What's the news?
Porsche is widening the Panamera offering by adding a couple of V6 entry-level models to the range, as well as a long-wheelbase version with a 150mm-stretched chassis that's called the Executive.
The six new variants of Panamera four-door Gran Turismo saloon will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.
Starting with the V6, the two models will be simply called the Panamera and the Panamera 4, denoting whether drive goes solely to the rear wheels or all four corners, via Porsche Traction Management (PTM), respectively. The V6 uses the 2.9-litre biturbo motor from the recently announced E-Hybrid model (€110,321), where it is rated at 330hp (+20hp on the old Panamera V6) and 450Nm - there are, of course, already 'S' versions of this engine in the MkII Panamera line-up, boasting 440hp and 550Nm.
Porsche also says the 330hp V6 is 13 per cent more fuel efficient than its predecessor, returning between 35.8- and 37.7mpg (7.9- to 7.5 litres/100km), courtesy of its eight-speed PDK double-clutch transmission which is standard fit.
However, despite the fact these are ostensibly the entry-level models of the Panamera range, a quirk of our car tax laws means that the Panamera V6 starts at €112,694 - €2,373 more expensive than the E-Hybrid which has a more complex drivetrain. That price is for the rear-wheel drive V6; the Panamera 4 begins at €117,830.
At the other end of the Panamera ownership proposition is the new Executive long-wheelbase version, with 150mm added into its wheelbase to increase the levels of luxury within. This is available in four variants: the Panamera 4 Executive with 330hp, for €129,072; the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive (462hp), from €117,411; the Panamera 4S Executive (440hp), starting at €167,501; and the powerful Panamera Turbo Executive (550hp), with a retail price of €220,428.
It's not just more space the Executive offers, though, as Porsche has upped the equipment levels on these premium models. 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 are all part of the standard specification.
Additionally, the 4S Executive and the Turbo Executive get rear-wheel steering and soft-close doors. The Turbo is particularly luxurious, with four-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting and the LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).
Panamera Executive customers can also opt for a new large rear centre console, which comes with two integrated folding tables and an inductive antenna connection for an additional smartphone. The Sport Design package is available and Porsche offers the latest generation of its Rear Seat Entertainment system on the big saloon, incorporating 10.1-inch displays integrated into the backrests of the front seats - which can be detached and used as tablets if required.
Anything else?
All six new models - the two V6s and the four Executives - are available to order in Irish showrooms now, with first deliveries in early 2017.