The Panamera doesn’t usually pop up when we play the “name a Porsche” game. The 911? Sure. The Boxster? Of course. And with the world buzzing about the all-electric Taycan, the Panamera often gets lost in the shuffle, wedged somewhere between the popular Cayenne and Macan SUVs.

But here’s the thing: Porsche hasn’t forgotten the Panamera. It’s back, sharper and more comfortable than ever.

A car with very few true rivals (maybe the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door comes close), the Panamera straddles the line between agile sports car and high-performance grand tourer.

Balance is everything

This is the entry-level Panamera, and you’re looking at a V6 that’s been tweaked to deliver 349bhp and 500Nm. Not bad, but don’t expect a roar when you hit the gas. The V6 hums along, occasionally needing more of a nudge than you’d expect to gather pace on the highway.

But give the paddles a flick, click it into Sport mode, and things start to wake up. It’s satisfying because you actually get to feel like you’re using the engine to its limit, and not just tapping into some beastly reserve power that’s overkill for daily driving.

How’s the ride quality?

Rock solid. The brakes are confidence-inspiring, and the steering feels natural, responsive, and composed. Even though this model sports a simpler air suspension with adaptive dampers compared to the active suspension found on the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, it’s still a joy in the corners.

And for those keeping track, the old PDDC active anti-roll system has been replaced by this new tech. So, we’re moving into a new era of road-hugging brilliance.

And you look good driving fast

The Panamera’s redesign is like a band switching to an acoustic set; familiar, yet stripped back. 

The front is sharper, the headlamps a bit squarer, and the rear lights now sweep across the entire back like a clean line drawn with a ruler. That third window now sports a little kink.

To the untrained eye, it honestly looks the same as its predecessor. But, these subtle changes help it maintain relevancy in today’s competitive market.

Inside is where it counts

Step into the cockpit, and you’re immediately reminded this is a proper low-slung coupe. It wraps around you, almost like it’s drawing you into its world.

The interface is mostly glass; there’s a 12.6-inch instrument screen, and a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen stacked with menus and icons, controlling the car’s treasure trove of settings.

Below that, there’s another black panel for climate control. It lights up when the car’s on, giving you a slight haptic feedback when you touch it. It works, but we’d still prefer old-school buttons. Thankfully, some physical toggles survived the touch takeover.

The cabin is impeccably put together, no doubt. Everything feels solid, except the lid above the phone charging mat. It’s a bit flimsy, which is unfortunate because it’s probably the one thing you’ll be opening all the time.

Oh, and if you’re into screens (or just spoiling your passenger princesses), you can opt for a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen or throw in two 10.1-inch rear-seat screens. But let’s be real, your passengers will use them once, then either get bored or car sick. 

As for the back seats, they’re snug. With vents and sockets, the rear passengers won’t be too unhappy, though. And the middle tunnel on the four-seater option keeps siblings from waging territorial wars.

The optional 4+1 seat is, well, barely a seat. But the backrest splits 40:20:40, so you can chuck your skis or whatever in there with ease.

The boot is functional, but we’re not in estate territory anymore (RIP, Sport Turismo). The rear seats fold down, so you can fit more than a couple of weekend bags if needed.

And, because this is a Porsche, you could burn a fortune customising everything from the seats to the leather colour, stitching, seatbelts… the list goes on and on.

A winner

Porsche might label this Panamera as ‘all-new,’ but let’s call a spade a spade; it’s a seriously deep update of the previous model. And that’s absolutely fine.

The Panamera remains a unique beast, being a sports car from the front doors onwards, and a grand tourer from the rest of the body back. It feels as solidly built as you’d expect from Porsche, and every single control has that satisfying precision you just can’t fake. It’s comfortable, refined, and packed with luxury, even without splurging on those fancy options.

It is still very much in the game, and it’s playing to win.

