The Panamera – From $86,300*

Interior Design. Completely restyled but remains typically Porsche

The interior has been completely restyled – and nevertheless remains typically Porsche. The center console ascends towards the front. The dashboard is flat and conspicuously wide. The analog rev counter is positioned in the middle of the instrument cluster.

Also new is the control concept: Porsche Advanced Cockpit. The center console with Direct Touch Control has a glass-like surface with touch-sensitive buttons for direct access to the most important functions. In between: the compact gear selector. A high-resolution 12-inch touchscreen display is integrated into the dashboard. In conjunction with optional four-zone automatic climate control, the passengers in the rear also have a touchscreen display of their own. Two high-resolution screens, one to the right and one to left of the tachometer, display virtual instruments, maps and a range of other information.

Above all, though, there is plenty of space and comfort. Not so typical of a sports car. Absolutely typical of the new Panamera.

Exterior Design. Does a sporty sedan really have to look like a sedan?

Does a sporty sedan really have to look like a sedan? Or can it look rather more athletic? With a taut roof line, for example, that displays a sleek and harmonious contour more likely to be associated with a two-seater?

The silhouette and proportions of the new Panamera models are more Porsche than ever. Clearly perceived rounded transitions, powerful muscles and a sharpened sports car silhouette emphasize the precision of the new design.

The wheelbase is 1.2 in. longer than that of the predecessor – the shorter overhang at the front and the longer overhang at the rear lend visual dynamism. The more prominent sculpting of the side creates the customary Porsche waistline and sense of lightness.

Characteristic features of all Panamera models: the light strip on the rear end and the slimline three-dimensional LED taillights with four-spot brake lights. The extending rear spoiler integrated into the body reduces lift at the rear axle at high speeds.

Performance. The sports car among sedans.

“That’s the way we’ve always done it.” Not really a sentence to inspire change. Except at Porsche. That’s because we’ve always made each new generation of engines higher-performing, more dynamic and more efficient than the last. The new engine generation of the Panamera models now takes the next significant step forwards.

The all-new twin-turbo V6 engine in the Panamera 4S is lighter and more compact than its predecessor and comes equipped with VarioCam Plus. The two turbochargers are now positioned in between the cylinder banks. This reduces the distance that the exhaust stream has to travel to reach the respective turbo – delivering a more rapid response.

The direct fuel injection in the new generation of engines is realized by a central injector inside the combustion chamber. This optimises both the mixture injection and combustion – for greater efficiency and increased power delivery.