The performance of a sports car combined with the comfort of a saloon: This is the line that would best describe the Porsche Panamera. At first glance, it may sound totally insane, as everyone who knows cars is aware that these are two totally contradictory traits. But then again, true car nuts know that Porsche was able to pull it off. And they now have two generations of the Panamera to prove it.
The second generation Porsche Panamera, which has now officially been launched in the Philippines at the PGA Cars showroom in Greenhills, is a further testament to the brand’s boldness. The look, for instance, combines the best traits of the iconic 911 and mixes them with the luxurious lines of a grand touring sedan.
Visually, the latest Panamera retains the trademark Porsche profile, with headlights and hood that can be mistaken for that of the iconic 911. Even the rear is low, just like a sportscar, complete with a large glass hatch. Of course, what sets it apart are the four large doors that allow occupants to enter and exit with ease.
At 5,049mm long, 1,937mm wide, and 1,423mm tall, the latest Porsche saloon is 34mm longer, 6mm wider, and 5mm taller than the model it replaces. Even the wheelbase has grown by 30mm to 2,950mm. All these translate to more room inside the opulent and luxurious cabin. Despite this increased girth, the car is lighter, thanks to the extensive use of aluminum in places like the hood, wings, and trunk.
And while it may look like a sports car from the outside, the Panamera is a cocoon of luxury inside. The materials are first rate and the latest Advanced Cockpit finds its way here. The 12.3-inch touchscreen panels controls various vehicle, infotainment, and connectivity functions. Thanks to Porsche Communications Management, occupants remain in touch with the world even while on the move. And since this is a Porsche, a large analogue tachometer is right at the center of the instrument cluster.
The Philippine-spec Porsche Panamera lineup includes the Panamera V6, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, and Panamera Turbo Executive. The range of engines consists of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with either 330hp or 440hp and 550Nm, and 4.0-liter biturbo V8 mill with 550hp and 770Nm. Both are paired with the same 8-speed PDK tranny and go from rest to 100kph in 4.4 and 3.8 seconds, respectively. Either way, each lump promises exhilarating performance and exceptional fuel economy.
To bring out the most of these engines, the new Panamera boasts of the Sport Response Button. Located on the Mode Switch rotary ring on the steering wheel, this little knob/button takes its cue from the Porsche 918 Spyder and lets drivers choose between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual settings for true customization. It helps turn the car from a quiet cruiser to an all-out performance machine at the press of a button or a twist of a ring knob.
And of course, the most cutting edge driver guidance systems are available for owners’ peace of mind. Night vision, for instance, helps keep drivers safe at night, even in the most hard to see conditions. It uses such cool tech as thermal inaging cameras to guide nighttime driving. Plus, a whole load of collision avoidance gear are there for total control and stress-free motoring.
The all-new second-generation Porsche Panamera is now available at the Porsche Center.
