Porsche unveils Panamera diesel

With the diesel Panamera, the German manufacturer is claiming a range of almost 1,200km with its new Panamera diesel, details of which have been announced this week ahead of global sales starting in August.

The new model features a Porsche-tuned VW Group 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor, a common-rail unit with up to 2000 bar injector pressure and variable geometry turbocharging. It produces 247bhp and peak torque of 56.13kgm between 1750rpm and 2750rpm; that’s a similar amount of twist to the 3.0-litre Cayenne diesel, but over a wider rev range. The Panamera gets a little more power, too.

The motor is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission driving the rear wheels only; stop-start comes as standard.

The combination is enough to take the diesel Panamera to 100kph in 6.8sec and on to a top speed of 240kph. And Porsche claims a combined fuel economy of 18kpl - enough for the Panamera’s 80-litre fuel tank to take it 1,200km on a single fill.

There’s precious little to identify the oil-burner model from its petrol-powered stablemates - only ‘diesel’ badging on the front doors.

Standard kit includes Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear park assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and touch-screen satellite navigation. The options list will include a switch from the standard steel springs to air suspension.

Standard kit includes Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear park assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and touch-screen satellite navigation. The options list will include a switch from the standard steel springs to air suspension.