What's all this about?
The Los Angeles Auto Show is on the horizon, and Porsche is taking the opportunity to expand its Panamera model range with six new cars, split across two new variants.
Which are?
First up, there's an entry-level 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine, now with 330hp and 450Nm (yes, the same specification as the £79,715 E-Hybrid model, albeit without the electrification; and detuned from its use in the 'S' Panameras with their 440hp/550Nm outputs). This comes as the rear-wheel-drive Panamera or the four-wheel-drive (thanks to Porsche Traction Management, or PTM) Panamera 4.
OK, how much are these two?
The Panamera is the new way into saloon Porsche ownership in the UK, starting at a very reasonable £66,386. Sending drive to the front axle as well on the Panamera 4 increases that ticket to £69,412.
Any other stats on them for now?
No performance figures, but Porsche does say the new engine is 13 per cent more efficient than its predecessor, returning anything between 35.8- and 37.7mpg, depending on spec. The standard transmission is an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, by the way.
All sounds good. So what's the other newcomer all about?
It's called the Executive and that's Porsche-speak for 'long-wheelbase'. Another 150mm of metal has been grafted into the Panamera's midriff, and you can have it with four engines: the new 330hp V6, as mentioned above, is found in the Panamera 4 Executive at £76,034; then there's the 462hp Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive at £84,838; for £98,672, you can slot yourself into the 440hp Panamera 4S Executive; and then, if you absolutely need to obliterate every mother... sorry, hold on, if you need to obliterate all other road users, accept no substitutes - the Panamera Turbo Executive, with 550hp, will be your choice at £122,480.
That's a lot of folding! Do I get something more than extra legroom?
In order to make these properly luxurious premium executive motors, the stretched Panameras come with extra kit as standard, such as a panoramic roof, heated seats with multi-way powered adjustment in the front and rear, adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adjustable dampers and a rear sunblind. The 4S and Turbo variants additionally get rear-wheel steering and soft-close doors, while the range-topping Turbo has further appointments in the form of four-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting and the LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).
Is that it?
Nope, you can spec up the large rear centre console, which comes with two integrated folding tables and an inductive antenna connection for an additional smartphone. Also choose from the Sport Design package or Porsche's latest generation of its Rear Seat Entertainment, incorporating 10.1-inch displays integrated into the backrests of the front seats - which can be detached and used as tablets if required.
And when are these available?
All six new Panameras can be ordered Porsche Centres across the UK now, with first deliveries taking place in early 2017.
Matt Robinson - 10 Nov 2016