Porsche Panamera enters third generation with four E-Hybrid variants

It may not seem completely new at first, but the Panamera has gone through important updates. These updates includes the adoption of a triple-screen cockpit and an optional trick air suspension from the Cayenne.

Porsche has revealed the new third-generation Panamera with updated exterior and interior designs, an increased selection of E-Hybrid powertrains, and an advanced active air suspension system.

Although it maintains the recognizable outline of its predecessor, the fresh model exhibits noticeable visual alterations, particularly in its front-end style. At the same time, it improves its technology capabilities, making it more similar to the EV-only Taycan in abilities and performance.

In terms of dimensions, the new Panamera measures 198.9 inches (5,052 mm) in length, 76.3 inches (1,938 mm) in width, and 56 inches (1,422 mm) in height. These figures remain largely unchanged from the previous generation, except for a minor increase in length by 0.1 inch (3 mm).

Inside, the best feature is the three-screen design inspired by Taycan. You can add an optional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger which joins the 12.6-inch curved digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen. Moreover, you'll see that there is no gear lever on the central console. This allows more storage space and supposedly reduces clutter. Instead, drivers will now have a selector on their steering wheel.

A cooled smartphone compartment with inductive charging is standard, while the climate control and air vents have been redesigned. In terms of safety, the optional Porsche InnoDrive has been enhanced to offer a higher level of autonomy, as well as Remote ParkAssist, which can be operated via the owner's smartphone.

Porsche is expanding the Panamera lineup to include a total of four E-Hybrid powertrains. All are said to offer more power, improved efficiency and greater range than the outgoing model. Unfortunately, Porsche has only provided detailed information about one of the four electrified models - the Turbo E-Hybrid - with the rest to be revealed later.

The 2024 Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is equipped with a " revamped " twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with a single electric motor integrated into the updated 8-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, and a larger 25.9 kWh battery pack. Porsche says the use of a single housing for the transmission and electric motor saves 5 kg (11 lbs) in weight, while its integration into the oil circulation system improves thermal efficiency and enables a higher output of 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS). As a result, the combined output of the hybrid system reaches 670 hp (500 kW / 680 PS), enabling a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint in just 3 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph (314 km/h).

It goes without saying that Porsche will almost certainly introduce a more powerful electrified version of the Panamera in the future, similar to the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, which boasts an impressive 729 hp (544 kW/739 PS). Meanwhile, the other two E-Hybrids are expected to offer lower output and more affordable options.

In the case of the non-electrified options, the entry-level Panamera and Panamera 4 now feature an upgraded version of the turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine. This upgraded engine benefits from optimizations in boost pressure, injection volume and ignition timing, resulting in an output of 348 hp (260 kW / 353 PS) and 368 lb-ft (499 Nm) of torque. These improvements represent an increase of 23 hp (17 kW / 23 PS) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) over the previous unit. As expected, the power boost has a positive effect on straight-line performance, with the Panamera (RWD) achieving a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint in 5 seconds, while the Panamera 4 (AWD) does the same in 4.7 seconds.

New optional Porsche Active Ride" suspension, available on Panamera E-Hybrid models. This innovative system includes new active shock absorbers, an electrically operated hydraulic pump, and a single-chamber air suspension that keeps the vehicle level while efficiently absorbing road imperfections. According to the company, this new setup offers a wider range between comfort and driving dynamics. The Active Ride system also automatically adjusts ground clearance based on driving conditions, and the "comfort access" feature raises the vehicle by 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) for easier entry and exit, similar to SUVs.

In addition, the automaker has not ignored the standard two-chamber, two-valve air suspension, which is now said to be more comfortable and responsive.

The new Porsche Panamera is now available to order. Production will take place at Porsche's Leipzig plant in Germany, with the first units expected to arrive at dealerships in spring 2024.

Prices in Germany start at 107,800 Euros for the 353 hp petrol engine. The all-wheel drive version is available from 111,900 Euros. The manufacturer explains the significant price increase of almost 10,000 Euros with the extended standard equipment, such as the air suspension or the Matrix LED headlights. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is available from 192,500 Euros.

U.S. pricing starts at $99,900 for the base model and $106,900 for the Panamera 4, excluding a $1,650 delivery and handling fee.

Source: Porsche