Boasting a centre console leading back all the way from the dashboard to the rear seats, the Panamera is a strict four-seater but those lucky four passengers will benefit from one of the plushest interiors found in a sports car.
Customers will be able to select from 13 different trim combinations as well as four-zone automatic air conditioning and power adjustable seats. The driver and passengers are protected by driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags as well as – on the front seats – side and knee airbags. Additional side airbags are available at the rear as an optional feature.
The new Panamera is also the first Porsche to offer a new premium audio system developed together with Germany’s Burmester. In all, 16 loudspeakers powered through 16 amplifier channels with more than 1,000W and a 300W subwoofer provide the sound.
Luggage compartment capacity in the Panamera S and 4S is 445L, while luggage compartment capacity in the Panamera Turbo is 432L, and with the rear seats folded down luggage capacity increases to 1,250L.
As previously mentioned, the Panamera will initially enter the market with V8 power units only, featuring either rear or all-wheel drive (a V6 model is expected to be launched next year). Right from the start, the entry-level Panamera S is powered by a 4.8L V8 developing maximum output of 400hp (294kW). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels as an option by Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. Acceleration to 100km/h comes in 5.4 seconds and top speed is 283km/h.
The Panamera 4S features the same powerplant but thanks to AWD traction only needs 5.0 seconds to sprint to 100km/h. The range topping Panamera Turbo, meanwhile, sports a twin-turbo 4.8L V8 engine with a healthy 500hp (368kW) on tap. When equipped with the PDK the car will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 303km/h.
All models come with direct fuel injection, low-friction drive systems and lightweight bodyshells. And at the same time all models in the range fitted with the PDK feature Porsche’s new engine stop-start technology.
The Panamera S will start at $89,800, while the AWD 4S will list at $93,800 and the flagship Turbo will be priced at $132,600.
