Porsche Panamera V6 turbo, long-wheelbase models on the way
New models make their debut at the LA auto show and hit the UK in early 2017
Porsche will launch a new engine and new long-wheelbase variants of the Panamera at the upcoming Los Angeles auto show, which will hit UK showrooms early in 2017.
The latest power unit is a turbocharged, 3-litre V6, which will act as an entry point into the Panamera range alongside the more powerful turbocharged 3-litre of the Panamera S, the E-Hybrid, and the eight-cylinder engines of the Panamera 4S Diesel, GTS and Turbo.
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Where the Panamera S develops 434bhp the new unit makes 325bhp, still 18bhp more than the previous entry-level Panamera. Porsche also quotes fuel efficiency gains of 13 per cent, resulting in up to 37.7mpg (with the standard eight-speed PDK).
Power is sent to the rear wheels alone in the Panamera, and to all four in the Panamera 4 and newly-introduced Panamera 4 Executive, which features a 150mm longer wheelbase than standard Panamera models.
This long wheelbase Executive format is also available with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S and the 542bhp Panamera Turbo. In addition to the extra length, Executive models come with a list of extra features befitting the name - power heated seats, a panoramic roof, and PASM adaptive air suspension are all standard.
On the 4S Executive and Turbo Executive you also get rear-wheel steering and soft-close doors, while the Turbo Executive goes further with four-zone climate control, LED headlights, and ambient lighting.
As the images show, Executive models get the option of a new rear centre console design better equipped for those lounging in the back. This gets two folding tables, while a "Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment" package is also available, comprising a pair of 10.1in displays that can be removed and used as tablets outside the car.
Pricing starts at £66,386 for the basic Panamera, rising to £69,412 for the Panamera 4. The Executive adds just over £6600 to that, while the E-Hybrid Executive is £84,838. The Panamera 4S Executive rises further to £98,672, and the Panamera Turbo Executive is £122,480.
You can read more from the Los Angeles auto show on our hub page.
