2017 Porsche Panamera 4S Diesel UK drive

Until the Panamera E-Hybrid arrives later in the year, the 4S Diesel is the fuel-sipping economy champion of Porsche’s brand new super-saloon range. Of course, these things are relative; you’re not going to find a 2.0-litre four-pot oil burner under the bonnet.

In fact, you get twice as much capacity and twice as many cylinders – a 3956cc twin-turbocharged V8 with variable turbine geometry (VTG). The headline numbers are an impressive 416bhp and a staggering 627Ib ft of torque. Thanks to those clever VTG snails, you only need 1000rpm on the dial to get all that twist. A brand new eight-speed PDK gearbox sends power to all four wheels.

Underneath is a new mixed-material MSB platform that will also be used for the next-gen Bentley Continental GT. This is not only more rigid, but is also usefully lighter to boot. Optional extras include a new three-chamber air suspension, all-wheel steer and a clever cruise control system that takes into account speed limits, bends and inclines to provide the most efficient cross-country transit.

That MSB platform may have trimmed a few kilos from the kerb weight, but the Panamera is still a hefty piece of kit. Regardless, the 4S Diesel is capable of building speed like few other four-doors. It never feels quite as fast as it actually is – a trait shared with every other model in the range. But still, few cars could keep up with a 4S Diesel driven hard.

While the massive reserves of torque allow rapid acceleration, they also make for effortlessly relaxed cruising. Driven sensibly in normal traffic conditions, we were amazed at how often the V8 was spinning at 1000rpm or less. In those situations, the engine is barely audible although a little tickle does reveal a slightly gritty, diesel edge. At least it’s unmistakably a V8 when you squeeze it harder.

More relevant in the real world is the economy the 4S Diesel is capable of. With plenty of self-restraint and a light right foot, you’ll be able to get more than 30mpg. Enjoy yourself a little, and this soon drops into the 20s.

Not only does the new ‘box allow hushed progress, it also offers buttery shifts while mooching and exceedingly swift ones when you’re in one of the racier modes. Even mashing the throttle unexpectedly in normal didn’t phase it; the transmission just drops a brace of ratios without fuss.

To avoid vaporising your rear tyres regularly, this engine only comes with a rear-biased all-wheel drive system. Unlike nose led rivals from within the Group (yes, we’re looking at you Audi), the Panamera feels much less keen to send drive to the front wheels.