This is the brand new Porsche Panamera, featuring sophisticated adaptive air suspension that enables it to ‘lean into the corners like a motorcycle’, according to the German firm.
The Panamera, Porsche’s luxury saloon, last got a facelift back in 2021. But this is an all-new, third generation model, which ups the ante considerably.
There’s a fresh exterior that emphasises the Panamera’s ‘sporting character’, according to Porsche, and features a new air intake above the front number plate.
And one of the headline changes is that the new Panamera now comes with dual-chamber, two-valve air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard.
A Porsche spokesperson explains: “The two-valve technology separates the rebound and compression stages of the damper control and therefore offers an even wider range between comfort and sportiness: the system noticeably dampens impacts from transverse joints and road damage while at the same time ensuring more body stability in dynamic driving situations. The car’s handling can be further improved thanks to optional all-wheel steering.”
That’ll prove handy on Britain’s potholed roads.
What’s more, plug-in hybrid ‘E-Hybrid’ models are also available with an even better suspension system, fitted with ‘Porsche Active Ride’.
Electrically operated hydraulic pumps work to ‘counteract’ the forces encountered while driving, helping to keep the Panamera flat and smooth.
Our Porsche spokesperson tells us: “The suspension can overcompensate for pitching and rolling tendencies to reduce the acceleration forces acting on the occupants. In this setting, the new Panamera leans into the corners like a motorcycle would. It pulls the front down when accelerating and the rear when decelerating. When stationary, the Porsche Active Ride suspension system lifts the body to a comfortable entry or exit height.”
As before, the Porsche Panamera is available to lease with either a plug-in hybrid powertrain or with a traditional 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine.
The good news is that Porsche has eked more power out of the V6 unit - up to 353 PS from 330 PS - by tinkering with the boost pressure, fuel injection flow rate and ignition timing.
It shortens the V6 Panamera’s sprint from 0-62 mph to 5.1 seconds and boosts its top speed to 169 mph.
Meanwhile the plug-in hybrid powertrain has been significantly improved, too.
With the performance Panamera ‘Turbo’ model, a larger 25.9 kWh battery combines with a V8 turbo engine to produce power of 680 PS, 930 Nm of torque and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds. What’s more, you also get a range of up to 56 miles using electricity alone.
The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid also gets its own unique styling, including a distinctive rear apron and chrome-plated tailpipes.
With all Panameras, LED matrix headlights now come as standard, as does a cooled smartphone compartment with inductive charging function and an improved fine dust filter with GPS-supported, automatic air-recirculation function.
And when it comes to the ‘remote park assist’ function, you no longer have to be sitting in the Panamera. You can step outside and let the saloon park itself at the touch of a button via a dedicated app.
There are three main variants up for grabs from launch - the regular Panamera, the Panamera 4, and the Turbo E-Hybrid. Expect a range-topping Turbo S model to be announced in due course.
Interestingly, Porsche hasn’t mentioned the estate version of the Panamera - the Sport Turismo - which means it may have reached the end of the road.
You’ll be able to lease the brand new Porsche Panamera in the coming days, so watch this space. The existing model is available to lease with Select Car Leasing from £991 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 27/11/23.
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