The Updated Sports Limo
Paul Agnew checks out the updated Porsche Panamera with more ability and bandwidth than ever before. Photography: Andy Tighe
Decisions, decisions! Choices, choices! Selecting a new car is always an experience to savour, but can you ever expect to get everything you want?
Invariably, there is need for compromise.
To guarantee high performance you might have to sacrifice a little comfort. Extra storage space could come at the expense of body shape and style.
However, if you want to swerve such dilemmas then let me offer a big tip… and a short trip.
Take a visit to Porsche Centre Preston and ask to be introduced to the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo.
For this is a car – make absolutely no mistake – with all the answers and all the options. Unquestionably Porsche. Sporty at the very top end and with every possible refinement built in.
For performance… is a sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 182mph powerful enough? Twin-turbo V6 engine, 8-speed transmission, all-wheel drive with a maximum torque of 750Nm, power-steering plus, Porsche InnoDrive and adaptive cruise control.
For comfort… how about a sumptuous leather interior, massage seats, soft close doors, ambient lighting, heated steering wheel and privacy glass? ParkAssist including surround view, front seats in 14-way electric with memory package, Four-zone automatic climate control. LED main headlights in black with matrix beam, including Porsche dynamic light system plus.
For style… surely one of the best looking cars out there, inside and out, with SportDesign package and side skirts, 21-inch 911 turbo design wheels II, illuminated door sill guards in black brushed aluminium, majestic dashboard and white instrument dials complete with Sport Chrono stopwatch. Subtle yet stunning Porsche branding throughout, including wheel centre set with full-colour crest, brand crest on headrests and model logo embossed on centre console armrests.
For infotainment… BOSE surround sound system (10 speakers), USB-C interface in rear, preparation for Porsche rear seat entertainment, 7.2kW AC on-board charger, smartphone compartment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and, of course, the renowned Porsche Communication Management System (PCMS) complete with online navigation, mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces, voice control, music streaming and online radio.
Not forgetting the many E-Hybrid, benefits (including a range of up to 35 miles and a ‘hold’ function enabling you to store the ‘electricity’ for precisely when you need it) which simply add to the reasons why.
Porsche E-Performance is billed as ‘soul, electrified’ and certainly it sets the iconic brand apart from other sports cars, both now and in the future.
An adaptive air suspension ensures a perfect combination of performance and comfort, able to adapt to any given situation.
There is a large luggage compartment under the wide opening tailgate while folding rear seat backrests allow larger objects to be transported too. Not traditionally typical of a sports car, but very typical of the Panamera.
But how does it actually handle?
Well, as the legendary Carrera Panamericana is the inspiration for the name, it is clear from the get-go just what awaits the driver at the wheel – endless miles of pure, sensational motoring pleasure.
If the name itself is not enough, the combined power of up to 515kw (700PS) of the combustion engine and electric motor leaves no doubt; the Panamera packs a mighty punch.
There used to be a phrase ‘only flying is better’. Consider that now outdated.
Getting back to decisions and choices, if body colour is among your major considerations then take a look at the Amethyst Metallic model variant.
One of the world’s most prominent stones Amethyst is a regal purple long associated with nobility and aristocracy and boy does it sit well on the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo.
The latest jewel in the Porsche crown and a true gem of a car.
Porsche Centre Preston
Watery Lane PR2 1QJ
01772 911911
porschepreston.co.uk
