Porsche has dropped the curtain on the all-new third generation of the Panamera introducing a refreshed exterior and interior alongside an expanded range of E-Hybrid powertrains and a cutting-edge active air suspension system. While retaining the familiar silhouette of the outgoing model, the new Panamera showcases notable visual changes, especially in its distinctive ‘duckface’ front-end design. Simultaneously, it enhances its technological profile, bringing it closer to the EV-exclusive Taycan in terms of features and performance. The first generation of the controversially styled Panamera was introduced in 2009 and received a facelift in 2013, while the admittedly more stylish second iteration arrived in 2016 and was updated in 2020. For the third-gen model, Porsche designers followed their signature evolutionary approach, akin to the mechanically related Cayenne. As a result, the low-slung flagship appears like a comprehensive facelift of its predecessor, even though all of the exterior panels have been redesigned.
The most significant changes in the 2024
Panamera are evident in the front end. The larger central intakes now resemble
a grille, and the standard LED Matrix headlights feature a new shape that
complements the bulged fenders. While the overall profile remains familiar,
notable improvements include better integration of the side gills with the
front fenders, a slightly more angular greenhouse, and frameless rear windows. Porsche
has introduced new colors and wheel designs, including optional 21-inch
center-locking rims that evoke the spirit of the 911 GT3. At the rear, the
Panamera maintains its sloping roofline and the two-stage opening mechanism for
the retractable spoiler. However, the full-width LED taillights are now much
slimmer, and in combination with the sculpted rear bumper, they give the
Panamera the appearance of a family-friendly 911 ST.
To further distinguish the Turbo E-Hybrid
from its less powerful counterparts, Porsche has endowed it with distinctive
bumper intakes, a body-colored diffuser, and dark bronze tailpipes. The front
blades, window frames, and Turbo lettering on the tailgate are finished in the
new Turbonite shade, contrasting the Madeira Gold Metallic showcased in the
presentation car. In terms of dimensions, the new Panamera measures 5,052 mm in length, 1,938 mm in width, and 1,422 mm in height. These figures remain largely unchanged from the previous
generation, except for a minor increase in length by 3 mm. Inside,
the highlight is the Taycan-inspired triple-screen layout. An optional
10.9-inch display for the front passenger joins the 12.6-inch curved digital
instrument cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen. Another thing
you’ll notice is the lack of a gear lever on the center console that allows
more room for storage and (supposedly) reduces clutter. Instead, drivers will now
get a mannetino-style selector on the steering wheel, though we’re not
convinced that this change is something that everyone will appreciate. A cooled
smartphone compartment with inductive charging is included in the standard kit,
while the climate controls and air vents have been redesigned. In terms of
safety, the optional Porsche InnoDrive has been enhanced, offering a higher
level of autonomy, alongside the Remote ParkAssist which can be operated via
the owner’s smartphone.
The high demand for electrified models has
driven Porsche to expand the Panamera lineup to include a total of four
E-Hybrid powertrains. All of them are reported to offer increased power
outputs, improved efficiency, and greater range figures compared to the
outgoing model. Unfortunately, Porsche has only provided detailed information
about one of the four electrified models – the Turbo E-Hybrid – with the rest
to be unveiled later.
The 2024 Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is equipped
with a ‘revamped’ twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine paired to a single electric
motor integrated into the updated 8-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox, and a larger
25.9 kWh battery pack. Porsche states that the use of a single casing for the
gearbox and the electric motor shaves off 5 kg in weight, while its
integration into the oil circulation system enhances thermal efficiency and
enables a higher output of 187 hp. Consequently, the combined
output of the hybrid system reaches 670 hp, enabling the 0-96 km/h sprint in just 3 seconds and a top speed of 314 km/).
It goes without saying that Porsche will almost certainly unveil a more
powerful electrified version of the Panamera in the future, similar to the
Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, which boasts an impressive 729 hp.
Meanwhile, the other two E-Hybrids are expected to offer lower power outputs
and more affordable options. In the case of the non-electrified options, the
entry-level Panamera and Panamera 4 now feature an improved version of the
turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine. This upgraded engine benefits from
optimizations in boost pressure, injection volume, and ignition timing,
resulting in an output of 348 hp and 499 Nm of
torque. These improvements represent an increase of 23 hp and 50 Nm compared to the previous unit. As expected, the power boost
positively affects straight-line performance, with the Panamera (RWD) achieving
a 0-96 km/h sprint in 5 seconds, while the Panamera 4 (AWD) does the
same in 4.7 seconds.
Porsche takes great pride in its new
optional ‘Porsche Active Ride’ suspension, available in the Panamera E-Hybrid
models. This innovative system includes new active shock absorbers, an
electrically operated hydraulic pump, and a one-chamber air suspension that
keeps the vehicle consistently level while efficiently absorbing road
imperfections. The company claims that this new setup offers a wider range
between comfort and driving dynamics. The Active Ride system also automatically
adjusts the ground clearance based on the driving circumstances, with the
‘comfort access’ function raising the vehicle by 5.5 cm for easier
ingress and egress, similar to SUVs. Finally, the automaker didn’t neglect the
standard two-chamber, two-valve air suspension, which is now claimed to be more
comfortable and faster responding.
The 2024 Porsche Panamera is now available
for order, with prices starting at UA$ 99,900 for the base model and $106,900 for
the Panamera 4, excluding a US$ 1,650 delivery processing and handling fee.
Production will take place at Porsche’s Leipzig plant in Germany, and the first
units are expected to arrive at US dealerships in spring 2024. Pricing and
availability details for the flagship 2024 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid will
be announced at a later date.
