Make your chauffeur happy this Christmas.
Just five months after Porsche unwrapped the sleek new lines of the 2017 Panameras, and revealed a new, powerful, more efficient 2.9L turbo V6 for the entry-level model and the Panamera 4, the automaker has also unveiled a long-wheelbase version, designed for the executive who wishes to never be late to the boardroom again. All models will be on display at next week’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
The new base V6 of the Panamera and Panamera 4 tops out at 330 horsepower—a 20-HP increase from the previous 3.6L V6—and is complemented with rear-wheel drive in the entry-level Panamera, and all-wheel drive in the Panamera 4; the long-wheelbase version is available for the entry-level and upsell models alike. There is a Panamera 4 E-Hybrid that is also made in an Executive model, incidentally, for the eco-minded sports-car enthusiast; your chauffeur may be dropping subtle hints about the practicality of mating a longer-wheelbase luxury sports car with even greater fuel economy. He’s a pragmatic fellow, and he’s looking out for your best interests, you know.
The longer, Executive Panamera models offer a greater assortment of standard luxury features than the base model, including panoramic roof, adaptive rear suspension, a rear sunshade, and heated comfort seats; if you merge the Executive body with the 4S or 4 E-H, soft-close doors and rear-axle steering are inclusive. The Turbo Executive is even more full-dressed, adding four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and LED headlights (though you may arrive at your destinations before you have a chance to take advantage of any of it). A rear center console, which may be fitted with two folding tables and a connection for a smartphone, is optional, as are integrated 10.1-inch displays for back-seat distractions; they may be detached and used as tablets outside the car. Handy.
Identical powertrains grace longer- and shorter-wheelbase models, but more powerful engines do accompany higher-end versions: the 4S Executive is fitted with a 440-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, the 4 E-H Executive is powered by the 330-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a hybridized transmission, and the Turbo Executive boasts the monstrous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that pushes a hair-raising 550 horsepower, and will press the needle to tickle 190 mph.
Prices begin at $86,050 for the base Panamera, and build to $90,650 for the P4, $97,350 for the P4 Executive, and $105,150 for the P4 E-Hybrid Executive; Porsche has not finalized pricing for the Panamera 4S Executive and Turbo Executive models at this time.
