New Porsche Panamera: four plug-ins, more power

Highlights

• The same, but more and better
• Four plug-in hybrids
• Sturdy chassis
• From €151,662

This is the new Porsche Panamera. Completely new? Not that. Porsche acknowledges that the platform is being transferred from the well-known second generation, and we can confirm that this also applies to the engines. Judging from the photos, we are even hoping that this is actually a ‘reskin’. That is not a well-known term, but it means that the innovation is somewhere between a facelift and a completely new model. The roof, windshield, the windows in the doors and perhaps also the doors themselves will then be transferred from the old generation. At the same time, there is also a lot new, more than with a facelift. In addition to the nose and tail, the entire rear screen, in combination with the C-pillar, is also new. It shows a more flattened version of the rear side window, while the opening for the loading/fuel filler flap is now oval-shaped and the cutout for the rear bumper is sleeker and simply different.

Cooling slot

So significant changes, but not a complete revolution. Above all, the Panamera remains a very real Panamera, exactly as was the case in 2016 with the transition from the first to the (completely new) second generation. Yet the difference between the current and the new Panamera is clearly visible. The light bar in the butt is a lot tighter, just like the bumper that connects to it. A lot is also changing at the front. The hood has a stronger profile, there is a striking cooling slot above the license plate and the headlights have a striking new shape. The widest point is almost at the top and the inner corner is a lot sharper. Matrix LED technology is standard, the high-resolution version is optional.

Technical

The Panamera has also been carefully examined from a technical point of view. For example, Porsche promises new air suspension, which should further increase the spread between maximum comfort and maximum dynamics. More comfort, but also even sharper driving behavior if that is a priority. There will be several variants, including the optional Porsche Active Ride suspension system. This not only keeps the body neutral in bends, but also allows the car to ‘hang in the bend’ like a motorcycle if desired. We also saw this earlier at Mercedes. When stationary, the car is raised as a whole to make it easier to get in and out.

In terms of motorization, the biggest news is that the new Porsche Panamera will be available with not three, but four different plug-in hybrid powertrains. We already knew that, but Porsche is now shining more light on the matter. For example, we know that all plug-in hybrids have more power and a greater electric range than before. That applies to at least three of the four, because the fourth is new. This concerns the Turbo E-Hybrid, the current one is currently only available as Turbo S E-Hybrid. The new Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid has the same 4.0-liter V8, but a heavily updated version. In this case it delivers 680 hp and 930 Nm. The current Turbo S produces 700 hp and 770 Nm. That leaves room for an even more powerful Turbo S E-Hybrid, but Porsche has not yet explained this in further detail.

Gray logos

The Turbo models are distinguished from other Panameras with a gray brand logo. This can be found on the nose and steering wheel and marks the start of a new policy, which will also bring these colorless logos to Turbo versions of other Porsches. In this way, Porsche hopes to subtly distinguish these lightning-fast top versions from other Porsches.

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has a much larger battery pack than the current E-Hybrids, namely 25.9 kWh. It is expected that this package will be supplied in all four E-Hybrids, and will then provide an electric range of between 90 and 100 kilometers. In the case of the Turbo it is 91 km. Also new is the three-phase on-board charger, which enables charging with 11 kW. Which is nice, because at best the large battery will be full again in 2 hours and 39 minutes.

The unnamed, non-hybrid base Panamera, which is of limited relevance for the Netherlands due to the existence of a Panamera E-Hybrid, retains its 2.9-liter V6. However, according to Porsche, a lot of work has also been done on this engine, resulting in a small power boost of 23 hp. The torque increases by 50 Nm and the total comes to 353 hp and 500 N, good for a 0-100 time of 5.1 seconds. The four-wheel drive Panamera 4 does this in 4.8 seconds with this engine, both versions have a top speed of around 270 km/h.

Interior

Naturally, the Panamera also has a modern and sleek Taycan-like interior, as was previously the case with the Cayenne. With the Panamera, however, this means a considerably smaller revolution, since the Panamera dashboard was already broadly constructed in accordance with this new style. With digital instruments, a revised center console, an optional touchscreen for the passenger and an overall sleeker and cleaner design, the Panamera interior is ready for the future, without major tinkering with the design. The automatic transmission lever – in fact no more than a button – shifts from the center tunnel to a place on the right behind the steering wheel, so that there is more space in the middle for other things.

Porsche usually keeps a good pace when new models are launched, and today is no different. The new Panamera can already be ordered and deliveries should start in March.

Update 3:00 PM:

AutoWeek has already obtained the first prizes for the new Porsche Panamera. It currently starts at €151,662 for the unnamed basic version with the 2.9 V6. The four-wheel drive version, the Panamera 4, costs at least €161,191 and the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid €200,846.