Technical Specifications

Porsche Panamera

Engine: 2,894cc V6, Twin-Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 349bhp 
Torque: 500Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed PDK (A)
0-100km/h: 5.3 seconds 
Top Speed: 272 km/h
Fuel Economy: 10.5 km/litre

Price: $498,468 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Porsche Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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These models represent the pinnacle of Porsche engineering, each with a unique focus.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

For those who equate the word ‘Turbo’ with peak performance, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid doesn’t disappoint.

It pairs a potent 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 771hp and 1,000Nm of torque. This setup makes it the most powerful Panamera ever, propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 325 km/h.

Porsche’s engineers have refined every aspect of the Turbo S E-Hybrid’s drivetrain to meet stringent Euro 7 emissions standards, ensuring clean combustion and optimal performance. 

The 8-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) has been re-engineered to handle the immense torque, featuring optimised power-transmitting surfaces and higher thermal load capacity.

Before its official launch, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid clocked a lap time of 7:24.172 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife set by Lars Kern, smashing a new record for top-class saloons with a combustion and hybrid engine.

The car’s enhanced hybrid system now offers greater electric range, faster charging, and more responsive performance. Its 25.9 kWh battery provides an electric range of up to 88km, and the 11 kW on-board AC charger can recharge it fully in just under three hours. 

Porsche Panamera GTS

If the Turbo S E-Hybrid is about ultimate power, the Panamera GTS is about pure, unfiltered driving pleasure. With a 493hp V8 biturbo engine, the GTS offers a linear power delivery, reaching 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

It’s equipped with a specially tuned chassis and a sports exhaust system that produces an emotive sound.

The GTS model exudes sportiness with black logos, a unique front section, dark-tinted HD matrix LED headlights, and red brake callipers. Inside, the lavish use of suede-like Race-Tex material and GTS-specific interior packages in vibrant colours like Carmine Red and Slate Grey Neo adds to its distinctive appeal.

The Sport Chrono package, Bose sound system, and carbon fibre accents further enhance the luxurious yet sporty feel.

Both models come packed with the latest technology and features. The Porsche Driver Experience control concept, high-resolution HD matrix LED lights, extensive connectivity options, and even the ability to park the car using a smartphone app are all part of the package. 

Pricing and Availability

In Singapore, the Porsche Panamera GTS starts at SGD 922,268, while the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid begins at SGD 1,230,268. Deliveries are expected to commence towards the end of 2024.

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Unveiled amidst the lush elegance of Claudine restaurant at Dempsey Hill, guests indulged in a four-course gastronomic adventure at Claudine.

Each dish reflects the Panamera’s unique features – from its distinct Porsche DNA to its seamless blend of luxury and performance, and the endless customisation options that allow it to stand out.

“The all-new Panamera stands for equal parts luxury and sportiness inside out,” said Mr Andre Brand, General Manager of Porsche Singapore.

“Our flagship has always been the choice for those bold enough to forge their own path. Now, with even more powerful drive systems, a fundamentally modernised operating concept, and plenty of innovative technology, we underline our claim to offer the most dynamic sedan in the segment.”

The new Panamera maintains its iconic lines and proportions, measuring 5,052 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,423 mm in height. For those looking for a bit more room, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive variant stretches to 5,202 mm in length.

The revamped exterior boasts a more expressive and dynamic look, with a redesigned front end, muscular arches, and iconic four-point LED daytime running lights.

Centre-lock wheels are now standard on the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. At the rear, the signature Porsche light bar integrates seamlessly with a redesigned rear cluster, tapering off the Panamera’s silhouette to create harmonious rear lines.

Inside, the Panamera has the new Porsche Driver Experience cockpit, ensuring all controls are within easy reach of the driver.

The selector lever is positioned to the right of the steering wheel, and the mode switch and assistance control stalks are directly accessible.

An optional passenger display integrates the passenger into the driving experience, displaying vehicle performance data, allowing infotainment system operation, and supporting video streaming, though cleverly designed to avoid distracting the driver.

