Porsche has introduced new versions of their Panamera four-door luxury sedan including a plug-in hybrid.
The announcement was made by Porsche Middle East in Dubai that their second-generation Gran Turismo gets new engines and new variants; further extending the line-up and offering a broader choice of sportiness and comfort.
The new Panamera S E-Hybrid takes both efficiency and performance up a level while staying on the same plane. New and further developed technologies have led to fuel savings of up to 56% together with enhanced driving comfort. The conventional internal combustion engine on board is the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine making 333 PS and 440 Nm of torque with a 70 kW electric motor providing up to 95 PS and 310 Nm. The peak output of the hybrid system is 416 PS at 5,500 rpm and 590 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm. An eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission handles power delivery duties to the rear axle. A new 9.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides over five times the energy capacity of the 1.7 kWh unit in the previous model, offering The 5-metre long Panamera S E-Hybrid has an overall weight of 2,095 kg and can do the 0-100 km/h dash in just 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 270 km/h. The most astonishing figures by far are the combined fuel consumption, which is rated at 3.1 litres / 100 km (32.26 km/litre) and the CO2 emissions of 71 g/km. It can also travel for 36 kms at up to 135 km/h on pure electricity alone. Favourable conditions will allow for even an longer range. Convenience also takes priority with the CarConnect smartphone app from Porsche allowing the owner to check battery charge status, remaining range, turn on preheating or precooling and even locate the vehicle in a parking lot. Non-hybrid functions on this app are also available for all Panamera models.
The Panamera S meanwhile has received an all-new bi-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine; replacing the 4.8-litre naturally aspirated beast under the hood (now available only in the Panamera GTS). The new V6 puts out 420 PS at 6,000 rpm and 520 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 5,000 rpm. It is paired to the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, with all-wheel-drive available on the Panamera 4S. The Panamera Turbo has also received a slight bump in power taking the peak output up to 520 PS at 6,000 revs with a peak torque of 700 Nm delivered from 2,250 – 4,500 rpm. Opt for the Sports Chrono package and that figure jumps to 770 Nm from 2,500-4,000 rpm. All Panamera models equipped with the 7-speed PDK, except for the GTS, offer a coasting function which frees the clutches in overrun while idling the engine and allowing the car to coast freely. The start-stop function has also been changed. It deactivates the engine earlier while the car coasts to a stop, saving more fuel in the process.
Porsche has also introduced new Executive variants of the Panamera 4S and Turbo based on a longer wheelbase measuring 3,070mm, up 150mm from the standard 2,920mm. These models allow even more spacious rear seating and feature Porsche’s air suspension as standard. They will, however, only be available in left-hand-drive markets.
Further developments include a new multi-function steering wheel, an improved adaptive cruise control with active braking abilities in hazardous situations as well as the option of LED headlights. A new 300 PS diesel engine as well as the more powerful Panamera Turbo S and Turbo S Executive models will also be available early next year.
Prices for the Panamera S E-Hybrid model begin from $132,313 (Rs 72.0 lakh). The Panamera range starts from $103,847 (Rs 56.5 lakh) for the Diesel with the Turbo Executive available from $199,766 (Rs 1.08 crore) at the top.
The new Gran Turismo model will celebrate its premiere at Auto China in Shanghai which begins from the 21st on April.
