The 2017 Porsche Panamera Launched In Malaysia

Last week, Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official Porsche importer for Malaysia, introduced the 2nd generation Panamera, Porsche’s 4-door sport saloon. At the moment, there are 2 variants available (both powered by V6 engines) – the base Panamera and the more powerful Panamera 4S; priced from RM 890,000 and RM 1,100,000 (before insurance, registration and options) respectively, and includes a 4-year warranty and free service package.

The Panamera is powered by a 3-liter V6 with single turbo that produces 330 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Panamera 4S gets a slightly smaller 2.9-liter V6 bi-turbo engine with maximum output of 440 hp and 550 Nm. Both V6 engines have been redeveloped to offer better performance – the 3-liter has 20 hp and 50 Nm more than its predecessor while shaving 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time by 0.5s to 5.5s, as well as fuel consumption by 0.8 liters per 100 km to 7.5 liters per 100 km; similarly, the 2.9-liter has increased output by 20 hp and 30 Nm, and reducing 0 – 100 km/h time to 4.2s (-0.6s) and fuel consumption to 8.1 liters per 100 km (-0.5 liters). These recorded times are achieved with the Sport Chrono package.

Both variants use a new 8-speed dual clutch transmission (the PDK), and only the base Panamera is rear-wheel drive while all other variants (including those not yet available here) are permanent active all-wheel drive. The optional Mode Switch with Sport Response Button first seen in the 918 Spyder can be used to activate the 4 driving modes i.e. Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

For driving dynamics, the Panamera is equipped with the new Porsche 4D chassis control which includes a 3-chamber adaptive air suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and rear axle steering.

On the exterior, the Panamera retains the unmistakable Porsche profile but now sits on a longer wheelbase (2,950 mm; +30 mm) and is longer (5,049 mm; +34 mm), wider (1,937 mm; +6 mm) and taller (1,423 mm; +5 mm) than before. However, the section above the rear passenger compartment had 20 mm shaved off to give the car the appearance of being a lower car (while still retaining good headroom). The Panamera comes with LED headlights with 4-point LED driving lights (3 versions available).

Interior highlights include the 2 7″ displays that make up the instrument cluster, a high resolution 12.3″ touchscreen with the  new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, a center console with touch sensitive switches in lieu of physical buttons and a 4-zone climate control. New equipment options include a panoramic tilt roof, front & rear massage seats, ambient lighting, ionizer and Burmester 3D surround sound system. The rear seats fold 40:20:40 and increases the Panamera’s cargo volume from 495 liters to 1,304 liters.