The new Panamera range kicks off with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, optimised to deliver 348hp and 500 Nm of torque. This boosts the Panamera’s sprint to 100 km/h to just 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 272 km/h.

For hybrid enthusiasts, three powertrains offer greater electric range, faster charging speeds, better throttle response, and improved driving performance. The new high-voltage battery provides around 45% more capacity in a comparable space, with an 11 kW On-Board AC charger shortening charging time to just under three hours.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid combines a new hybrid system with a revamped 2.9-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine, delivering a system output of 463hp and 96 kilometres of pure electric range.

The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, with its revised 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, offers a staggering 670hp and 930 Nm of torque, catapulting from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 315 km/h.

Standard on the new Panamera is a new adaptive two-valve air suspension, which, combined with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), offers balance between comfort and sportiness. For those seeking even greater handling, optional all-wheel steering is available.

Porsche Active Ride suspension system is an option on selected models. The system’s active shock absorbers and electrically operated hydraulic pump work together to maintain a level body, even during dynamic driving.

The new Panamera offers a plethora of customisation options through the Porsche Car Configurator and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, from SportDesign packages to 21-inch wheels and iconic paint programs. For those desiring a truly unique vehicle, Porsche’s bespoke Sonderwunsch programme allows for personalized one-offs.

Now available for order, prices for the new Panamera start from SGD$498,468, with deliveries set for the latter half of 2024.

This price includes a comprehensive five-year maintenance and warranty package but excludes COE. 

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Let’s start with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. Porsche has combined a new plug-in hybrid system with a significantly revamped 2.9-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine that by itself puts down 304hp.

Combined with the plug-in hybrid system, total output rises to 470hp and 650Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h.

Pure-electric range increases to 96-kilometres in the WLTP cycle.

The standard equipment of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid includes 19-inch wheels, black brake callipers and matrix LED headlights.

A high-resolution HD matrix LED lighting system is available as an option.

Its more powerful sibling, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid also has a 2.9-litre biturbo six-cylinder engine that, by itself, delivers 353hp.

Total output with the plug-in hybrid system rises to 544hp and 750Nm of torque.

0-100km/h is dispatched in just 3.7 seconds, and top speed arrives at 290km/h.

The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid sports 20-inch wheels in Panamera AeroDesign, silver Sport tailpipes and red brake callipers. Brake callipers in Acid Green and Black are optionally available.

The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid brakes with ten-piston brake callipers at the front as standard.

Alternatively, the PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake), with 440-millimetre discs up front and 410-millimetre discs at the rear, is available in conjunction with 21-inch wheels.

Greater electric range, faster charging speed, better throttle response and better driving performance is what this new-generation of plug-in hybrid system brings to the Panamera.

At a gross 25.9 kWh, the new high voltage battery provides around 45 per cent more capacity in a comparable space. Also new is the 11kW on-board AC-charger that shortens charging time to two hours and 39 minutes.

Not only is charging performance improved, but so is output. With 190hp and 450Nm of torque, the completely-new electric motor offers significantly more power than its predecessor.

It can also regenerate at the rate of up to 88kW when decelerating, aiding the plug-in hybrid system’s electric-only range.

Panamera E-Hybrid models always start in purely-electric E-Power mode. Once the state of charge of the battery is under a certain minimum value, the system automatically switches to Hybrid Auto mode, which adapts the operating strategy to the current driving situation. This is further optimised by car and navigation data to maximise electric-only efficiency.

All Panamera variants come with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). In the E-Hybrid models, Porsche Active Ride active suspension, that adjust their settings up to 13 times per second, can be added to offer optimised traction and cornering performance with a high degree of comfort.

The Panamera’s extended standard equipment includes ParkAssist with Surround View and a cooled smartphone tray for wireless charging with up to 15 watts. Options such as rear-axle steering, Remote ParkAssist, Passenger Display and air quality system are also available.

