One of the things I love about Porsches is their total lack of apology for panache and luxury. There's also that outstanding performance. And, of course, incredible technology.
But what I enjoyed most about the V6 Panamera 4, the first sedan from this stable, was its driveability - and practicality. It is, indeed, the ultimate mom's taxi.
At the Nelspruit ladies-only launch, Porsche MD Toby Venter said the challenge for the marque was to produce a car in this competitive segment without previous experience.
Fans of the brand expect several requirements from their cars: performance, sportiness and practicality combined with the unique Porsche DNA. But the engineers also had to factor in space for passengers and a real boot.
Well, the Panamera 4 has the lot. Svelte and sleek, with a classic Porsche face, the car is elegant without being fussy and makes a statement without being brash. Actually, it's downright fabulous.
Driven by a low-revving, high output 220kW 3.6-litre V6, it produces a beefy 400Nm at 3750 rpm. In other words, it goes like the clappers - and even more so at the mere touch of the Sport or Sport Plus button.
This firms up the chassis, keeps the car in each gear for longer and provides a quicker and more responsive performance. It also has active all-wheel-drive with an electronically controlled, map-based multiple-plate clutch that distributes drive power between the permanently-driven rear axle and the front axle.
Constantly monitoring driving conditions, the system responds instantly to different driving situations and requirements. This significantly improves traction, dynamics and handling.
One feature I loved was that the engine automatically switches off if you're stationary: in other words, stuck in traffic or at a red robot. And as you touch the accelerator to pull off again, it switches back on - so you're producing fewer emissions and saving fuel at the same time. How cool is that, ladies?
We took a brilliant route back to Jozi through a pass and along some great straight roads and, when I say the Panamera goes like a rat out of an aqueduct, it's no exaggeration.
I was stunned when I checked the speedo and saw how fast I was travelling. The car is so smooth, so comfortable, the suspension so amazing, that you think you're boogeying along at 120km/h...
The interior, naturally, is top-of-the-range and although initially all the buttons and gauges might confuse you, you'll very quickly work out what's what.
BODY-TO-WEIGHT RATIO
Oh, I forgot to mention there's a rear wing-type spoiler that pops up to improve the aerodynamics - but you can disengage this manually if you want to, just by pressing a button.
Surprisingly, the Panamera's fuel consumption is just 9.1 litres per 100km. But then body-to-weight ratio, apart from engine size, is what helps determine this, and the car is constructed from a whole lot of light materials, with loads of aluminium and magnesium to reduce weight.
Petrolhead moms might want to know you can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds. Emissions? These sit at the 213g per kilometre mark.
Regarding safety features, the Panamera is packed with these. And you can fit two golf bags, four suitcases or a host of kiddies' schoolbags and cricket bags in the boot. My kind of car - for just R750 000. I want one.