Porsche Panamera 2017 Review

The Porsche Panamera is an unconventional sedan that goes up against the stunning BMW 6-Series and the dignified Mercedes-Benz CLS. Determined to challenge the status quo, the Panamera’s gusto has seen it catapult itself from the pits of skepticism to the German marque’s Wall of Fame – a legacy that the second-generation model is bound to carry on.

Key Features:
Engine	4.0L Twin Turbo / V8
Transmission	8-speed PDK
Power	550 Hp / 770 Nm
Top Speed	306 km/h
Price	AED 679,000

Exterior

A sharp departure from the drooping silhouette of its predecessor, the all-new Panamera is a striking sedan that stands 35mm longer and bears a strong aesthetic bond to its sibling, the 718 Boxster. Prominent contours along the bodywork, lend the 2017 Panamera a bold presence – something that is complemented by gaping inlets in the bumpers and protruding, chrome embellished tailpipes.

Exuding elegance, the Panamera’s sporting exterior is expressively designed with extended, dynamic proportions, flared shoulder lines, athletic flanks and a much faster roof line. Weighing in 50 kg lesser than its predecessor, the all-new model is distinctively a Panamera, albeit lighter with aluminum adorning the door panels, hood, boot lid, wings, side panels and roof.

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Interior

Retaining the cockpit-style center console of the first-generation model, the all-new Panamera is a sports car and a practical sedan that flaunts its strong affinity to technology. Immaculately built, the cabin is home to a combination of smooth and perforated leather, and two seven-inch digital displays that flank the prominent RPM gauge in the instrument cluster.

Determined to prove its practicality and versatility, the 2017 Porsche Panamera offers a 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench that sees cargo room spring from 495-liters with the seats in an upright position, to a whopping 1,304-liters when folded flat. Amplifying the comfort factor are a panoramic roof, massage seats, ambient lighting, and a phenomenal sound system from Burmester.

Safety & Tech

Fitted with a plethora of safety and convenience features, the most notable of which are Night Vision Assist and InnoDrive, the Panamera is obsessed with setting new benchmarks in its segment. While the Night Vision Assist uses a thermal imaging camera and works in conjunction with the LED matrix headlights, the InnoDrive system utilizes 3D navigation data and works with the adaptive cruise control system to accelerate, decelerate, and select the right gear up to three kilometers in advance.

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Drive

Dedicated to the driving enthusiast, the boffins at Porsche have equipped the all-new Panamera with a drive program switch on the steering wheel, a set of new engines, a raspy exhaust note, and the snappiest eight-speed PDK transmission on the market.

Hidden under the curvaceous hood resides a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that churns out 550 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque. With maximum torque, available from as low as 1,960 RPM, the German sedan accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6-seconds and bears a top speed of 306 km/h.

Fitted with a Rear Axle Steering system, Electromechanical Roll Stabilization and a three-chamber air suspension system, the Panamera’s technical wizardry carries its 2,070kg weight in a manner so graciously that, in addition to offering exceptional amounts of grip, it truly handles like a smaller and lighter sports car when driven enthusiastically.

Although there’s considerable debate about how well a vehicle turns out when honed on the legendary Nurburgring proving grounds, the fact of the matter remains that the Panamera is the fastest production sedan to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, even faster than the berserk 911 GT3, and that’s well worth flaunting.

Verdict

Although the idea of a sports car with the practicality of a sedan underlines the all-new Porsche Panamera, simply said, it sits in a class of its own. Better than it has ever been, the all-new Panamera is equipped with the right tools to continue the legacy of its predecessor and become a resounding success for the brand.

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