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
Also worth a look: the Porsche Dives In: The Electric Boat with Macan Turbo Power and the Porsche raises the bar with their all-new powerful Taycan. .
FAQ
Q: What does the new Porsche Panamera cost in South Africa?
Porsche South Africa hasn't released official pricing yet, but expect the base Panamera to start around R2,200,000 based on the previous generation, with the flagship Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid likely pushing past R3,500,000 when it arrives in 2024.
Q: Is the new Porsche Panamera worth buying over the BMW M5 or Audi RS6?
The new Panamera's 500kW Turbo E-Hybrid variant crushes both rivals with 930Nm of torque and a 3.2-second 0-100kph time, plus it offers 91km of electric range that neither German competitor can match.
Q: What's the difference between the Panamera and Panamera 4?
Both use the same 260kW 2.9-litre V6 turbo engine, but the Panamera 4 gets all-wheel drive which shaves 0.3 seconds off the 0-100kph sprint, dropping it to 4.8 seconds compared to the rear-drive model's 5.1 seconds.
Q: How much electric range does the Panamera E-Hybrid offer?
The flagship Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid delivers up to 91km of pure electric driving thanks to its upgraded 140kW electric motor and higher-capacity battery pack.
Q: When will the new Porsche Panamera be available in South Africa?
Porsche typically brings new models to South Africa 6-12 months after global launch, so expect the third-generation Panamera to hit local dealerships in mid-2024.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you've got deep pockets and want the ultimate luxury sports saloon. The new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid's combination of 500kW hybrid power, 91km electric range, and 3.2-second acceleration makes it the most complete executive express you can buy in South Africa. Even the base 260kW Panamera at an expected R2,200,000 offers more performance and luxury than most people will ever need. Skip it only if you're shopping below R2 million, where the BMW M340i or Audi S4 make more financial sense.