Launch for the third-gen Panamera can be expected in Q1 of 2024.
24 Nov 2023 | 4150 Views | By Shapur Kotwal, Autocar India
It’s been 20 years since the original Panamera was first put on sale. Over the years, Porsche has built a healthy 3,85,000 examples of its performance sedan, a number that’s seriously impressive in this age of SUVs. Even more impressive is that Porsche will go into the future with two ...
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It’s been 20 years since the original Panamera was first put on sale. Over the years, Porsche has built a healthy 3,85,000 examples of its performance sedan, a number that’s seriously impressive in this age of SUVs. Even more impressive is that Porsche will go into the future with two distinctive performance sedans – this all-new strong-hybrid Panamera third-gen and the all-electric Taycan. And yes, demand for the combustion-engined Panamera is still strong, says Porsche.
While Porsche calls this a new car, the third-gen isn’t all new. There are, however, significant changes made to the chassis, there’s an all-new suspension system, there are new strong-hybrid engines, and you get an all-new interior as well as a thoroughly updated exterior. But the real big step forward with this new one, say Porsche engineers, is that it has managed to deliver both heightened levels of dynamic performance as well as higher levels of dynamic comfort, both at the same time. It’s also full to the brim with new-age tech, is equipped to pamper luxury car customers and has the performance needed to deliver a first-rate driving experience.
So what’s different on the outside? While the low-slung profile of the car is similar to the outgoing one, what stands out right away are the more frog-eye-like headlights. The raised wings, as Porsche calls them, clearly do give the car more of a 911-like look, and what’s great is that you can also see the tops when you are behind the wheel. Also new is the central intake that’s both taller and more open. Visible both above the bumper line as well as below it, this large intake helps give the Panamera an all-new look. Also interesting are vertical blades that help shape the airflow that are placed below the headlights.
Around the side is the long, low-slung and curvy profile, with distinctive haunches, and it also gets new chariot-wheel-like alloys, with optional central knock-off hubs. And then the glass panels after the ‘B’ or the second pillar are flush-mounted for a clean, pillarless profile. Around the rear, the wide tail-lights are matched with wider cuts on the lower part of the bumper that also go a long way around the corner. The effect works really well, and added to that is the PORSCHE lettering in relief, with the turbo badge in italicised running hand.
Porsche also claims the car is stiffer and more rigid than before, due to the new foam-filled steel elements, while the new frameless rear section also gets greater bracing for added stiffness. The basis for the new third-gen Panamera, however, remains an updated version of the Modular Sport (MSB) platform developed by Porsche and Bentley.
Those familiar with the insides of the new Cayenne will recognise many of the design changes undertaken on the inside of the new Panamera. From the Taycan comes the new curved digital instrument panel. The screen brightness is so good you don’t need a hood for the display. In addition to the 12.6-inch curved instrument panel is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and to its right, is an optional 10.9-inch secondary touchscreen, which will allow the front passenger to set a lap timer or watch online streaming services.
Like the Cayenne, you get the new sportier steering wheel from the Taycan and the gear lever has been moved up near the steering wheel. As ever, there are plenty of piano black surfaces on the inside, with the Panamera’s signature elevated central console that extends all the way to the rear giving it a uniquely sporty look. Knurled metal buttons and flat panel buttons with haptic touch make up the controls on the central console, and Porsche has done well to keep these conveniences.
Porsche also says there’s marginally more space in the rear. This certainly appears to be the case once I’m seated in the back. The new rear seat is also more comfy due to improved seat foam materials and you can adjust the backrest, lumbar support and even thigh support. There’s also a new larger rear screen and the large glass roof on the top lets in more light. For the first time, Porsche is also offering leather-free in the Panamera, which combines particularly sporty materials such as Race-Tex and Pepita fabric. While this is no S-Class or 7 Series, what you do clearly have here is a more comfort-oriented rear seat that could get more and more Panamera users to use it on a more regular basis.
What this third-gen Panamera turbo also gets under the hood is a new and seriously more potent hybrid drive system. The Turbo E-Hybrid now gets a system output of 680hp and a huge 930Nm of torque, and 0-100kph takes a claimed 3.2 seconds.
The new E-Hybrid Panamera models now get a new, more powerful electric motor that is very different from earlier ones. It is now completely integrated into the new dual-clutch transmission bell housing and offers better regen capacity; increased by 35kW to 80kW. It also receives internal oil-cooling for added efficiency and recuperation efficiency. Energy storage for the plug-in hybrid system is provided by a battery with a higher capacity of 25.9kWh. The new battery gives a roughly 70 percent improvement in the electric-only range, says Porsche.
The new third-gen Panamera range will eventually have two V6 hybrids as well as two V8 hybrids. And, according to Dr Thomas Friemuth – who heads multiple functions for the Panamera line – Porsche is increasing the electrical performance of the Panamera in all E-Hybrid models, with electric range and charging speed also being boosted. It now has an electric-only range of 93km.
The third-gen Panamera comes with two new suspension systems, a semi-active and a fully active one. The first uses a two chamber air spring setup that is faster to react and more precise. The faster air springs are helped further by shock absorbers that can be independently controlled for rebound and compression. Independent control apart, what the suspension system also benefits from is a significantly higher damping force, according to Porsche.
The fully active system uses a single chamber air spring. This is done both for greater design simplicity as well as the fact that this active system is dynamically superior as it follows the contours and bumps in the road by exerting a force of its own on the road, as and when situations demand. This fundamentally changes dynamic handling as the system controls the car in pitch as well as in roll. It is so effective, the active suspension-equipped car has no anti-roll bars, simplifying the forces exerted further (anti-roll bars act as secondary springs when engaged).
Active suspension means the suspension can move and exert force on its own. This allows it to control body roll (side to side) and pitch (forward and back), as well as a host of other conditions detailed below. It even jumps up when you unlock it; Porsche calls it Comfort Access. Also now the electric motor is integrated into the gearbox for seamless performance.
With its global debut, Porsche has officially opened bookings for the third-generation sports sedan in India, and a launch can be expected in the first quarter of 2024. Upon launch, the Panamera will have a direct rival in the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S e-Performance 4-door Coupe in India.