STORY

The Panamera was Porsche's answer to a question purists never asked: could a four-door saloon truly drive like a sports car? Unveiled in Shanghai in 2009, it gave the company a genuine rival to the big Mercedes, BMW and Audi executive express, without diluting the brand.

Long, low and initially divisive to look at, it hid serious engineering: a range spanning V6, twin-turbo V8, and later plug-in hybrid powertrains, active chassis systems, and a cabin split by Porsche's signature high, button-lined centre console. It handled with a poise no car that size had any right to.

The Panamera proved Porsche could build a four-seat luxury car that still felt like a Porsche, extended the marque into new markets, and paved the way for the electric Taycan that shares its four-door mission.