The Executive body style with a longer wheelbase is also available in Singapore only in conjunction with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid variant; options such as the four-zone automatic climate control or a larger centre console are included as standard.

Prices in Singapore will be announced at a later date, and deliveries are expected to start in the second half of 2024. For more information, contact Porsche Singapore.

Photo Credits: Porsche

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A fresh colour programme is now available for the latest-generation Porsche Panamera. These include but are not limited to Montego Blue Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Lugano Blue and Madeira Gold Metallic.

Madeira Gold Metallic, for example, is a warm, cognac-hued colour tone that evokes a golden autumn. Subtle effect pigments create a metallic brilliance and underline the overall effect of high performance and elegance.

In conjunction with the new paints, Porsche has also restructured the range of series, metallic and special colours across all model series. The new categories: Contrasts, Shades, Dreams and Legends. These reflect a variety of topics, and their emotional labels make it easier for the customer to choose a colour.

Contrasts comprises particularly classic and timeless colours. Black and white, for example, create maximum contrast. On the other hand, various shadings of white, grey and black fall into the Shades category, which also includes silver tones such as the new Ice Grey Metallic paint.

The Dreams category brings strong, bright, striking colours. New Dreams paints include Lugano Blue and Madeira Gold Metallic. Finally, the Legends category brings together unusual colours with a certain je ne sais quoi. Examples include Montego Blue Metallic, Oak Green Metallic Neo and Slate Grey Neo.

Of course, there will be customers who want more. Alongside the series colour programme, Porsche offers even more individualised paints with “Paint to Sample” and “Paint to Sample Plus.” With “Paint to Sample”, the focus is on the availability of classic Porsche colours recognisable from Porsche’s history, with more than 170 colours available across all model series. “Paint to Sample Plus” also offers the option to create totally individual colours based on customer specifications.

But how are these new paint colours made?

Naturally, it takes years to develop and make available a new paint scheme. Such lengthy procedures mean that the experts at Style Porsche always have to be ahead of their time. “A new colour has to be more than just a trend – it has to establish itself over a longer period,” emphasises Volker Müller, Head of Colour & Trim at Style Porsche. “We therefore have to identify trends early and sometimes set these trends ourselves.”

“We actually have it easy, because every colour looks good on a Porsche,” said Daniela Milošević, Colour & Trim Designer at Style Porsche, with a smile. A selection process is conducted nonetheless. From the approximately 12 to 15 new colours designed by the team every year, the overall Executive Board chooses the colours to be developed further. If these paints prove to be technically feasible, they go into series production in the following three years.

During the research for new colour topics, so-called mood boards are created – visual representations of concepts and visions. The tools used here
include an internal workshop among the designers in which new colour and material topics are discussed and new ideas created.

Only then do suppliers enter the picture. “We present our colour ideas to the paint suppliers and discuss them topic by topic. It’s a fruitful discussion because even more wonderful ideas emerge during this creative process,” says Milošević.

“The suppliers work out the new colours for us using a range of colour pigments,” explains Müller. Specifically, this leads to different interpretations
of colour and multiple colour-tone creations. Naturally, the colour ideas must be technically feasible and correspond to the demands of each individual market worldwide. Furthermore, an exterior colour must also be in harmony with the interior and has to go well with leather, Race-Tex and other fabrics.

The next step involves painting “colour frogs” in the respective colours. These are miniature cars in the form of a current 911 that enable the effect of the colours on a larger 3D body to be photo-realistically assessed on a 16-meter-wide LED screen, where exterior colours of new model series or derivatives can be changed at the push of a button.

Of course, the final decision on whether to run with a new colour idea or not falls to the overall Executive Board. A painted car is presented for each colour.

The top management of Porsche evaluates the cars both in daylight and visualised digitally on various derivatives on the LED screen in the studio’s own presentation hall.

This is where things move up a notch into a slightly larger scale. A medium-sized paint batch of around 50 to 100 kilograms is produced, which is then used to paint around 300 steel plates. These plates are known as “original samples” and become colour references for suppliers of add-on parts. Colour matching is crucial since colours behave fundamentally differently on metals and plastics.

