When Porsche first revealed the four-door Panamera many enthusiasts and purists cried foul, claiming that the car was an abomination that would be a disgrace to the brand for it couldn’t possibly offer the sporting characteristics the brand has become known for.
In time, many of those same critics came ’round to proclaim the Panamera a success and a proper Porsche. Today, the German automaker has taken the sheets off of a diesel-powered variant of this controversial model, which is surely to set off a similar series of reactions, but whether or not the conclusion will be the same is yet to be decided.
Powering the Panamera diesel is a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that churns out a respectable 250 horsepower between 3,800 and 4,400 rpm, along with 406 lb-ft of torque from a very diesel-like 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The Panamera diesel will come in rear-wheel drive only, and is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission.
Zero-to-60 is achieved in 6.8 seconds, and thanks to low fuel consumption the car is capable of traveling up to 745 miles on a single tank of fuel.
Owners can expect the same sporting suspension and a plethora of features and content which are also found on the gas-powered models, including the adaptive air suspension. The only major stylizing change comes in the form of the added “diesel” badges to the front doors.
German pricing starts at 80,183 euros including VAT, and deliveries will begin this August. Details are not yet available regarding the U.S. market, but it is believed that the diesel model will at least eventually find its way across the pond.
