It's always great hearing about a new sedan joining the car world. It's even better when that vehicle is a Porsche. The Stuttgart-based brand officially introduced the all-new, third-generation Panamera. It might be time to reconsider buying a crossover SUV. Here's what's new.
Porsche spent quite some time hyping up the latest iteration of the successful Panamera. We have seen it with little to no camo while testing procedures were on the way in several parts of the world. The iconic brand also uncovered the official cockpit design before the unveiling.
No matter what Porsche was thinking, one thing's clear: the all-new Panamera is a comprehensive upgrade. The company didn't just update it inside and out; the automaker also gave it new brains and revised underpinnings.
First things first, let's talk power. Porsche intends to offer four hybridized powertrains for the new Panamera. That would be similar to what the Cayenne lineup currently offers. We should at least see a Panamera E-Hybrid, a Panamera S E-Hybrid, and a Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid.
For now, however, only the V8-powered sedan is available at launch. It comes with a revised mechanical beating heart, a new electric motor, and a 25.9-kWh high-voltage energy storage unit. When combined, that solution should help the sedan develop up to 670 hp and 685 lb-ft of torque.
Photo: Porsche
Power is administered by an updated eight-speed PDK transmission that also houses the 187-hp electric motor. That implementation helped shave off around 11 pounds of weight and improved thermal efficiency because the electric drive unit is integrated into the oil circulation system. The marque promises that the layout also allows for better regenerative braking.
The V6 is still here!
Customers who desire a lighter Panamera can opt for the base rear-wheel-drive model or the Panamera 4. A 2.9-liter V6 sporting improved boost pressure, injection volume, and ignition timing powers both. The six-cylinder puts out 348 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the Panamera from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The all-wheel-drive version is 0.3 seconds quicker to 60 mph. Both models can achieve a top speed of 168 and 169 mph, respectively.
Porsche's suspension setup for the Panamera is widely regarded as being great. It's so good that even Bentley uses a variation of that three-chamber air springing layout. Now, the brand offers a two-chamber, two-vale air suspension with the Active Suspension Management system as standard.
Rear-wheel steering is available, but E-Hybrid models can be equipped with the Active Ride suspension system, which encompasses new active shock absorbers linked to an electrically operated hydraulic pump. Porsche claims that Active Ride will come in handy when you're feeling ready for some spirited driving. It can keep the vehicle's body flat, even when braking or accelerating hastily.
Photo: Porsche
Besides that, the Turbo E-Hybrid also gets a distinctive look. It has a different lower rear fascia with painted diffuser elements and dark bronze tailpipes. The front end gets a Turbo-specific design, too. Customers can also tick the option box for center lock wheels.
The latest and greatest
Porsche also upped the ante by introducing a plethora of useful connected features. The third-generation Panamera is smarter and can recognize your preferred settings via a QR code. Scan the infotainment screen with your phone, and the car will immediately know what to do.
Porsche also implemented a dedicated app within Apple CarPlay, allowing the driver to control the most important vehicle functions. That also enables Siri to listen to your voice commands and adjust the climate control, seat massage, and ambient lighting.
The new sedan comes as standard with LED Matrix headlamps, which is gracious of Porsche. But considering the $99,000 starting price sans freight for the rear-wheel drive Panamera, we'd say that addition was necessary. Going for the all-wheel-drive version adds $7,900 to the MSRP. Pricing for the 2024 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid was not revealed at launch.
Photo: Porsche
The automaker also improved the driver-assistance features. The vehicle's active speed assistant can work in tandem with traffic sign recognition. That allows the sedan's computer to automatically adjust the maximum speed possible based on what the posted limits say.
Panamera customers who add the optional InnoDrive suite can also control the vehicle via their mobile phone while sitting outside. The Panamera can park itself without you sitting behind the steering wheel.
A sedan with no identity crisis
Porsche recently announced that it's moving to a monochrome look for its Turbo models, further separating them from the lesser versions. So, be on the lookout when car spotting or speccing your dream four-door Porsche that's not an SUV or crossover.
The new Panamera measures 198.9 inches in length, 76.3 inches in width, and 56 inches in height. The 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. It's instantly recognizable.
The Drive Mode button and the advanced driver-assistance system stalk are right where you already know they are. But you can now add the 10.9-inch passenger display, which can be of use to your traveling partner.
Photo: Porsche
Even though the third-generation Panamera feels more like an ample facelift than a brand-new iteration, the sedan remains special and looks better than ever. The marque polished the outside and made it a bit more attractive. The taillights now sport a slimmer design with that iconic light bar, and the adaptive rear spoiler that adds some drama to the car's acceleration remains in its place for the Turbo models.
The headlights occupy more real estate in the front and immediately indicate that this is a very new Porsche. However, that sloped hood reminds us that the vehicle isn't just another four-door car but a weapon that can double as a friendly grocery-getter and a track monster. Plus, that Roma Gold paint job just looks... Delicious!
All in all, the third-generation Panamera proves that Porsche remains a serious automaker, one that intends to satisfy its customers' needs with every novelty release. This car proves that you can confidently move forward without revolutionizing an already successful recipe.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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