New Car: 2012 Porsche Panamera Diesel

Porsche has finally launched the long-awaited Panamera diesel, with sales starting in August. Visually, you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference between a diesel variant and a petrol variant, however, discreet diesel badging on the front wing gives the game away.

Power comes from VAG's 3.0 TDI V6 that produces 250bhp (247PS/184kW) and 550Nm (406lb-ft) of torque, that arrives between 1,750rpm – 2,750rpm. This is linked to a 8 speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with power being fed to the rear wheels.

The marque is claiming a driving range of 745 miles (1,199km) between fill-ups from its 80 litre fuel tank and combined fuel economy of 43.5mpg (6.5l/100km). This is further enhanced by the standard stop-start system. Opt for low-resistance tyres and fuel economy will increase to 44.8mpg (6.3l/100km) and carbon emissions of 167g/km, from 172g/km.

Standard equipment will include leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirror, Porsche Communication Management w/touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, cruise control and a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS).

Prices start from £62,134.

Press Release:

On sale from August 2011, the Porsche Panamera range extends with the introduction of the new Panamera Diesel, further enhancing the model’s appeal to UK customers. A luxury Gran Turismo, the Panamera Diesel is capable of taking four passengers in sporting comfort from Lands End to Loch Ness without refuelling.

Coping effortlessly with short bursts of speed and cross country touring, this long distance sporting performance is delivered by the smooth-running 3.0-litre V6 engine with a rated output of 250 hp (184 kW) achieved between 3,800 rpm and 4,400 rpm. The maximum torque of 550 Nm, available all the way from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm, delivers high pulling power. It is exclusively available with rear-wheel drive and uses a highly efficient eight-speed Tiptronic S as standard. The six-cylinder turbo diesel engine powers the new Gran Turismo from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph.

The Panamera Diesel offers a highly appealing driving range of more than 745 miles on one 80-litre tank, emits 172g/km and delivers a Combined fuel economy of 43.5mpg. With the optional lower rolling resistance tyres, efficiency improves further still, to 167g/km and 44.8mpg on a Combined cycle.

The model’s 3.0-litre V6 engine is state of the art in diesel technology: common rail direct injection through piezo valves at a pressure of 2000 bar, turbocharging employing electrically controlled variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs) and emission control achieved by controlled exhaust gas recirculation, oxidation catalyst and particle filter.

Performance, generous torque and low consumption are accompanied by smooth running, reliability and low emissions. An additional contributing factor is the auto start/stop function, which is fitted as standard. Adaptive air suspension is available as an alternative to the standard steel spring suspension, to provide an even wider range of suspension settings to extend the driving qualities further still.

Through its proportions alone, the Panamera stands out clearly in its market segment: measuring 1931mm (76.0in) in width and 1418mm (55.8in) in height, the Panamera is both wider and lower than comparable four-door models. The unmistakable, sleek GT silhouette is created by an overall length of 4970mm (195.7in) and short, sporting overhangs front and rear. This new model can be recognised by the lettering ‘diesel’ on the front doors.

Every Panamera, including the new Diesel model, has a high level of standard specification that includes leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, cruise control and a three year warranty.

Fitted to every Panamera is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

The Panamera Diesel costs £62,134 and is on sale in the UK from August 2011.