By Khulekani Dumisa

The Porsche Panamera has been handed an updated by the firm from Stuttgart. Other than upgraded looks, owners can look forward to two “new” models in the form of the record breaking Turbo S and a new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid.

Panamera Turbo S and 4S E-Hybrid

The new Porsche Turbo S replaces the Turbo model and manages to add an extra 30 kW from its V8 turbo engine which makes 463 kW of power and 820 Nm of torque. This means that the Turbo S is able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3,1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 315 km/h. Not only does the Turbo S offer more power but it already holds the new official record in the “executive cars” class at the Nuerburgring Nordschleife, for the completion of the 20.832 kilometre-long lap in precisely 7:29.81 minutes.

The 4S E-Hybrid is an addition to the hybrid offering and benefits from combination of a 100 kW electric motor with a 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine that kicks 324 kW to generate a coined system power output of 412 kW and a maximum torque of 750 Nm. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, and with combined with the standard Sport Chrono Package, the sprint from 0 – 100 km/h is covered in just 3.7 seconds. The top speed is 298 km/h. The gross battery capacity has been increased from 14.1 to 17.9 kWh compared with the previous hybrid models. The 4S E-Hybrid has an all-electric range of up to 54 km in accordance with WLTP EAER City (NEDC: up to 64 km).

Panamera GTS, Panamera and Panamera 4

The Panamera GTS gets a 15 kW hike in power with its V8 engine now making 353 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque. Not only does the car get more power, the V8 mill is said to sound even better with the new standard sports exhaust system featuring asymmetrically positioned rear silencers.

The new Panamera and Panamera 4 are now equipped with a 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine that delivers 243 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque.

Enhanced comfort

Porsche says it’s not all about speed with the chassis and control systems geared towards comfort and sportiness, and some systems overhauled altogether. For example, Porsche says, the revamped Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system results in a noticeable improvement in damping comfort, while the control of the electric roll stabilisation system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) ensures improved body stability. There is also a new equipment generation for the steering control and tyres.

New sharper look

To set the Panamera apart even more, Porsche has handed the car with the previously optional Sport Design front as a standard feature. This comes with more pronounced air intake grilles, large side cooling openings and a single-bar front light module.

The front of the Panamera Turbo S is differentiated by the larger side air intakes and newly designed elements in the exterior colour. These are connected horizontally and thus emphasise the width of the vehicle. The light modules of the dual Turbo front lights are now set much further apart.

At the rear, the updated Porsche Panamera gets a light strip that runs seamlessly over the boot from the newly designed LED tail light clusters on either end of the car. The light strip is already familiar on other Porsche models like the 911 and Macan.

GTS models sport the new darkened Exclusive Design tail light clusters as standard with dynamic coming/leaving home function. Three new 20- and 21-inch wheels have been added to the wheel range, so that a total of 10 different designs are now available.

Interior

Inside, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system has been given additional functions such as the improved voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The Porsche Panamera is already on sale in Europe and we will let you know about local arrival closer to local launch.