Ten months after its global debut, the second-generation Porsche Panamera has finally landed in Malaysia. At launch, two variants are immediately available – the Panamera and the Panamera 4S. Base price starts at RM890k for the Panamera and RM1.1 mil for the 4S, but if you so wish to have your Panamera to be the perfect one for you, you have to top up a little more for the options.
Aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Audi A8, Porsche’s luxury sports saloon marries the performance of a genuine sports car and the comfort of a luxury saloon. Unfortunately, the higher performance range of the Panamera (Turbo, Diesel, E-Hybrid) did not make an appearance yet.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Porsche Panamera | Porsche Panamera 4S |
| Engine | 2,995cc; turbocharged V6 | 2,894cc; bi-turbo V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed PDK dual-clutch | |
| Max Power | 330 hp @ 5,400 – 6,400 rpm | 440 hp @ 5,650 – 6,600 rpm |
| Max Torque | 450 Nm @ 1,350 – 4,900 rpm | 550 Nm @ 1,750 – 5,500 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 5.7 seconds; 264 km/h | 4.3 seconds; 289 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM890,000 | RM1,100,000 |
EXTERIOR
The new Panamera is marginally larger than the model it replaces, measuring at 5,049 mm (+35 mm) in length, 1,937 mm in width (+6 mm), 1,423 mm in height (+5 mm) and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm (+30 mm). Despite the slight increase in height, the new Panamera looks much lower and longer thanks to the more pronounced slopping roof line.
Porsche has also shift the front wheels further forward, reducing the front overhang and extended its rear overhang to give the car a more powerful appearance. The bonnet, boot, roof and wings are made entirely of aluminium. No fancy active rear wing that deploys like a Sci-Fi weapon here, as that feature is reserved for the Panamera Turbo.
Lighting source is courtesy of the new LED headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights and three-dimensional LED taillamp with an interconnecting narrow LED strip. As standard, the Panamera comes with a body coloured extendible rear spoiler and powered boot. The Panamera gets oval shaped tailpipes while the 4S can be distinguished by its round tailpipes. Wheel sizes range from 19- to 21-inches.
INTERIOR
Inside, the Panamera comes luxuriously equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, touch-sensitive switch controls, electronically adjustable air vents and two 7-inch LCD instrument cluster.
Of course, you can specify various optional equipment such as four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient lighting and 3D Burmester sound system.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the standard Panamera is a newly developed 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that outputs 330 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Power is up by 20 hp compared to the outgoing naturally aspirated mill. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox. This allows the Panamera to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds (5.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Pack) onward to a top speed of 264 km/h.
Under the bonnet of the Panamera 4S is a smaller 2.9-litre petrol V6. Yes, it may be smaller in displacement but it is slapped on with two turbochargers, resulting in an output of 440 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Unlike the base variant, the 4S badge denotes all-wheel drive configuration. Power is channeled to all four corners via the same eight-speed PDK double-clutch box. Century sprint time is clocked at 4.5 seconds and top speed is registered at 289 km/h. With the Sports Chrono Pack optioned, it gets to 100 km/h a fraction of a second quicker at 4.3 seconds.
On top of that, the Panamera 4S gets an adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Also a first on a Panamera is the rear axle steering that is taken from the 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo.
WHAT ELSE?
Every purchase of the Panamera via Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) will come with a 4-Year Warranty and free service maintenance package. As with all Porsches, the possibilities for personalisation is endless and stretches as far as your bank account goes. If you’re looking for something with a little more space for your golf bags, perhaps the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo wagon that is coming soon would be of your interest.
IMAGE GALLERY
Porsche Panamera 4S
Porsche Panamera
