Porsche has unveiled the 3rd generation new Panamera, a luxury sports sedan equipped with a more powerful drive system, at its world premiere in Shanghai. The new Panamera has been further upgraded through modern operation concepts and various innovative technologies. The new Porsche Active Ride Suspension System offers Porsche’s unique sporty driving characteristics while simultaneously delivering a high level of comfort.
The user’s personal digital environment can be integrated through Porsche Communication Management. The innovative technologies and elegant yet dynamic design of the new Panamera enhance its attractive body proportions. With a wide array of driver assistance systems and a newly designed driver-centric interior, the driving experience has been significantly improved.
The new Panamera comes standard with dual-chamber two-valve air suspension of Porsche Active Suspension Management. The two-valve technology separates the rebound and compression stages of damper control, providing a wide spectrum between comfortable convenience and sporty performance. This significantly alleviates shocks on damaged roads while ensuring body stability in dynamic driving situations. The optional all-wheel steering further enhances handling.
Moreover, the Porsche Active Ride Suspension System, available as an option in the new Panamera E-Hybrid model, offers superior performance compared to any other suspension concepts, delivering an unprecedented range between driving comfort and dynamics.
This is based on new active shock absorbers connected to electric hydraulic pumps via the two-valve technology. Now, the dampers generate a volume flow as needed to rapidly and precisely accumulate the desired force between the body and the wheels, responding to surface stimuli and completely offsetting shocks. A lighter single-chamber air suspension system complements this.
The chassis maintains the Panamera’s body in a horizontal position even during dynamic braking, steering, or acceleration. Porsche’s Active Ride Suspension System not only provides a smooth ride but also evenly distributes wheel loads in most uneven shocks and connects perfectly with the road surface during dynamic driving situations.
When the appropriate mode for the driving situation is activated, the suspension reduces the direct acceleration forces experienced by the driver through pitch and roll control. This setup allows the new Panamera to control front-rear pitching during acceleration and deceleration, resembling a motorcycle rider leaning into curves when cornering. Additionally, it adjusts to a comfortable entry and exit height when stationary.
Porsche presents a total of four E-Hybrid models of the new Panamera to meet various demands. This offers superior performance, range, and efficiency. The newly launched Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid powertrain features a fundamentally improved 4-liter V8 turbo engine. Combined with a newly developed electric motor producing 190 hp, it achieves a total system output of 680 horsepower and an impressive system torque of 94.9 kg·m. Porsche has integrated the electric motor into the newly designed 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission housing, eliminating the need for a separate E-motor housing, making it approximately 5 kilograms lighter. By integrating the unit into the oil circuit of the transmission, the thermal management of the electric drive is optimized for continuous high output of the electric motor.
The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. With an increased battery capacity of 25.9 kWh, it offers a maximum electric range of up to 91 kilometers based on the combined WLTP cycle and 83-93 kilometers during city driving. Under optimal charging conditions, the new 11 kW onboard AC charger reduces charging time to within 2 hours and 39 minutes.
The Panamera and Panamera 4 are also being released. By optimizing boost pressure, fuel injection, and ignition timing, the 2.9-liter V6 turbo engine is improved to deliver a maximum output of 353 horsepower, an increase of 23 horsepower compared to the previous model, with a peak torque of 51 kg·m, an increase of 5 kg·m. The new Panamera accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 272 km/h. The all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 270 km/h.
The new Panamera measures 5,052mm in length (5,202mm for the Executive model), 1,937mm in width, and 1,423mm in height (1,428mm for the Executive model), maintaining the distinctive lines and proportions of the Panamera line while emphasizing a more impressive and sporty exterior design that underscores the identity of a sports sedan. The additional air intakes above the license plate secure the airflow necessary for the drive system, and the newly designed side window line further enhances the sedan characteristics of a four-door sports car. The outer edge of the rear window aligns with the body contours, completing the harmonious line of the vehicle’s rear.
The Porsche Driver Experience cockpit concept features an ideal balance between digital and analog control elements, with vital driving functionality centered around the driver. The gear selector lever is positioned immediately to the right of the steering wheel, and the mode switch allowing selection of Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus modes, along with auxiliary controls, is also easily accessible, enabling the driver to adjust driving modes and assist systems without taking their eyes off the road.
The available passenger display enriches the driving experience for occupants. The 10.9-inch screen provides not only performance data display but also infotainment system operation and video streaming functions while driving. It is designed so that the driver cannot view the passenger display, preventing distractions.
Porsche Turbo models are uniquely positioned as performance flagships. With the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, Porsche has further strengthened the standing of Turbo models. Its exterior features a distinctive rear apron with a painted diffuser panel and a body-colored front apron. Dark bronze chrome-plated tailpipes and central locking wheels are options available across other models.
The Turbo-exclusive color Turbonight is applied in contrast on the side window strip, tailgate Turbo logo, hood, wheels, and the Porsche crest on the steering wheel. Inside, Turbonight creates a sporty atmosphere alongside carbon elements. It is also applied to the central tachometer on the instrument cluster and the controls of the center console.
The new Panamera also plays a crucial role in the driver’s digital environment. By scanning the QR code displayed on the PCM with a smartphone, users can log in with their personal Porsche ID. Integration of smartphone data with the vehicle can be achieved via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Vehicle functions of the My Porsche app can be integrated into Apple CarPlay, optimizing digital functionalities and categorizing menu items. Features such as air conditioning, massage seats, and ambient lighting can be directly controlled through Apple CarPlay or via Siri voice assistant.
Matrix LED headlights are standard, while the high-resolution HD matrix LED lighting system with over 32,000 pixels per headlight can be selected as an option. It provides completely new lighting functions, including lane brightness adjustment, with a maximum visibility range of 600m. Porsche has extensively improved assistance systems in the new Panamera.
The standard active speed assistant interacts with traffic signal recognition features. When the system is activated, the Panamera automatically does not exceed the speed limit. With the new optional remote park assist feature, drivers can monitor the parking process from their smartphones, enabling automatic parking without the driver being present.
The new Panamera offers significantly expanded standard features compared to the previous generation, including dual-chamber two-valve air suspension, LED matrix headlights, park assist, steering wheel driving mode switch, a wireless charging and cooling smartphone holder, and improved fine dust filters with GPS-supported automatic air circulation.
The German market starting price for the new Panamera, including VAT and country-specific special specifications, begins at €107,800, with the Panamera 4 and Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid starting at €111,900 and €192,500, respectively. Customer deliveries are set to begin in March 2024.
In South Korea, the Panamera 4 and Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid are expected to be launched in the first half of next year, priced at 166.5 million won and 299 million won, respectively.
Porsche produces the new Panamera at its Leipzig factory. The Saxony state Leipzig manufacturing site is closely associated with the Panamera, having assembled the first-generation Panamera from 2009 to 2016, with full production commencing in 2016 for the second generation. In recent months, work has also been underway for the production of the 3rd generation Panamera.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr