What's all this about?
There's an all-new, third-generation (G3) Porsche Panamera on the way, and the company has given us a look at its human-machine interface, which'll be known as the Porsche Driving Experience. That's a fancy way of us saying to you that this is the dashboard/screen arrangement of the G3 Pan and it's basically lifted from the Taycan. And the recently facelifted Mk3 Cayenne, for that matter, which has already adopted this dashboard look.
I see. Can you give me the chief highlights?
The obvious major change is the freestanding instrument cluster, which is a 12.6-inch digital item. It presents its information in three main fields, echoing Porsche's old analogue dials of which there was always a trio, and in the same tradition the rev counter remains front and centre. Above that, an optional head-up display (HUD) can augment the details the driver is receiving from the car, while in the centre of the dashboard is the 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment touchscreen. Again, first seen on the Taycan and optional on the Cayenne, the 10.9-inch Passenger Display can be specified in the G3 Panamera, bringing the total screen count up front to a maximum of four (if you tick the boxes for both it and the HUD at ordering time, that is).
Linked to the Porsche Driving Experience ethos, the gearlever has moved from the transmission tunnel to a position next to the steering wheel - yes, you can probably guess, this is again like the Taycan and then the Cayenne. Putting the selector up there frees up space in the steeply angled centre console, itself a characteristic feature of Panameras past, so you get a bigger storage bin to stash your loose stuff in. And like the Taycan, the G3 Panamera will have the finless air vents with electronically controlled motors in them for the most advanced air circulation system that Porsche currently has available to it. Another first for the big luxury saloon will be full-width ambient cabin lighting, designed to emphasise the feeling of space in the passenger compartment.
Ah, right - so is it all screen-related stuff that's new, then?
Not at all. Material quality is said to be improved, which is impressive because the G2 Panamera's passenger compartment was a belter overall in that department, and the seats have different foam padding to make them more comfortable too. Finally, good news for vegans, as while a full cow-hide interior will be available on the Panamera, so too will be a completely leather-free cabin. Instead, you'll get snazzy Race-Tex microfibre and Pepita fabric in the Porsche.
We'll get more details on the car in the run-up to its big reveal on November 24th, and we'll make sure we keep you fully updated as Porsche feeds out the relevant stats.
Matt Robinson - 7 Nov 2023