After numerous teasers and even more spy shots, the new Porsche Panamera has finally been officially revealed.
The German automaker promises that the second-generation four-door model has been “redeveloped and redesigned down to the last detail”.
Yes, that means there are engines and transmissions, a new chassis, and a new cabin layout (with far fewer buttons than before). And, naturally, an updated exterior design.
The new Panamera is 34 mm longer, 6 mm wider and 5 mm taller than before, while the wheelbase has been increased by 30 mm to 2950 mm. While the new model is, in Porsche’s words, “unmistakably a Panamera”, we reckon it’s also quite a bit better looking than its forebear, particularly from the rear. But we’ll leave you to be the judge of that.
The launch of the second-gen Panamera sees three new biturbo engines introduced to the range: in the Panamera Turbo, the Panamera 4S and the Panamera 4S Diesel. All of them can be equipped with permanent all-wheel drive and a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A V8 petrol engine (worth 404 kW and 770 N.m) powers the Panamera Turbo, lending it a startling 3,8-second sprint to 100 km/h (or two-tenths quicker with the Sport Chrono Package specified). A 2,9-litre V6 petrol mill (putting out 324 kW and 550 N.m), meanwhile, drives the Panamera 4S.
In the Panamera 4S Diesel, a V8 brings 310 kW and a stonking 850 Nm to the party. Porsche says this makes this particular model the world’s fastest production vehicle with a diesel engine, thanks to a dash to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (or 4.3 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package fitted).
