SHANGHAI: Porsche has unveiled its third-generation Panamera, introducing a range of new technologies and chassis revisions to the performance model.
Set to arrive on European roads in March 2024, the Panamera will be offered with a variety of engine choices, including a V6 petrol and a range-topping V8 plug-in hybrid.
That latter model develops an impressive 671 bhp enabling a 0-100kph time of around 3 seconds and a top speed of 315kph.
However, a larger battery means that the Panamera plug-in hybrid can now manage up to 90km of electric-only range – an increase on the 63km available on the previous PHEV model.
A new 11kW on-board charger also means that the Panamera plug-in hybrid can be charged up in two hours and 39 minutes.
The Panamera comes with dual-chamber air suspension to help deliver a comfortable yet supported ride, but a new addition is Porsche’s Active Ride suspension system which is now available on E-Hybrid models.
It’s able to actively change and adapt the car’s ride to suit the conditions, stiffening or softening the relevant dampers depending on the situation. It can even help to lift the car by 5.5cm automatically when opening a door to aid entry and exit.
Inside, the Panamera features many of the features debuted on the latest Cayenne, including a large central infotainment system and an optional 10.9-inch display for the passenger which can relay information such as vehicle performance data or even video streaming.
However, to avoid distraction, the screen cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.
The exterior of the Panamera represents an evolution of the design of the predecessor.
There are now chrome-plated tailpipes in dark bronze, while optional central-lock wheels can be specified.
All versions get Matrix LED headlights as standard, too, while an upgraded HD Matrix LED headlight setup can be added as an option.
Prices for the new Panamera start from €107,800 (RM553,000) in its home market in Germany, rising to almost double for the top-spec Turbo E-Hybrid model. The model is built at Porsche's Leipzig factory.
Alongside the premiere of the new Panamera, Porsche also showed off a one-off bespoke Panamera Turbo Sonderwunsch.
