New Porsche Panamera Unveiled
Porsche showcased the third-generation Panamera on Friday at an event in Shanghai, China. This new model features a more aggressive visual design than its predecessor, including a sharper front end with a new apron and additional air inlet above the license plate holder. The Matrix LED headlamp cluster now has four-point daytime running lights. The glass house has been redesigned to create harmonious lines at the car's rear.
The flagship Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid gets additional exterior enhancements with a distinctive rear apron, painted diffuser panels, and a unique body-coloured front apron. There are also dark bronze chrome-plated tailpipes and optional centre-lock wheels. The interior showcases the latest Porsche Driver Experience cockpit concept with a 12.6-inch curved digital instrument cluster display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system. A 10.9-inch passenger display is available, allowing the front passenger to access media and navigation without distracting the driver.
The cockpit also features an updated multifunction steering wheel, a relocated gear selector lever, and enhanced driver assistance technologies, including an active speed limiter, swerve assist, and adaptive cruise control. During automatic parking, the driver can monitor the process from a smartphone via Remote Park Assist.
Regarding powertrains, the Panamera and Panamera 4 variants come with an uprated 2.9-liter V6 turbocharged engine producing 260kW and 500Nm. The Panamera accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, while the Panamera 4 does it in 4.8 seconds. Four E-Hybrid models with a more powerful electric motor offer improved performance and a higher-capacity battery.
The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid pairs a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine with a 140kW electric motor, delivering 500kW and 930Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and offers an electric-only range of up to 91km.
All third-generation Panamera models feature dual-chamber two-valve air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard, providing improved ride comfort and handling control. Optional features include all-wheel steering and Porsche's Active Ride suspension system.
The new Panamera range is expected to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2024 at the following prices:
- Panamera: R2,216,000
- Panamera 4: R2,292,000
- Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid: R4,127,000
