The third generation of the Porsche Panamera is here. The luxury sedan of the sports car maker underscores its’ sporty character with even more powerful engines and broadens its capabilities with a completely new interior layout and a number of innovative technologies. The new active suspension – Porsche Active Ride – and an efficient and powerful powertrain portfolio pair a high degree of comfort with performance characteristic of a true Porsche.
The integration of the owner’s digital ecosystem enables completely new opportunities to interact with and use the vehicle. The elegant and dynamic design of the new Panamera stands out with attractive proportions. Meanwhile, a larger offering of driver assistance systems as well as a newly designed interior with a focus on the driver heighten the driving experience further.
Compelling blend of comfort and handling with state-of-the-art suspension
The new Panamera is equipped as standard with a two-chamber, two-valve air suspension which also includes Porsche Active Suspension Management. The two-valve technology separates the control of compression and rebound of the damper from each other and therefore offers greater bandwidth between comfort and sportiness. The Panamera aims to absorb bumps and road imperfections smoothly and offers significantly enhanced damping performance to improve body control during spirited driving. Optional rear-axle steering can improve the handling of the car even further by simulating longer or shorter wheelbase based on if the rear wheels are turned together or counter to the front wheels.
Additionally, the new Porsche Active Ride is available as an option for the Panamera E-Hybrid models. This system offers a wider spread between comfort and driving dynamics than ever before. The technical basis for this are new active shock absorbers, which are connected to an electrically operated hydraulic pump. The pump generates a use case-specific volume in the dampers that can then quickly and very precisely build up pressure between the wheels and body of the car to counter and absorb any impacts generated by road imperfections. A weight-saving one-chamber air suspension complements this technology. The optional active suspension keeps the body of the Panamera flat, even during heavy braking, steering and acceleration inputs. It distributes the wheel loads dynamically to optimize grip and absorbs road imperfections to a very high degree. As a result, the connection to the road is always kept at an optimum level, even during spirited driving.
When the respective feature in the PCM is selected, Porsche Active Ride can overcompensate pitch and roll movements: The new Panamera then leans into corners like a motorcycle, leans forward under acceleration and tilts back under braking. Porsche Active Ride can raise the ride height of the vehicle to ease entry and exit of the vehicle while parked.
More E-Performance and extensively updated engines
Porsche plans to offer four different E-Hybrid powertrains, responding to healthy demand for this type of powertrain in the Panamera. All E-Hybrid variants profit from more capable hybrid technology that offers more power, greater range and improved efficiency. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is the first model to be introduced and will come equipped with a completely revamped 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor generating 140 kW (187 hp) which is powered by a 25.9 kWh battery. The system power of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is an impressive 670 hp and 685 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the heavily updated 8-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Without the need for separate housing, around five kilograms of weight were saved. The integration of the unit into the oil circulation system also optimizes the thermal efficiency of the electric powertrain and allows for a higher consistent output, improved efficiency as well as increased recuperation power for the E-motor. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and on to a top track speed of 195 mph.
At launch, Panamera and Panamera 4 models will also be available. Their 2.9 liter V6 turbo engine features optimized boost pressure, injection volume and ignition timing. As a result, it now develops 348 hp and 368 lb.-ft. of torque – an increase of 23 hp and 37 lb.-ft. compared to the previous model. This increase in power helps the Panamera to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and improves the top track speed to 169 mph. The all-wheel drive variant Panamera 4 achieves 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top track speed of 168 mph.
Interior and exterior: Luxurious and sporty
The exterior design of the new Panamera is based on the strong lines and proportions that have always characterized the model line. The new Panamera measures 198.9 inches in length, is 76.3 inches wide and 56 inches high. The significantly refreshed appearance of the performance sedan is even more expressive and sporty as a result. An additional air inlet above the area designated for the front license plate accommodates the new powertrains’ increased need for air. The newly designed window lines underscore the sedan character of the new Panamera, while the edges of the rear window sit flush with the body and contribute to a harmonious design.
The Porsche Driver Experience interior concept is defined by an ideal balance between analog and digital operating controls as well as an orientation of the essential touch points and features towards the driver. True to this principle, the gear selector is positioned to the right of the steering wheel. The mode switch, which includes the drive programs Normal, Sport and Sport+, and the stalk for the driver assistance system, are directly within reach of the driver.
An optional passenger display with a 10.9-inch screen can show performance data of the vehicle, and allows for the operation of the infotainment system and even video streaming while driving. To rule out any distractions, the passenger display is not visible from the driver’s seat.
Stronger differentiation for Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid
Turbo models enjoy a special status at Porsche as they represent the pinnacle of each model line. To underscore this role, Porsche is separating the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid distinctly from other models in the range. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is distinguished by a bespoke lower rear fascia with diffuser elements painted in body color and dark bronze tail pipes, as well as a Turbo-specific front fascia and optional center lock wheels.
Turbonite is used as a contrasting color for the side air blades of the air intakes, the window surrounds and the “turbo” model designation on the rear trunk lid. The centerpiece of the unique Turbo trim is the Porsche crest in Turbonite which is fitted to the hood, the center of the wheels and the steering wheel. Inside, Turbonite combined with carbon fiber trim pieces create a particularly sporty ambiance. Turbonite can be found in the central tachometer of the digital instrument panel or the color of the operating elements in the center console.
Digital experience and new assistance systems
The new Panamera is designed to act as an integral part of the driver’s digital ecosystem. To sign in to the system using a personalized Porsche ID simply requires scanning a QR code shown in the PCM with a smartphone. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto enable the syncing of smartphone and vehicle data for better operation. The integration of vehicle functions offered in the MyPorsche App in Apple CarPlay® allows for an optimized use and access to digital functions. Functions such as climate control, seat massage and ambient lighting can be activated directly via Apple CarPlay® or Siri®.
As standard, Porsche fits the Panamera with LED Matrix Design headlights. Additionally, the capabilities of the optional driver assistance systems available for the new Panamera have been significantly enhanced. For example, the standard active speed assistant features a new limiter function that operates in conjunction with traffic sign recognition. When the system is active, the Panamera is designed to follow the posted current speed limit. Porsche InnoDrive, including adaptive cruise control, has been enhanced with a new lane keep assist and a crossroad assistant. An evasive maneuver assistant, designed to support sudden lane changes to avoid hitting an obstacle, is a new function of Porsche InnoDrive as well. Another new optional feature: During an automated parking procedure, the driver – who is still responsible for the vehicle – does not have to be sitting in the car anymore, but can do this from their smartphone using Remote ParkAssist, which can be used for certain types of parking spaces and garages.