Let us run you through the new model range for the facelifted Porsche Panamera. Deep breath; there’s now the Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera GTS, Panamera GTS Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S, Panamera Turbo S Executive, Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Executive and the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. Crikey.
Let’s start with the most interesting of the bunch – the newly named Turbo S is an even quicker version of the previous Turbo, with power from the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 rising from 542bhp and 770Nm of torque to a stonking 621bhp and 820Nm.
Nought to 100kph now takes just 3.1 seconds and top speed is up to 315kph. Rapid right? Porsche’s already proved that it’s bonkers quick too – remember its ‘Ring record of 7m 29.81s from last week? That was set in a top-of-the-range Turbo S with its updated air suspension and newly optimised torque vectoring system. The fact you can have one in either estate (Sport Turismo) or long-wheelbase (Executive) form makes us rather giddy too.
And now to the bottom end of the range. The new Panamera and Panamera 4 both feature the same 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 as before with the same 325bhp and 450Nm of torque. That means performance figures also stay the same, but the chassis and control systems have been reengineered for a ‘sporty yet comfortable feel’. In the UK, prices will start at £69,860 for the rear-wheel-drive version.
Above that is the £101,000+ plug-in Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, complete with its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 and 100kW electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox for a total of 552bhp and 750Nm of torque. With the standard Sport Chrono Package it’ll do 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and – thanks to a bigger 17.9kWh battery – EV range increases to over 33 miles (53km).
Finally, just under the Turbo S is the V8-engined GTS with 473bhp and 620Nm for the bargain start price of £107,180 in saloon form in the UK at least. For reference, the Turbo S kicks off at £135,610. Yikes.
Looks fantastic, though, doesn’t it? Especially in Sport Turismo form with the redesigned front bumper and those large air intakes. The Panamera certainly has grown into its skin. There are three new 20- and 21-inch wheel designs available too, so buyers can now pick from 10 different possibilities.
So, what do we think fellow Internetters? New Panamera Turbo S or an AMG GT63S 4dr?
