…and all fun.
When the first-gen Porsche Panamera was first unveiled, it garnered some pretty polarizing opinions, with die-hards criticizing the brand for leaving its roots. Instead of killing the successful vehicle for the sake of “heritage”, Porsche is back with a second-generation Panamera with more powerful engines, high-tech gadgetry, and the heart of a sports car.
The new Porsche Panamera is more dynamic than ever and has the proportions to match. It’s longer, wider, and slightly taller, despite looking lower due to the reduced height over the rear roof. The wheelbase has also been extended by 30 mm over the previous generation with the front wheels moving forwards to cut down on the overhang while the rear overhang is longer.
The front fascia is entirely new but distinctly that of a Panamera. A wide crossbar radiator grille emphasizes its increased dimensions while the arrow-shaped hood with powerdome puts its new range of muscular engines on display, visually. The hood meshes right into the brawny front fenders and into the aluminum side body. Each side window now forms a visually continuous surface similar to that of the 911, of which the Panamera draws much of its design inspiration from.
The rear of the Porsche Panamera is more athletic, showcasing its three-dimensional LED lights that integrate the four-point brake lights. A narrow LED strip runs the length of the rear, creating the impression of width. A body-color spoiler wing automatically deploys at higher speeds, with the Turbo models boasting a wider spoiler that splits and extends outwards upon deployment. Distinguishing the Panamera Turbo from the 4S and 4S Diesel models are trapezoidal tailpipes while the latter feature round tailpipes.
Part of what gives the new Porsche Panamera its athletic nature are its three new engines. In the Panamera 4S, a 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine produces 440 horsepower at 5,650 RPM and 406 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 5,500 PRM. That allows it to accelerate to 62 mph form rest in just 4.4 seconds (4.2 with Sport Chrono), and reach a 180-mph top speed.
For the first time ever in a Porsche, the Panamera 4S Diesel can be had with permanent all-wheel drive. The new 4.0-liter diesel V-8 engine has a central turbo layout with sequential turbocharging that allows it to operate one turbocharger at low to moderate speeds, while the second turbocharger activates at 2,700 RPM. The variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers help provide quick throttle response as it produces a strong 422 horsepower at 3,500 RPM and 627 lb-ft. of torque from 1,000 to 3,250 RPM. Thanks to its 4.5-second (4.3 seconds with Sport Chrono) 0-62 mph acceleration time and 177 mph top speed, the Porsche Panamera Diesel is the world’s fastest production vehicle with a diesel engine.
The top dog in the lineup is the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Its new 4.0-liter V-8 engine has two turbochargers located between the banks allowing for more compact dimensions and a lower mounting point plus improved responsiveness. For the first time in a Porsche, the Turbo model has adaptive cylinder control that temporarily operates as a four-cylinder engine under partial loads. Under full load, however, the Panamera Turbo creates 550 horsepower at 5,750 RPM and 568 lb-ft. of torque from 1,960 to 4,500 RPM. This allows the grand tourer to reach 62 mph from rest in just 3.8 seconds (3.6 with Sport Chrono) and hit a top speed of 190 mph.
Although the engines produce more power, the new range of Porsche Panamera models have lower emissions and consume less fuel. Part of that also comes from the new eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.
The other part of the four-door sports car equation comes from the redesigned chassis and new electronic assistance systems in the Porsche Panamera. The already nimble foundation can be built upon with a three-chamber adaptive air suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), active roll stabilization, and an electromechanical steering system. Making it all work together is the 4D Chassis Control system that instantly adjusts the suspension to optimize handling performance based on driver specification.
The interior of the Porsche Panamera continues the new interior design language spreading across the brand that was started by the 918 Spyder. An array of touch-sensitive surfaces are used instead of traditional buttons, switches, and knobs, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display taking center stage in the dashboard. Two 7.0-inch displays are shown in the instrument panel with an analog tachometer sitting between. Almost every high-tech system and function is easily accessible including Porsche Connect, Apple Car Play, and a voice control system. A panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient lighting, and a 3-D sound system from Burmester are also available.
The new Porsche Panamera 4S will start at $99,900 while the Turbo model will start at $146,900 in the United States.
To top it all off, the crowning achievement for the new Porsche Panamera is also the fastest production sedan around the Nürburgring with a 7:38 time, beating the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio. Watch below:
Porsche Panamera Specifications
Panamera 4S:
Engine: 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6
Maximum Horsepower: 440 /324 kW at 5,650 RPM
Maximum Torque: 406 lb-ft. / 550 Nm from 1,750 to 5,500 PRM
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.4 seconds (4.2 s with Sport Chrono)
Top Speed: 180 mph / 289 km/h
Porsche Panamera Diesel:
Engine: 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8
Maximum Horsepower: 422 / 310 kW at 3,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 627 lb-ft. / 850 Nm from 1,000 to 3,500 RPM
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.5 seconds (4.3 s with Sport Chrono)
Top Speed: 177 mph / 285 km/h
Porsche Panamera Turbo:
Engine: 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8
Maximum Horsepower: 550 / 404 kW at 5,750 RPM
Maximum Torque: 568 lb-ft. / 770 Nm from 1,960 to 4,500 RPM
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.8 seconds (3.6 s with Sport Chrono)
Top Speed: 190 mph / 306 km/h
Porsche Panamera Gallery
Source: Porsche
Is the new Porsche Panamera the ultimate four-door sports car?
