The Porsche Panamera is entering its third model generation with fresh and expressive design, and a greater bandwidth between comfort and sportiness. The sports car manufacturer’s luxury sedan emphasises its sporting character with even more powerful drive systems. The profile is enhanced by a fundamentally modernised operating concept and plenty of innovative technology.
More powerful E-Hybrid powertrains and a new high-specification suspension system underline the claim to offer the most dynamic sedan in the segment.
The new Panamera is equipped as standard with a two-chamber, two-valve air suspension which also includes Porsche Active Suspension Management. The two-valve technology separates the control of compression and rebound of the damper from each other and therefore offers greater bandwidth between comfort and sportiness. The Panamera aims to absorb bumps and road imperfections smoothly and offers significantly enhanced damping performance to improve body control during spirited driving. Optional rear-axle steering can improve the handling of the car even further by simulating longer or shorter wheelbase based on if the rear wheels are turned together or counter to the front wheels.
Additionally, the new Porsche Active Ride is available as an option for the Panamera E-Hybrid models. This system offers a wider spread between comfort and driving dynamics than ever before. The technical basis for this are new active shock absorbers, which are connected to an electrically operated hydraulic pump. The pump generates a use case-specific volume in the dampers that can then quickly and very precisely build up pressure between the wheels and body of the car to counter and absorb any impacts generated by road imperfections. A weight-saving one-chamber air suspension complements this technology.
Porsche plans to offer four different E-Hybrid powertrains, responding to healthy demand for this type of powertrain in the Panamera. All E-Hybrid variants profit from more capable hybrid technology that offers more power, greater range and improved efficiency.
The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is the first model to be introduced and will come equipped with a completely revamped 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor generating 140 kW (187 hp) which is powered by a 25.9 kWh battery. This enables an equivalent electric range of up to 91 km (56.5 miles) in the combined WLTP cycle or 83–93 km (52-58 miles) in the city cycle. A new 11 kW on-board AC charger shortens the charging time at suitable charging points to 2 hours and 39 minutes.
The system power of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is an impressive 670 hp and 685 lb.-ft. of torque.
The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the heavily updated 8-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Without the need for separate housing, around five kilograms of weight were saved. The integration of the unit into the oil circulation system also optimizes the thermal efficiency of the electric powertrain and allows for a higher consistent output, improved efficiency as well as increased recuperation power for the E-motor. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and on to a top track speed of 315 km/h (195 mph).
Turbo models enjoy a special status at Porsche as they represent the pinnacle of each model line. To underscore this role, Porsche is separating the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid distinctly from other models in the range. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is distinguished by a bespoke lower rear fascia with diffuser elements painted in body color and dark bronze tail pipes, as well as a Turbo-specific front fascia and optional center lock wheels.
Turbonite is used as a contrasting color for the side air blades of the air intakes, the window surrounds and the “turbo” model designation on the rear trunk lid. The centerpiece of the unique Turbo trim is the Porsche crest in Turbonite which is fitted to the hood, the center of the wheels and the steering wheel. Inside, Turbonite combined with carbon fiber trim pieces create a particularly sporty ambiance. Turbonite can be found in the central tachometer of the digital instrument panel or the color of the operating elements in the center console.
The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid starts from €192,500. Deliveries in Europe will begin in March 2024. Specifics on the U.S. pricing and arrival timing of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid will be announced at a later date.
