What a remarkable vehicle the 2017 Porsche Panamera is. Its smooth automatic transmission, four potent turbocharged engines (including a plug-in hybrid), and car-like handling all contribute to its exceptional performance. There is ample cargo room, a modern design, and opulent materials throughout the Panamera’s cabin.
The 2017 Porsche Panamera, the second-generation model, addresses a previously unresolved issue. As you may know, the original automobile has a lot of flak for having a somewhat round appearance. Unfortunately, this detracted from the first-generation Panamera’s otherwise exceptional design, which offered executive-class elegance and world-class performance in equal measure. Thankfully, the 2017 Panamera sports a clean and striking design that at last does credit to its enormous potential.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo is a large, opulent sedan, but the carmaker provides genuinely thrilling acceleration and technology to support its promise of “track-tuned” performance.
Only three things, according to Porsche, separate the new 2017 Panamera from the previous model: the Panamera name, the Porsche crest on the bonnet, and the desire to be the world’s fastest luxury sedan. It’s safe to assume that the third claim is covered for the time being given that the automaker also states that a new Panamera Turbo that is largely stock will lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in just 7 minutes, 38 seconds. The Porsche 911 GT3 997 lapped in 2009 was 2 seconds faster than the current record, while the Porsche Cayman GT4 was tested last year.
Overview
These days, Porsche doesn’t stop at the look when redesigning a model. In this instance, the platform—called MSB and intended to be shared with other high-end Volkswagen Group products—is also brand-new. (VW currently owns Porsche as a subsidiary.) Along with many other high-tech touches, the updated cabin has a new widescreen infotainment system that rivals the greatest systems available, much like a smartphone. Regarding performance, the new Panamera is equipped with three new engines and a hybrid drivetrain: a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged with 330 horsepower, a 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbocharged with 440 horsepower, the same engine combined with an electric motor in plug-in hybrid form with 462 horsepower, and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 550 horsepower. Additional features that are optional include rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension.
Due to its ability to transcend genres, the Panamera faces competition from a wide range of vehicles. The hatchback, despite being a conventional executive sedan, is a formidable competitor to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Additionally, it costs more than other fashionable sport-luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the Audi S7 and RS 7, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
Front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the 2017 Panamera. A forward collision warning system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, night vision assistance, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
What’s New in 2017?
In 2017, the Porsche Panamera underwent its first comprehensive overhaul. The fairly awkward “humpback” style has been replaced with a body that is voluptuous but nonetheless subdued. The new design gives the Porsche series a cohesive look that matches the rest of the vehicle lineup flawlessly. The Sport Turismo model, a wagon-like design, enhances the Panamera’s appearance and space while maintaining its functionality.
2017 Porsche Panamera: Interior
The dashboard of the 2017 Panamera is a welcoming blend of the modern and the old. The Porsche 911 is paramount for its iconic five circular gauges, which feature a sporty tachometer in the center. However, the tach is the only analog gauge available; the others are highly adjustable, high-resolution digital affairs. The dashboard features a 12-inch glass touchscreen, climate controls, and vents, complemented by a large console running the passenger cabin.
Although the sleek design comes at a price, Porsche claims that rear headroom has remained relatively constant. The text suggests that even taller adults should find two-seat arrangements comfortable, despite the absence of three-across sitting options. The rear entertainment system offers dual 10-inch screens, 32GB storage, micro-SD, micro-USB connectivity, Bluetooth, wireless headphones, and mobile Wi-Fi compatibility.
When the rear seatbacks are folded down, the Panamera’s cargo capacity increases to a useful 46 cubic feet, which is competitive with that of its executive sedan competitors. With the seatbacks up, that capacity is 17.4 cubic feet.
2017 Porsche Panamera: Performance, Transmission, and Engine
Powering the standard and Executive Panamera models is a 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged engine producing 331 pound-feet of torque and 330 horsepower. A 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 440 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque powers the 4S and 4S Executive versions. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is in both engines, and all vehicles have the option of all-wheel drive. However, keep an eye out, as Porsche intends to reveal more powertrain choices in the future.
The Panamera, a sports sedan, boasts exceptional handling agility and a smooth ride, especially with the optional adjustable air suspension. Despite its size, the Panamera drives like a smaller car, especially during aggressive corners and high engine revs.
2017 Porsche Panamera: Value
The 2017 Panamera, despite its high starting price of over $85,000, offers a driving experience that no other large luxury sedan can match. While Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and other manufacturers also produce high-performance luxury cars, none of them can match Porsche’s high-performance expertise. The Panamera may be the most graceful and agile big sedan ever made, not merely a car with four doors.
Summary
There are eight different Porsche Panamera models available for 2017. Four long-wheelbase executive variants with extra legroom in the back seats and a hybrid trim are available. The powertrain that is included with each grade is the primary distinction between them. Additionally, as you advance up the trim ladder, additional amenities become standard.
For the majority of customers, the standard Panamera should be plenty. With a V6 engine that produces 330 horsepower, an excellent cabin, and handling that rivals that of most sports cars, it is well-equipped. Partial leather upholstery, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a ten-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, a rearview camera, and a Wi-Fi hot spot are among the standard features.
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