2017 Porsche Panamera
New for 2017
The Panamera gets its first full redesign since being introduced as a 2010 model seven years ago.
The Porsche of luxury sedans
Porsche is known for sports cars like the 911 and Boxster, and the Panamera is its attempt to imbue a luxury sedan with the spirit of those iconic models. Introduced as a 2010 model, the Panamera gets its first full redesign for 2017. The new and improved 2017 Porsche Panamera is sportier than ever with more dramatic styling, more powerful engines, and more sophisticated driver-assist tech.
Performance
Porsche calls the Panamera the “sports car among luxury sedans,” and it’s not just relying on its reputation for building cars like the 911 and Boxster to back that up. The Panamera emphasizes performance to a greater degree than other luxury sedans.
As part of the Panamera’s full redesign, Porsche added a pair of twin-turbocharged engines that it claims are more fuel-efficient than the old Panamera engines.
The Panamera 4S uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers 440 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. All Panamera models use an eight-speed version of Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel drive. Porsche says the Panamera 4S will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (4.0 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package) and reach a top speed of 180 mph.
For a bit more power, the Panamera Turbo packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 550 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the same all-wheel drive system and PDK transmission as the Panamera 4S, the Turbo will do 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (3.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package) and reach a top speed of 190 mph.
The Panamera also boasts an impressive array of technology to help drivers make the most of its capabilities. A rotary dial adapted from the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar allows the driver to access four programmable modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual) and includes the Sport Response Button. One push unleashes the “maximum amount of power and acceleration potential” of the car, according to Porsche.
Other available performance-enhancing features include adaptive air suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). The Panamera also gets the rear-wheel steering system first used on the 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo.
Features
The 2017 Porsche Panamera is a four-door, five-seat luxury sedan. It is offered in the aforementioned Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo trim levels, priced starting from $99,900.*
Some of the features available on the 2017 Panamera include standard 19-inch alloy wheels, a pair of 7.0-inch driver information displays, Porsche Communication Management infotainment system with 12.3-inch touchscreen display, navigation, Apple CarPlay®, four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic roof, massage seats, ambient lighting, a Burmester® 3D audio system, and more.
Design
The 2017 Porsche Panamera features a refined version of the previous model’s design. Porsche designers drew inspiration from the iconic 911 while emphasizing the Panamera’s sporty character. The new Panamera is wider and sits on a longer wheelbase, stretching the car’s proportions. It also retains rounded headlights with Porsche’s signature four-point LED daytime running lights.
The rear end is where the Panamera really departs from other sedans. It’s actually a hatchback, which is how Porsche’s designers achieved that 911-like silhouette. The hatch—along with the hood, roof, fenders, and body sides—is made from aluminum to save weight. LED taillights connected by an illuminated trim piece visually tie the Panamera to other Porsche models.
In addition to being stylish, the hatchback is also practical. Combined with a 40/20/40 split folding rear seat, it gives the Panamera an impressive 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 46.0 cubic feet with the seats folded. Needless to say, the Panamera is a more practical alternative to Porsche’s sports cars.
The interior is based on a concept called Porsche Advanced Cockpit that calls for increased digitalization. Porsche replaced analog controls and gauges with digital displays and interfaces wherever possible. The one exception to that rule is the centered analog tachometer, a traditional feature on Porsche sports cars.
Safety
The 2017 Porsche Panamera features standard safety equipment comparable to other luxury cars as well as an extensive array of optional driver assistance systems. One of those systems is Night Vision Assistant, which uses a thermal imaging camera to detect pedestrians and large animals in the dark. Another notable feature is InnoDrive, an adaptive cruise control system that uses the navigation system to predict the optimal acceleration and deceleration rates for the next 1.8 miles, taking into account things like hills, corners, and speed limits.
Verdict
The 2017 Panamera lives up to Porsche’s billing as the “sports car among luxury sedans.”
Be sure to contact us online or visit Porsche Silver Spring at 3131 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 to schedule a test drive.
*Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image Credit: Porsche