98 CARMAGAZINE.CO.UK | APRIL 2019
hree enormously charismatic
cars, and each with more
strengths than weaknesses.
Choosing between the AMG
GT 4 Door and the Alpina B5 is
agonising. In a world of blank
cheques you’d have both, because they contrast
and complement each other perfectly. The
Alpina’s combination of complete civility with
earth-shattering pace is compelling, and if its
comfort-orientated suspension makes it less
sharp to drive than the other two (on a twisty
road, at least), it also makes it the easiest of the
three to live with every day.
The Mercedes is brasher, less urbane but
more thrilling to drive more of the time,
thanks to its combination of savage, almost
lag-free V8 turbo power and quite astonishing
body control. But there are a few too many neg-
atives to detract from its dynamic brilliance: its
infotainment interface is complicated and its
screen graphics cluttered; refinement doesn’t
feel up to snuff for a six-figure luxury car;
and while its styling has bags of head-turning
presence, it might just be a little too ungainly
for some.
After a final drive in the GT my grin’s so wide
I can’t help placing it ahead of the Alpina by a
whisker – but while the AMG’s novelty might
fade over time, I can imagine how satisfying a
B5 would be to own long-term. An M5 might
have come closer to the AMG for thrills, but
the Alpina’s more rounded approach and
ra re-g roove appea l t a ke it f rom spor t s sa loon to
grand tourer in ethos. It’s quite a machine.
The Panamera, meanwhile, offers the best
aspects of both rivals. It can cosset and waft
almost as calmingly as the Alpina, corner like
a racing car in the same vein as the AMG, and
feel as shockingly quick in a straight line as
them both. While good enough to take the win
here, the Turbo S E-Hybrid isn’t necessarily the
pick of the Panamera range, either – the lighter,
purer regular Turbo S is a superb car. But still
the S E-Hybrid is a dynamic match for the two
lighter, less complex cars in this test.
The Panamera also makes the most interest-
ing design statements of the three, outside and
particularly within. It’s the most absorbing car
to sit in, to drive and to spend time with. In a
trio of star cars, it’s the Panamera that radiates
the most star quality.FINAL RECKONING
Yo u can
have it all
T
PORSCHE PANAMERA
Innovative, adventurous in
style and glorious to drive.
Practical enough, too.
★★★★★AMG GT 63S 4 DOOR
Full of charisma; amazing
engine, physics-defying
handling, but a few niggles.
★★★★★ALPINA B5 BITURBO
A mix of genius engineering,
ease of use, thumping pace
and want-one desirability.
★★★★★1st
2nd
3rd