Oh sure, we were excited about the Panamera. Still are. The combination of five door practicality and 911-like performance is very hard for any petrol head to resist. Indeed, when Evo tested it recently they came away mighty impressed. But there’s a problem.
There’s something about the lines niggling us. The front view is – if brutal – still perfectly acceptable. In fact we rather like it. The side air vents: OK. The swooping roofline: check.
But then we get to the rear haunches and that’s where things go slightly wrong. There’s just something not quite right here.
Look at the photo below, then have a glance at the one below that. Ouch! We weren’t expecting the Chryser Crossfire to be a car that anyone, let alone Porsche, would want to ape in the styling department.
The Prodigal Fool
Straight-Six
Patito
Lady B
The Prodigal Fool
6 August 2009
Can I just say, now that these puppies are out on the road and I’ve seen a couple in the metal, I agree with myself.
Jan Roos
7 August 2009
Just as it took me some time to get accustomed to the “Bangle” butt on last generation BMWs, I’m hoping that the Panamera’s initial rear negative impression will slowly fade away. Not that much can be done about it as it is an integral part of the body, not some separate trunk/tail section as in BMW’s case. They were able to soften the edginess, and it became widely emulated.
Otherwise, this car looks pretty perfect for the high-end set looking for 4 seat luxury and speed with all the latest Porsche tricks. Right in time for a recovering global economy.
The Prodigal Fool
7 August 2009
Jan, I so WANT to agree with you! The concept behind Porsche’s latest is so appealing, I just hope, as you say, that the initial negative impression of the rear styling will fade. Time will tell…
Matt
24 August 2009
just as with the Chris Bangle’s terrible designs – which I got used to, but never liked – so it will be with the Panamera. A shame really. Not sure about design cues from the Crossfire…. more like the Talbot Sunbeam.
The Prodigal Fool
25 August 2009
Exactly, we’ll get used to it but never really like it. Same thing happened with the Cayenne.