The Porsche shifts into third, the Panamera puts on a show. Better driving dynamics thanks to the “Active Ride” system.

The capital of Andalusia welcomes us with the warmth of spring, the sun makes the bodywork of the Porsche Panamera shine, showing its smooth and, at the same time, sporty shapes. This proves that the latest creation from Zuffenhausen, under the guise of a luxury sedan, hides the true character of a supercar. Yes, because, despite presenting visual continuity with previous models, the third generation has a more determined character. Larger grilles make the front of the Panamera more aggressive, seeming to extend the already established dimensions of Porsche We are talking about a car with a length of 5.05 meters, a width of 1.94 meters and a height of 1.42 meters. The LED matrix lights, along with the ribs on the bonnet, highlight the wheel arches, which are now more prominent to ensure a large view of the dimensions for those driving the car.

I know the side view It may look similar to the previous version, but what has changed is the reverse. Slim, full-length LED headlights outline the contours of the raised rear axle and the split mobile wing in the Turbo version. Even in the passenger compartment, approved for 4 residents, you can recognize the common thread that connects the new Panamera with the first one launched on the market in 2009. Here analog has given way to digital: the new instrument panel, and 12 inch curved screen .6″ recreates the classic Porsche tachometer on display. The device is completed by 2 10.9 touchscreens for infotainment, one in the middle of the dashboard and the other in front of the front passenger. Buttons remain on the steering wheel spokes to improve ease of use.
Based on the MLB Evo platform, the Porsche Panamera is available only with a 2.9 V6 twin-turbocharged 356 hp and 520 Nm of torque, also available with all-wheel drive, with the same engine backed by a new 190 hp. electric motor. Above we find the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid powered by a 4.0 twin-turbo V8 which, together with the electric motor, guarantees a total power of 680 hp and 930 Nm of torque. In addition, the 25.9 kWh battery allows you to travel up to 90 km in electric mode only, as well as to activate the innovative Active Ride system, optional on plug-in hybrid versions, instead of the already used PASM air suspension of two rooms. .

Behind the wheel of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid we leave Seville for the Monteblanco circuit. The winding roads of Andalusia lie ahead with breathtaking views, but what’s even more surprising is the Porsche’s Active Ride drivetrain. This system, designed to improve driving comfort, individually controls the shock absorbers to stabilize the vehicle by controlling volume and slope. By activating the Hybrid mode, when accelerating the rear axle rises to maintain a flat position, the same when braking the front to ensure greater stability, while when cornering the 2 inner wheels are lowered to allow the car body not to “bend” out. It also increases the driving pleasure supported by the new 8-speed PDK box, fully integrated with the electric motor, smooth and fast. The series of curves and bumps are absorbed in a surprising way, so much so that you have the feeling of driving the suspension in relation to road surface.

It arrived at the Monteblanco circuit it’s time to unleash the Panamera on the curbs. By enabling Sport Plus mode, as well as disabling Active Ride, the electronics are also less intrusive, allowing you to fully enjoy the 680 hp. With a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 3.2 seconds, the Panamera, as if by magic, transforms into a true supercar. As fast as it is effective when cornering: despite the weight of 2,360 kg, the Porsche is quick and responsive when climbing and descending thanks to the suspension efficiency, double wishbone in front and multilink in the rear, and direct. and sharp steering. The braking system also does not disappoint, it is always ready to stop the forceful drive. The Porsche Panamera is offered from 112,182 Euros for the exclusive hot version powered by a V6. If you choose the plug-in, the price list starts from 127,998 euros for the 4 E-Hybrid, with V6 and 190 horsepower motor. Finally, the top-performing Turbo E-Hybrid is priced from 198,632 euros.