Things don’t end there. A rigorous series of tests and safeguards go into effect to ensure that the new paints lay onto a car’s bodywork without colour deviations from being atomised in the spray guns. Ambient conditions and paint robot specifications also affect how paint is sprayed and cured, so processes need to be tailored to each individual factory.

Finally, to ensure new paint colours will withstand the test of time and nature, the sample plates are irradiated with strong UV light for 3,200 hours, which is analogous to a year’s worth of direct sunlight exposure in Florida.

The testing process also includes fire protection, stone impact and saltwater tests.

Things are not as simple as just mixing up a new colour and “slapping it on.”

Photo Credits: Porsche

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The Porsche Panamera is back with its third-generation avatar, and it’s a sight to behold. Now, Porsche isn’t one to flip the design script entirely, but if you squint just right, you’ll catch the nuances that set this G3 apart from its predecessor.

Upfront, there’s a revamped grille flaunting an extra inlet above the front number plate. And, if you’ve got the eyes of a hawk, you’ll notice the more pronounced arches, paying a subtle homage to the iconic 911.

The rear? Well, it’s got a touch of 911 magic too — a frameless rear window, a redesigned lightbar, and a slightly larger black plastic area for that added oomph.

Porsche is kicking things off with the Panamera 4 and the mid-range Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. The 4 is no slouch, sporting a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 that churns out 352hp and a healthy 500Nm of torque.

Then we come to the Turbo E-Hybrid – a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 paired with a 25.9kWh battery and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK gearbox. Total power? A jaw-dropping 680hp and a tyre-scorching 930Nm of torque. And get this, there’s a Turbo S E-Hybrid in the works with numbers that’ll make the previous 700hp iteration blush.

There’s more in the Porsche pipeline too. A non-hybrid V8-engined GTS is on the horizon, and for those who crave a bit more eco-friendliness, a V6 hybrid and a base spec rear-wheel drive V6 are in the mix too. It seems the non-hybrid Turbo S might be taking a sabbatical this time around. Confused? Welcome to the Porsche labyrinth – we’re right there with you.

Now, for the enthusiasts mourning the demise of the Panamera Sport Turismo, grab a tissue. Yes, the ultimate dog wagon is no more. No more estate forms for any of these new Panameras. A sombre moment for wagon lovers.

Those with PHEV designation can now manage up to 90km on a charge in city driving, up from the previous generation’s max of 55km. Bigger batteries, increased efficiency, better aero, improved regen braking, and less rolling resistance – incremental progress, but progress nonetheless.

Porsche swears it’s done a full 180 on the Panamera’s suspension system. Every car comes equipped with air suspension, but the standard setup now flaunts two air chambers and twin-valve dampers that can be adjusted independently for rebound and compression.

If you’re opting for the optional Porsche Active Ride system, you get a single air chamber and those twin-valve dampers, all coupled with a 48-volt electrohydraulic system. It’s not just techno-babble; it means each wheel dances to its own tune, and the Panamera has some mind-bending party tricks up its sleeve.

This gives way to a new ‘comfort access’ mode that elevates the Panamera by 5.5cm at a standstill, ‘dynamic ground clearance’ that drops the Panamera at speed, ‘active cornering’ allowing it to lean into turns, and ‘acceleration and braking comfort’ that uses the active suspension wizardry to keep the car flat during acceleration and braking.

Porsche already gave us a sneak peek earlier this month into the cockpit, showcasing the Panamera’s screen fest. For the tech enthusiasts, here’s the rundown: a 12.6-inch curved driver display, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger screen. 

For our friends in China, the long-wheelbase Executive version is making a return, and on UK turf, get ready to roll with 21-inch centre lock wheels for the first time on a Panamera. 

The Porsche Panamera, in its G3 glory, is a testament to the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.

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