2016 Porsche Panamera unveiled, makes the old one look dull [+Video]



The new Porsche Panamera has arrived in its second-generation guise. The luxury sports saloon has been “redeveloped and realigned down to the last detail”, posing a serious threat to established rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and VAG’s own outgoing Audi A8.

To begin with, there are three variants available at launch: the 4S, 4S Diesel and the range-topper Turbo. The new model is based on the updated Modular Standard Architecture (MSB) platform, and it’s now lighter than before. Dimension wise, the new Panamera is 35mm longer, 5mm wider and 5mm taller than the old model. Wheelbase is also a 30mm longer, which is good news for those who are seeking for more space on the inside. In case if you’re wondering, the boot space is now at 495 litres, an increase of 41 litres.2016-porsche-panamera-batch2--5

The front remains similar to its predecessor with its familiar long bonnet. As reported last week, the front fascia receives some update on the new intakes and grille. The rear meanwhile receives the biggest makeover with a curved roofline that makes the new Panamera more appealing than the model it replaces.

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Completing the back is a set of quad exhaust and a bigger rear wing that looks like it was taken from a sci-fi film when it’s deployed. The front and back lights receive newly designed LED lights, and we think the rear lights on this just ups the whole look and feel of the Panamera.

Inside, the it gets an all-new dashboard layout and new interior trim. This includes the Porsche Advanced Cockpit, a 12.3-inch touch-sensitive screen housed in the center console. The traditional physical buttons have also been reduced to make way for touch sensitive buttons.2016-porsche-panamera-batch1--18

New to the Panamera are two new petrol engines: a 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 and a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. The Panamera 4S receives the 2.9-litre engine that outputs 434 hp at 5,650 rpm and 550 Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm and 5,500 rpm. The 4S equipped with the optional Sport Chrono pack can hit 100 km/h from nought in 4.2 seconds and runs to a top speed of 288 km/h.

Move over to the Panamera Turbo and the 4.0-litre V8 lump under the bonnet develops 542 hp at 5,750 rpm and 770 Nm of torque between 1,960 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The Panamera Turbo can run a century sprint in 3.8 seconds (0.2 seconds faster with the optional Sport Chrono pack) and achieves a top speed of 304 km/h.2016-porsche-panamera-batch1--4

The oil burner isn’t that far off when it comes to performance. Its 4.0-litre V8 unit banks 416 hp and 850 Nm of torque, allowing 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 283 km/h. Given such performance, fuel consumption is rated at a combined 6.7 litres per 100 km with average CO2 emissions of 176 g/km. All variants receive the all-new eight-speed PDK transmission that channels the drive to all four wheels.

As per its predecessor, Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control, adaptive air suspension and torque vectoring will be available in this Panamera. Also, Porsche’s rear-wheel steering will be introduced for the first time in this Panamera.

Porsche’s super saloon will be in showrooms by autumn. Pricing wise, it begins with the 4S at £88,700 (approx RM480,000 based on today’s conversion rates), the 4S Diesel at  £91,788 (approx RM496,365.00) and the Turbo can be had for £113,075 (approx RM611,480.00). In the near future, rear-wheel drive variants, V6 diesel engine, plug-in hybrid, and the more powerful GTS are among the future badges that will be introduced.2016-porsche-panamera-batch2--4

Meanwhile, the new Panamera Turbo just broke the new track record for the fastest production saloon in the  Nurburgring Nordschleife, lapping the Green Hell in 7 minutes and 38 seconds.


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