Equipped with a New Downsized Engine

The Porsche Panamera is said to have redefined the definition of a saloon. Porsche classifies it as a "GT," but its fastback style, with four doors and a hatch, is revolutionary.

The second generation underwent a full model change in autumn 2016. It features an improved chassis and a new, downsized engine. Furthermore, the bold integration of electronic control into the suspension system to enhance both driving dynamics and comfort is a notable point.

At the same time, advanced safety features and a sophisticated infotainment system characterize the Panamera as a new generation of performance saloon. It clearly distinguishes itself from the "911" with its product concept, which leans more towards a spartan sports GT.

All engines for the second-generation Panamera have been redesigned. Porsche states in its press release, "Increased power while improving fuel consumption and emissions."

The lineup available in Japan is diverse. The base model is the "Panamera" (¥11,328,000) equipped with a 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine producing 243 kW (330 ps). A "Panamera 4" (from ¥11,828,000) is also available, combining the same engine with a four-wheel-drive system.

Positioned above these is the "Panamera 4S" (from ¥15,910,000), which boosts output to 324 kW (440 ps) despite its 3-liter displacement. The pinnacle of the gasoline engine range is the 4-liter, 8-cylinder "Panamera Turbo" (from ¥23,270,000).

The Panamera Turbo is powered by a unit producing a maximum output of 404 kW (550 ps). Like the other models, it is paired with an 8-speed PDK (dual-clutch) transmission and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid (from ¥14,070,000) combines a 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The system's total maximum output reaches 340 kW (462 ps) with a peak torque of 700 Nm.

The new Panamera is also equipped with infrared vision.

Styling That Conveys an Even More Powerful Impression

The new Porsche Panamera largely maintains its concept. However, its distinctive style, which allows no followers, has not aged.

To describe the styling's characteristics in Porsche's own words from the press release: "The body appears lower and longer." A 20mm reduction in the rear roofline seems to create a dramatic change.

The proportions, which refer to the position of the wheels and the length and height of the front and rear of the body, have been revised. The front wheels have been moved forward, shortening the front overhang.

Porsche states that the increased distance between the A-pillar and the front axle "contributes to a prestigious proportion." In essence, does this mean it looks more composed as a saloon?

The rear overhang is longer than before. Porsche claims this gives it an even more powerful impression. The rear roofline is 20mm lower, giving the rear view a strong sporty feel.

Looking at the actual dimensions: length 5,049mm (+34mm), width 1,937mm (+6mm), and height 1,423mm (+5mm). The wheelbase has been extended by 30mm to 2,950mm.

Although it is a large saloon, the new Panamera's character lies in its pursuit of a low-slung, coupe-like sportiness simultaneously.

The enhancement of advanced features is a significant point of interest.

Rear Axle Steering Achieves Sports Car-Like Performance

The new Panamera extensively utilizes electronic technology in all aspects.

One area is the suspension system. The damper control, called Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), has been evolved. It now features adaptive air suspension with 3-chamber technology.

In terms of handling, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), which includes Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), is a noteworthy technology. This also incorporates an electromechanical steering system.

These are integrated into the 4D Chassis Control system, which analyzes current driving conditions in real-time and optimizes all systems. This is claimed to improve handling.

"918 Spyder" and "911 Turbo", Porsche states that it achieves sports car-like performance with rear axle steering, similar to these models.

A new driving assistance system, including adaptive cruise control called Porsche InnoDrive, has also been adopted.

This system utilizes 3D high-resolution navigation data. It automatically controls the optimal acceleration and deceleration based on the road ahead, including gear selection.

As Porsche claims it's "a fusion of sports car and luxury saloon," the new Panamera is equipped with comprehensive advanced safety features.

Advanced safety features have also been further enhanced. A new addition is Night Vision Assist, which uses a thermal camera to display warnings with color highlighting for detected people or large animals.

The newly adopted Lane Departure Warning system intervenes with steering wheel input to prevent accidents caused by unintentional lane departures. Porsche aims to "prevent unintentional departures from the driving lane as much as possible."

A significant feature of the new Panamera is the revamped infotainment system, called Porsche Advanced Cockpit, which employs touch panel technology.

Like a smartphone, menus can be scrolled with swipe gestures. It includes Apple CarPlay for music, phone calls, and email functions. The Porsche Car Connect app, which allows users to find destinations on their smartphone, save them, and transfer them to the vehicle's system to activate navigation, is also user-friendly.

