The Porsche Panamera : a sporty saloon above all...
The second generation of the Panamera, launched in 2016, aims to boost sales in Europe, the only continent that was choosy when the first opus was released in 2009. The design has been radically revamped by the engineers and the least we can say is that it is a total success! A new platform gives the car structure, enabling the designers to enhance its elegance, the main criticism of the first version. The extended nose and slender silhouette refine its curves and balance its proportions. Especially as the tail, heavily inspired by the Porsche 911, gives it a plunging roofline with a very sporty look.
In terms of performance, the model makes a good impression in its category. Its bi-turbo V8 and PDK8 clutch work together to reach 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. In Sport + mode the driver enters a different universe as the activation of multiple options turns the saloon into a racing car with everything to captivate fans of the ultimate ride. Active roll control, air suspensions steered wheels, sport steering, self-locking differential, carbon-ceramic brakes, the list is long and enticing ... Despite imposing measurements, increased weight and wheelbase, the hybrid shows astonishing dynamism. It responds to the first touch thanks to an all-wheel drive coupled with many driving aids. Its big, sensible saloon exterior conceals a spicy temperament.
...But also a great sporty roadster
If the car is sporty, it is nonetheless still a saloon. The success of the German manufacturer is based on a delicate and subtle balance between the quality of the model's performance and the comfort standards expected in this category. In the vehicle interior, the attention given to the finish is immediately obvious. Natural leather, Alcantara and precious woods impress with their timeless aesthetic cachet, and red topstitching, as well as a few discreetly scattered GTS logos, recall the model’s sporting orientation. While the manufacturer has retained the tradition of placing the tachometer in the centre of the dashboard, innovation is not forgotten. Two digital screens continuously display driving information. The comfort controls, tactile or otherwise, are located around the gear lever. This successful mix of modernity and tradition is the mark of a subtle aestheticism and is one of the model’s great achievements.
The rear passengers are particularly well looked after by the brand. Air conditioning, ventilation and heated seats are available at the touch of a button and these improve comfort, already considerable thanks to the amount of space available in the rear cabin. The 495-litre cargo hold allows the transport of relatively large loads, something rarely seen in strongly performance-oriented models. This sporty saloon is also equipped with numerous assistance systems - ultimate proof of the attention paid to driving comfort in a car whose main purpose is to eat up the miles. Semi-autonomous driving to facilitate getting through traffic jams, or predictive driving to adjust consumption, the Panamera Hybrid is a success that combines sportiness and comfort while being fully in line with the environmental concerns of our era.
