The second-generation Porsche Panamera was unveiled in June 2016 at a special event in Berlin, Germany. The overhauled sedan arrives with an evolutionary design based on the previous model, but gained several 911-like features for added sportiness and a slightly longer and wider body. Inside, it adopted a fresh design with larger screens for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, while the previous V-6 and V-8 engines were replaced with smaller, more efficient units. The hybrid model was also redesigned, while 2016 marked the return of the long-wheelbase Executive version.
The Panamera Executive made its first appearance for the 2014 model year, when the first-generation sedan received its mid-cycle facelift. Offered in various trims, it had a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase and some extra standard equipment on the inside. For 2015, it also spawned an Exclusive Series model with a two-tone paint, bespoke interior, a limited, 100-unit production run, and a highly expensive sticker. At the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche unveiled the second-generation Panamera Executive.
Much like the previous model, the new Executive brings a few extra goodies to the table, as well as the same 5.9 extra inches to the wheelbase, which translate into a more comfortable interior, especially for rear-seat passengers. The elongated sedan is available in four trim levels, including the Panamera 4, 4S, 4 E-Hybrid, and Turbo, all based on the regular models and powered by the same drivetrains. Find out what sets it apart from its predecessor in the review below.
Updated 11/21/2016: We added a series of images taken during the car's official debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche Panamera Executive.
2017 Porsche Panamera Executive
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What makes the Porsche Panamera Executive special
Granted, the exterior of the Panamera Executive is by no means special outside the longer wheelbase, but it's worth mentioning that the new-generation sedan received a decidedly sportier design that includes more 911-like features. The main highlight of the Panamera Executive is the 5.9-inch (150 mm) longer wheelbase, which takes the sedan's total length to 204.68 inches (5.19 meters). Standard equipment mimics that of the regular model each Executive trim is based on, meaning that they are set apart by certain features. For instance, the hybrid gets specific badges and green brake calipers, while the Turbo comes with LED headlamps with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). Much like any other Porsche model, the exterior of the Panamera Executive can be individualized even further with a Sport Design Package.
Inside, the longer wheelbase is again the main feature that sets the Executive apart. The extra 5.9 inches translate into increased rear legroom, which will make traveling in the rear seats a lot more comfortable. Aside from that, the Executive gets a lot of extra standard equipment in all trims, including a large panoramic roof, heated comfort seats with multi-way electrical adjustment front and rear, and a roll-up sunblind behind the rear head restraint.
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The 4S and Turbo models also get soft-close doors, while the Turbo benefits from a four-zone climate control system and ambient lighting. As an option available for all Panamera Executive models, Porsche offers a larger, newly developed rear center console and the latest generation of Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. The 10.1-inch displays integrated into the backrests of the front seats can be detached and used as tablets inside and even outside the vehicle.
The Panamera Executive is available with four drivetrains. The range begins with the Panamera 4 model, which comes with a turbocharged, 2.9-liter V-6 engine rated at 330 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Charging from 0 to 60 mph in this model takes 5.4 seconds in standard guise or 5.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. Top speed is rated at 164 mph. Next up is the Panamera 4S Executive, motivated by a similar engine, but tuned to deliver 440 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, 0-to-60 drops to as low as 4.2 seconds with Sport Chrono, while top speed increases to an impressive 180 mph.
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Porsche also offers a hybrid version of the Executive, based on the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. This model also gets its juice from a 2.9-liter V-6, but the gasoline engine is paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The combo cranks out 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, returning a 4.4-second 0-to-60 mph sprint and a top speed of 172 mph. What’s more, the sedan can cover 31 miles on electricity alone, while reaching a top speed of 86 mph. The range-topping Executive comes in the gas-guzzling Turbo package, sporting a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 under the hood. The unit generates a whopping 550 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque, enabling the sedan to hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with Sport Chrono and a top speed of 190 mph.
All models are equipped with the quick-shifting PDK transmission. The sedans also feature adaptive air suspension with an electronically controlled damper system (Porsche Active Suspension Management / PASM), while the 4S and Turbo models get rear-axle steering, just like the 911.
Pricing starts from $96,300 for the base Panamera 4 Executive model. That's $6,700 (a 7.4-percent premium) more than the standard-size Panamera 4. Pricing for the other three models is not yet available, but expect similar premium over than regular models.