Porsche's new Panamera: digital evolution meets timeless elegance

Porsche's Panamera undergoes digitalization. Its new generation now features numerous elements borrowed from the interior of the Taycan, along with a range of new functions. Despite the focus on modernity, a hint of traditionalism remains. Even though Porsche is referring to this as the third generation of the model, from an exterior point of view, it appears more like a facelift.

Porsche introduces the third generation of the Panamera. The exterior changes are most noticeable at the back of the car, where sleeker lines make the gas model resemble its electric sibling, the Taycan. At a glance, the front showcases sharper features. Porsche also asserts that the car's side line has been revamped.

The cockpit introduces more new features, as previously unveiled by Porsche. Clear similarities are drawn from the Taycan and the new Cayenne, such as the digital clocks and an optional 10.9-inch screen for the passenger side. The shift lever now extends from the dashboard, similar to a small lever.

This modification liberates more space in the central tunnel. As seen in the SUV, essential air conditioning functions thankfully remain assigned to tangible buttons. Emphasizing digitalization, the refined connectivity of the car to the owner's phone via a dedicated application also plays a significant part.

Among the new features, Porsche showcases an automatic parking system which operates without needing the driver in the car. This feature is smartphone-controlled. High-end customers can avail of the expanded Sonderwunsch individualization option. Along with a two-tone body, customers can opt for wheel mounting with a single, central bolt.

Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, matrix LED headlamps, an induction charger with cooling feature and a two-valve, dual-chamber air suspension.

For those desiring a balance between comfort and sportiness, the Porsche Active Ride active suspension (available in hybrid versions) is an option. This includes active shock absorbers, regulated by a separate, electrically controlled hydraulic pump.

The base model Panamera has undergone minimal change in the engine department. A modified 2.9-liter V6 engine resides under the hood, now generating 439 HP and 369 ft-lbs of torque, thanks to changes to the boost pressure, fuel injection and ignition timing. The presentation also introduced a four-wheel-drive model with similar power parameters.

Porsche's focus on their hybrid model was evident in the presentation. Though not a new addition to the Panamera, the revised system surpasses its successors in terms of capabilities. The spotlight was on the newly-added 190 HP electric motor, assisting the 4-liter V8. In the Turbo E-Hybrid model, they collaborate to generate 844 HP and 686 ft-lbs of torque, paired with the updated PDK gearbox.

The larger battery, boasting a capacity of 25.9 kWh, allows the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid to cruise up to 58 miles emission-free. The powerful model takes just 3.2 seconds to sprint to sixty and can reach top speeds of 196 mph.

It was emphasized during the presentation that the aforementioned versions will be available as soon as the car is released, with the possibility of more engine variants in the future. Based on the previous generation, a more potent version of the Turbo S E-Hybrid model was at the top of the range and could make a return.

The new Panamera starts at about 100 thousand dollars. Customer deliveries are due to commence in March 2024.