Porsche: Third-Generation Luxury Sedan
Porsche has just launched the third generation of its Panamera luxury sedan. While the company’s sports cars and the Taycan EV get all of the attention, the company sells almost as many Panameras. The latest model has big shoes to fill, but comes to the party with huge upgrades in digital features, a refreshed design, and most importantly, a choice of plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
Four Plug-In Hybrid Versions
There are now a total of four different plug-in hybrid (E-Hybrid, in Porsche language) options for the new Panamera, which the company says comes in response to high global demand for this type of drive system. All of them come with more range, more power, and more efficiency.
At the top of the range is a new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid model which combines a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 along with a powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This 190-hp motor augments the V8 powerplant to produce a staggering 680 hp and 685 lb-ft of torque. Porsche says integrating the motor into the transmission instead of using a separate housing saves valuable weight, and also optimizes heat management, allowing the motor to produce higher output. 0-60 mph is dispatched in just 3 seconds, and the top speed of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is 195 mph.
Panameras 57 Miles of EV Range
When moving more slowly, the top Panamera’s 25.9-kWh battery offers impressive electric-only range, with the new model able to cover 57 miles EPA estimated without using any gasoline. A new charging system means it can take on electrons at 11 kW – significantly faster before. Charging time on a home or public Level 2 drops to less than 3 hours.
All of the new plug-in Panameras will incorporate the new, more powerful EV motor and the larger battery, so we eventually expect not only Panamera S and 4S E-Hybrid models, but also an extreme Panamera Turbo S with over 700 hp. The big new battery means that even more driving can happen emissions-free: Porsche claims that up to 70 percent of all driving in Panameras will be completed purely on electric power – a huge jump over the existing model.
At the opposite end of the Panamera range are the “entry level” Panamera and Panamera 4 variants, which do not feature any hybrid technology. However, efficiency of the 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 engine has improved, while power has increased by 23 hp to a total of 353 hp. The sprint to 60 mph takes under 5 seconds, and the top speed is 170 mph.
2024 Porsche Panamera: Design and Tech
While it retains a familiar look, the new Panamera has sharper lines and more aggressive proportions. Up front, larger air intakes help keep the more powerful engines cool. There are new wheel designs available, and the side windows reinforce the sports-car feel. The rear end now shares visual cues with the 911 sports car.
Inside, there’s a new, all-digital; cockpit with a curved screen in front of the driver and a large central touchscreen. The gear selector has been moved to a toggle beside the steering wheel to create more storage space in the console, and there’s an optional passenger touchscreen in addition to the central infotainment system. Fortunately, climate controls are still manual switches. Drive mode controls and driver assistance systems are all clustered on the steering wheel – making them easy to access and manipulate on the move, without any driver distractions.
Porsche says that the new Panamera will “become an integral part of the driver’s digital ecosystem.” A Porsche ID allows customers to connect their car to their smartphone, which can be used to operate a lot of vehicle functions remotely. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer voice commands and are more deeply integrated with the vehicle than ever before.
Porsche Panamera: Pricing and Availability
Porsche will build the new Panamera in Lepizig, Germany, and the first models will reach U.S. shores next spring. All we know at this point is that the starting MSRP for the regular Panamera will be $99,900, which is a substantial price increase over last year’s model. The Panamera 4 will have a starting MSRP of $106,900. No word yet on the Turbo E-Hybrid price, but expect to play close to $200,000 for a well-equipped model.
