The Panamera has been a volume seller for Porsche since its debut in 2009. Along with its SUV siblings, the Cayenne and Macan, the Panamera is one of the reasons Porsche is still in business. Well, those cars and a majority acquisition by the VW Group.
The second-generation Panamera, codenamed 971, was revealed in Berlin in late June. It evolves many of Porsche’s themes onto the latest incarnation of the four-door sports sedan. From its 911-inspired front face on to its surfacing and Macan-referencing rear taillamps, the new Panamera evolves the company’s philosophy in a design that’s in line with other models in the range.
In the video above, Michael Mauer, VP of design at Porsche Style (and new VW Group design chief) and lead exterior designer Peter Varga discuss the various traits of the new Panamera design. Former head of exterior design Mitja Borkert (now head of design at Lamborghini Centro Style) also makes a cameo.
Measuring in at 5049mm long, 1937mm wide and 1423mm tall the new Panamera is 35mm longer, 5mm wider and 5mm taller than the first-gen car, with a 30mm longer wheelbase (2950mm). The new Panamera is well proportioned with a pronounced shoulder line and a faster roofline that is 20mm lower at the rear than the outgoing model.
The interior features an all-new IP layout with a number of technological advancements. A centrally mounted tachometer — which harks back to the legendary 1955 Porsche 356 A — features two seven-inch displays in place of the dials; touch-sensitive surfaces replace the previous car’s array of buttons; and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay integration and voice control system takes pride of place at the center.
The new Panamera will be available in three guises — 4S, 4S Diesel and flagship Turbo — when it makes its debut in dealerships in November.
