The 2017 Geneva International Motor Show will host the world premieres of not one but two new versions of the second-generation Porsche Panamera. Seeking to fill what it sees as a need in the marketplace, the automaker will now have on offer a Panamera to meet all tastes and needs.
Breathtaking acceleration and fuel economy to match
Set to be the most powerful model in the Porsche lineup, the new 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid weds a twin-turbo V8 to an electric motor for a total maximum power output of 680 hp and an instantly accessible 626 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and has a maximum speed of 310 km/h.
What’s more, the luxury sport sedan has all-wheel drive and features fuel consumption that is almost ridiculously stingy: 2.9L/100 km according to European testing. Its range in all-electric mode is roughly 50 km.
Other notable characteristics include an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, air suspension, and a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery that recharges in 6 hours (with the standard 3.6kW charger, using a 240V connection) or in just 2.4 hours when using the available 7.2kW charger.
A follow-up to the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, unveiled last fall in Paris, the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will be available in Canada during the last quarter of 2017, with a base price of $209,800. An Executive version with a wheelbase extended by some 150 mm will also be produced, and it will sell starting at $221,700.
For active families with means
Also getting its world premiere in Geneva is the 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, a versatile wagon featuring a large hatchback, a low load sill (628 mm) and increased cargo capacity (520 litres, or 1,390 litres with the rear seats folded down).
In terms of design and of its technical specifications, it inherits all the innovations incorporated in the all-new Panamera, which launched only a year ago. The biggest difference, of course, lies in its rear section. The back end of the roof, for example, stretches out via an adaptive spoiler, which reduces drag while improving stability.
Inside, the new Sport Turismo is the first Panamera to feature three rear seats. The two individual seats located on the sides reflect the vehicle’s sporty character while maximizing comfort, even while accommodating the new 2+1 setup in the back. For those not enchanted with this configuration or find it unnecessary, Porsche will offer a regular 4-passenger setup as an option.
Consumers can already place their orders for the 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, though it won’t be available in Canada until the last quarter of 2017. Starting prices will be $109,700 for the 330-hp Panamera 4 Sport Turismo and $118,600 for the 462-hp Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. The Panamera 4S Sport Turismo (440 hp) will go for $124,500, while buyers will need to fork over at least $175,600 for the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo (550 hp).