Porsche Panamera | ポルシェ パナメーラ
Porsche Panamera 4 | ポルシェ パナメーラ4
Porsche Panamera 4 Executive | ポルシェ パナメーラ4 エグゼクティブ
Body Size | Length 5,049 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,423 mm
(Executive) Length 5,199 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,428 mm
Wheelbase | 2,950 mm (Executive) 3,100 mm
Weight | (Panamera) 1,815 kg (Panamera 4) 1,850 kg (Panamera 4 Executive) 1,935 kg
Engine | 2,995 cc V6 Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 84.5 × 89.0 mm
Max. Output | 243 kW (330 ps) / 5,400-6,400 rpm
Max. Torque | 450 Nm / 1,340-4,900 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8-speed PDK)
Drivetrain | (Panamera) FR (Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Executive) 4WD
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Brakes | Ventilated Discs (Front/Rear)
Tires | 265/45R19 (Front) / 295/40R19 (Rear)
0-100 km/h Acceleration | (Panamera) 5.7 sec (Panamera 4) 5.5 sec (Panamera 4 Executive) 5.6 sec
Max. Speed | (Panamera) 264 km/h (Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Executive) 262 km/h
Trunk Capacity | (Panamera, Panamera 4) 495-1,304 liters (Panamera 4 Executive) 495-1,483 liters
Price | (Panamera) ¥10.94 million (Panamera 4) ¥11.44 million (Panamera 4 Executive) ¥13.03 million

Porsche Panamera 4S | ポルシェ パナメーラ4S
Porsche Panamera 4S Executive | ポルシェ パナメーラ4S エグゼクティブ
Body Size | Length 5,049 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,423 mm
(Executive) Length 5,199 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,428 mm
Wheelbase | 2,950 mm (Executive) 3,100 mm
Weight | (Panamera 4S) 1,870 kg (Panamera 4S Executive) 1,980 kg
Engine | 2,894 cc V6 Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 84.51 × 86.0 mm
Max. Output | 324 kW (440 ps) / 5,650-6,600 rpm
Max. Torque | 550 Nm / 1,750-5,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8-speed PDK)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Brakes | Ventilated Discs (Front/Rear)
Tires | 265/45R19 (Front) / 295/40R19 (Rear)
0-100 km/h Acceleration | (Panamera 4S) 4.4 sec (Panamera 4S Executive) 4.5 sec
Max. Speed | 289 km/h
Trunk Capacity | (Panamera, Panamera 4) 495-1,304 liters (Panamera 4 Executive) 495-1,483 liters
Price | (Panamera 4S) ¥15.91 million (Panamera 4S Executive) ¥17.62 million

Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid | ポルシェ パナメーラ 4 Eハイブリッド
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive | ポルシェ パナメーラ 4 Eハイブリッド エグゼクティブ
Body Size | Length 5,049 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,423 mm
(Executive) Length 5,199 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,428 mm
Wheelbase | 2,950 mm (Executive) 3,100 mm
Weight | 2,170 kg (Executive) 2,250 kg
Engine | 2,894 cc V6 Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 84.51 × 86.0 mm
Engine Max. Output | 243 kW (330 ps) / 5,250-6,500 rpm
Engine Max. Torque | 450 Nm / 1,750-5,000 rpm
Motor Max. Output | 100 kW (136 ps) / 2,800 rpm
Motor Max. Torque | 400 Nm / 2,300 rpm
System Integrated Max. Output | 340 kW (462 ps) / 6,000 rpm
System Integrated Max. Torque | 700 Nm / 1,100-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8-speed PDK)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Brakes | Ventilated Discs (Front/Rear)
Tires | 265/45R19 (Front) / 295/40R19 (Rear)
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.6 sec (Executive) 4.7 sec
Max. Speed | 278 km/h
Trunk Capacity | 405-1,215 liters (Executive) 405-1,391 liters
Price | ¥14.07 million (Executive) ¥15.29 million

Porsche Panamera Turbo | ポルシェ パナメーラ ターボ
Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive | ポルシェ パナメーラ ターボ エグゼクティブ
Porsche Panamera Turbo | ポルシェ パナメーラ ターボ
Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive | ポルシェ パナメーラ ターボ エグゼクティブ
Body Size | Length 5,049 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,427 mm
(Executive) Length 5,199 × Width 1,937 × Height 1,432 mm
Wheelbase | 2,950 mm (Executive) 3,100 mm
Weight | 1,995 kg (Executive) 2,100 kg
Engine | 3,996 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 86.0 × 86.0 mm
Max. Output | 404 kW (550 ps) / 5,750-6,000 rpm
Max. Torque | 770 Nm / 1,960-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8-speed PDK)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Brakes | Ventilated Discs (Front/Rear)
Tires | 275/40R20 (Front) / 315/35R20 (Rear)
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.8 sec (Executive) 3.9 sec
Max. Speed | 306 km/h
Trunk Capacity | 495-1,304 liters (Executive) 495-1,483 liters
Price | ¥23.27 million (Executive) ¥25.40 million