Compromise is not a desirable trait. Nobody in the right mind strives for something that is half-baked. That’s why when most car makers attempt to create a full-size sports sedan, they fail. Porsche, on other hand, have single-handedly dominated the segment with just one product – the Panamera.
The Porsche brand is a perfect fit for a car like the Panamera. There’s no running away from the fact that ultra premium vehicles are expected to have unrivalled build quality, superior performance and exclusivity. Those are traits synonymous with Porsche.
With the 2nd generation of the Panamera, the company has revolutionised the exterior design, bringing it in line with the company’s current design formula. The car now sports perfect proportions, mirroring the 911 supercar while achieving an identity of its own.
Speaking of design, this is Porsche at its peak. The car’s silhoutte and broad appeal is undeniable. But zoom into the details and that’s where the magic really starts to show. The LED taillamps, for example, look stunning, but are absolutely breathtaking up close. They’re three-dimensionsal, and sculpted to an incredible level of precision.
This new design philosophy also integrates form with function. A perfect example of this is the new optional LED matrix headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). The beam of light projected by this headlamp switches off or dims some of the 84 individual LED to create a shadowed area around oncoming cars. Not only that, but it’s smart enough to brighten the area just in front of the opposing vehicle to track and highlight it for the driver.
This approach to human-centric technology further extends into the Porsche Advanced Cockpit. A high-resoltion 12” touchscreen sits near the centre of the dashboard.
Rear passengers get a touchscreen of their own too. What’s more, the driver is treated to all the information and data he could ask for via two screens on either side of the rev counter. Ultra high tech, but unmistakeably Porsche.
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) puts everything you’d expect to use on your phone into a sleek interface for your car. Navigation, music, calls and more – all through the power of touch or voice commands. What’s more, media inputs are unmatched thansk to PCM. There’s even a 10GB hard drive built in for media storage an playback too.
But, it’s still a Porsche at the end of the day, so we have to talk about the important stuff, like what’s under the hood.
At the front, you’ll find a 3-litre turbocharged V6 engine. Even in its base configuration, the figures this thing generates is insane. 330hp and 450Nm of torque – all being sent to the rear wheels via the latest lightning quick 8-speed PDK gearbox.
For a car with 4 doors, 4 very comfortable seats and about 1800kg of German steel to haul around, its performance is nothing short of phenomenal. 0-100km/h can be achieved in 5.5 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package, yet average fuel consumption is kept at a very reasonable 7.5 litres per 100km.
Being a thoroughbred Porsche, the Panamera is as responsive and nimble as its stablemates. This is thanks to the advanced mechanical and electronic systems that the brand has built its reputation on.
All this talk of sportiness might give you the impression that the rear seats are there just for show, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Panamera is first and foremost an ultra-comfortable full-sized sedan.
Its 2.95 metre long wheelbase and 500 litre boot are enough to give the limos of the world a run for their money. And yet, it’s still among the best driving cars available today.
It takes the best engineers – the kind you find at Porsche – to produce the Panamera’s driving characteristics. And the best part is, they’ve taken compromise out of the equation.
Visit the nearest Porsche Centre to you and experience the new Panamera luxury sports saloon for yourself.
- Porsche Centre Glenmarie: +603 5030 9911
- Porsche Centre Sungai Besi: +6019 675 9911
- Porsche Centre Penang: +6019 400 9911
Porsche Panamera Specifications:
Engine: Turbocharged V6 petrol
Transmission: 8-speed PDK
Displacement: 2,995cc
Power: 330hp @ 5,400 – 6,400 rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 1,340 – 4,900 rpm
0-100km/h: 5.5s (with Sport Plus)
Price from: RM890,000
