Step inside, and the most obvious change is the all-new steering wheel. The three-spoke unit is devoid of any distractions and buttons, and lets you grip it as you like it and focus on the job of directing the whole driving scene, without having to worry about your favourite track being skipped by an accidental nudge on an audio-control button. Another change is the addition of paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel, handing control of the eight ratios over to you. A slight bother, since I have to pick on something, is the horn. In India, it is one of the most used features on any journey, short or long, and in the Panamera I found myself having to relocate my entire palm to toot the own horn. That apart, the cabin experience is sublime.
The soft beige leather upholstery and contrasting elements give the interior an air of bespoke luxury. The driver seat is a comfortable place to be in, and if you tick another box on the specification sheet, you could have a 14-way adjustable seat, instead of the standard eight-way one. Head room is more than adequate and there is no shortage of space whatsoever. Not much has changed, really. The chronograph clock sitting pretty, dead centre, on the dashboard reminds you that even with all the leather and plush bits about you, this is a Porsche, and it is meant to go around as quickly as possible; they even giving you the tools to keep a track of how quick it is.
The centre console, apart from the crowning LCD screen, is a right ensemble of buttons, all of which seem to have not one, but a pair of lights associated with each of them. Everything from the traction control to the suspension settings and the front ride height control are all a part of the two-sided army of buttons flanking the gear lever in the centre, which, I must mention, is set in a bed of brushed aluminium. The attention to detail continues with leather lining the panels around and below the steering column. There is no surface which isn’t padded for you to accidentally bump your knee into. The ergonomics and driving position are as close to perfect as can be (and if you want to fine-tune it further, it’s only Rs 2.65 lakh more for the 14-way adjustable seat).
At the rear, the flowing centre console offers rear occupants controls for the auto-climate and locks. The leg-room at the rear too is generous, but it isn’t as much as what is offered by the long wheelbase models from the competition. However, this is a proper GT car, and that means it covers distances quick, without having occupants feel any of it. It’s just as comfortable to drive as it is to be driven in, but quite a bit of the experience is meant to be savoured in the seat up front holding the wheel.
