Together, the electric motor and petrol engine provide the big estate with a combined output of 410bhp –sufficient to propel it from 0-62mph in less than a claimed six seconds, while providing combined fuel consumption of “better than” 80.7mpg and CO2 emissions below 82g/km. A 9.4kWh lithium ion battery mounted low in the boot floor replaces the nickel-hydride unit in the current Panamera Hybrid, and features plug-in compatibility.
Porsche claims an all-electric range of 18.6 miles at up to 81mph – values that are likely to be reflected on a facelifted version of the existing Panamera. It will be the first to adopt the new driveline. No wild pipe dream, then, but a genuine production-based driveline.
There’s a contemporary look to the cabin and inviting, iPad-like simplicity to the dashboard and centre console – both of which mimic the look of the 918 Spyder. There is little to complain about in the cabin of the existing Panamera, but its controls are dauntingly cluttered around the driver. The Sport Turismo showcases a simpler touchscreen system tipped to feature on future models.
The layout gives an organised feel from behind the beautifully proportioned steering wheel, while leather and aluminium trims provide an upmarket ambience. Accommodation up front feels little changed from today’s Panamera. The rear is a bit more cramped because of the concept’s pair of large individual seats, while more cargo capacity is afforded by the more upright rear end. Porsche won’t yet reveal figures but there’s likely to be at least 500 litres – a 55-litre improvement on the liftback.
What's it like?
Before I get under way, the Sport Turismo needs to be unplugged from the charger that is claimed to be able to top up its battery in just two and a half hours. Tread firmly on the brake, hit the starter button and there's little in the way of aural excitement, just a faint whirring as the ignition is tripped.
Even so, it's well mannered and genuinely fun to drive. You can whip it down the road with utter confidence, relying on the fluid actions and response that you might expect of a true production car. This is not something you could say of most concepts. The steering is nicely resolved, too: direct away from the straight-ahead and weighty as lock increases. It could use a little more low-speed feedback and a greater eagerness to self-centre, but the electro-mechanical system operates with conviction and precision.
The ride is a bit fidgety at low speeds, partly because of the lack of any real profile within the 265/35 front and 295/35 rear tyres. However, the car settles as speeds increase, and by the time we’re cruising it’s almost comfortable and the overall refinement is impressive. That said, the roads around our Beverly Hills test route are among the smoothest in America, so the fairly conventional steel-spring suspension isn’t overly taxed. The brakes feel over-servoed, biting hard within the first couple of degrees of modulation, but prove manageable enough.
Despite its generous dimensions, the estate doesn’t feel oversized or ponderous. A rethink of the glasshouse brings shallower side glass, a larger fixed rear three-quarter window and a more heavily angled tailgate. Visibility is impressive, although this has more to do with the high-set driver’s seat than anything. Note for the production team: lower the squab and provide a more sporting driving position.
Press the accelerator hard and when the turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 fires, it sends out an alluring cacophony of mechanical clatter and exhaust snarl as the car surges forward. The car may weigh close to two tonnes, but it doesn’t lack for pace. Six seconds for the run to 62mph? It feels faster. In-gear acceleration is equally as impressive.
Join the debate
275not599
The ride is almost
The ride is almost comfortable on the smoothest roads in America? Presumably the production model will have a better set of wheels and tyres.
Maxecat
Too wide
At 6ft 5" wide where will you be able to park it?
Or indeed where would you dare drive it apart from wide roads?
Is it wider than the Range Rover?
maxecat
Flash Harry
Handsome and desirable are
Handsome and desirable are not words that come to mind for me when i see the Panamera.I dont care how well it drives it must look the part too.Pass !
Peter Cavellini
OH Yeahhh!
Better than a Ferrari FF?......well....no, but, looks wise?,looks way more expensive,who cares about performance!
Peter Cavellini.
gutlessgut
this is a really good looking
this is a really good looking car. after the ugly panemera came out porsche have been cleaning up their designs. 911, boxter and cayman. hopefully they can make the current panamera look like this.
xxxx
ahhhh
I'm off to burn my eyes out. God not only is it ugly it's big and ugly.
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
toptidy
New Panamera
It is not as ugly as the current Panamera, but it is still pretty hideous.
I will never be in the market for such a car, but however well it may drive I would not want to be seen in one!
audiolab
Sport Turismo estate
Maybe call it a gran turismo or shooting brake as others do. Because the one thing it ain't is an estate, an extra 55 litres is bugger all. Its only as big as a big boot. Hardly worth the effort.
alfie scooby
God is in the details
the first gen Cayenne was darn ugly, the second gen a significant improvement. The current Panamera is as ugly as the first gen cayenne (if not more so), but this concept shows that by adjusting a few details, a beauty can be born from original ghastliness. Why couldn't they get it right the first time round? Especially love the faintly retro instrument cluster which is obviously inspired by those from air-cooled 911s
alfie
IAD
A great interior let down by the ugly exterior.
Whoever designed the interior cleary has more imagination then the person who designed the exterior.
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