It’s high times for Porsche as the second edition of the Panamera arrives to lead its segment in Portugal, with more technology, mind-blowing performances and astounding design

Porsche is going through a period of success unprecedented in its history, and each new model is a mirror of a constructor at the peak of its abilities. It was like that with the introduction of the turbo engines in the 911, with the Boxter and the Cayman’s move to four-cylinder motors and with the 918 Spyder, the German brand’s best car ever. Outside of the pure sports cars, the trend stays put. The Macan dominates the brand’s sales tables and the Cayenne, now approaching its third generation, continues to be the reference in its segment.

And it’s in this context that the new Panamera is making waves, demonstrating that the ability to surprise is ever present over at Stuttgart. The second generation of Porsche’s luxury saloon brings with it a genuine revolution at every level and promises to be a true threat to all the other players in the segment, be it on the more conservative side (read: Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series), or on the sportier side, featuring the likes of the Maserati Quattroporte and the Bentley Flying Spur.

The new Panamera is much more attractive, with a balance of form and proportion that its predecessor never managed to achieve, while on the mechanical and technological side, it features innovative solutions that make it stand out from the rest. The cabin is fantastic and introduces the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit concept, with various screens replicating the function of a tablet and panels replacing the keys and traditional instruments.

For tech-lovers, Porsche offers an endless range of options, including night vision, LED matrix headlights with 84 image points, semi-autonomous driving function regulated by sat-nav and a new pneumatic suspension with three cameras for supreme cruising comfort. The new Panamera unfolds in several variants, including a new hybrid version, a long wheelbrake model and, at the end of the year, a shooting brake to create a stir in the segment.

There are three launch engines, equipped with twin-turbo direct injection technology: a petrol V8 with 550 horsepower for the Panamera Turbo, a diesel V6 delivering 440 horsepower for the Panamera 4S and a 422hp diesel V8 for the Panamera 4S Diesel. All feature permanent all-wheel drive and 8-speed PDK automatic transmission.

Essential flew to Valencia to see the sportiest of all the four-door Porsches, and returned very impressed indeed with the new Panamera: a Porsche that has an extremely strong emotional appeal, impressive overall quality and which offers a driving experience that is truly one of a kind.

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