The world, at least the part of the world that really cares, has been waiting to learn whether Porsche's upcoming Panamera 4-door sedan can live up to its promise. Britain's Classic Driver magazine has, not surprisingly, been awarded first dibs at a test drive. Thus you can be among the most knowledgeable of your friends simply by clicking on this link to the magazine's superb newsletter. I'm not going to give away any secrets except to say that the tester was most impressed, although test drivers are easily impressed with any new vehicle, especially if it comes equipped with free meals and fine hotels. (Yes, I've been guilty, too.)

Much of the criticism leading up to the Panamera's launch was centered on the styling, in particular the rounded rear end. classic Driver's test driver Jan Baedeker insists the car is far more elegant than it appears in photos. Other critics have questioned whether Porsche should be manufacturing sedans when it is renowned for building sports cars. Baedecker says the Panamera was needed to fill a slot between the 911 and the Cayenne. I would suggest that Porsche should never have made the Cayenne in the first place. I would also question whether, in this era of overcrowded highways and environmental considerations, there is really a role for a high-speed 4-place tourer.

[Photo Credit: Jan Baedeker]