Regardless of Porsche formally changing into an SUV producer a very long time in the past (right this moment, over half of its world gross sales are from high-riding crossovers), it hardly ever strays from its sports activities automobile heritage. 

For instance, many Macan and Cayenne variants can nonetheless fortunately embarrass a throng of contemporary efficiency automobiles on the race circuit, whereas the cockpit of even probably the most family-friendly fashions can hint a direct lineage again to the unique 911.

Now, I’m not suggesting the brand new third-generation Panamera ditches all sporting intentions, however that is hands-down probably the most luxurious Porsche I’ve ever pushed and on the beating coronary heart of this can be a new state-of-the-art suspension system.

As commonplace, the lengthy, low and powerfully-styled Panamera comes with dual-chamber, two-valve air suspension with Porsche Lively Suspension Administration (PASM), which is a technical means of claiming that software program can instantly affect how agency or pliant the experience turns into, all adjustable by way of toggles on the steering wheel.

That is nothing new, however the German producer has gone one step additional by introducing its newest Porsche Lively Journey system, which will likely be out there as an possibility for the Turbo E-Hybrid fashions.

To chop an extended and really technical story quick, the system sees all 4 two-valve shock absorbers related to an electrically-operated hydraulic pump. The result’s lightning quick reactions at any nook of the car, at any time.

Though Porsche received’t just like the analogy, it is value bringing to thoughts the kind of West Coast lowrider you may see “hopping” alongside the street in a Snoop Dogg video. In reality, a Porsche engineer demonstrated the tech with a related smartphone appearing as a controller. 

With smartphone within the palm of my hand, each roll and tip brought on the Panamera to imitate my strikes, dipping, bouncing and rolling from left to proper. Even within the torrential rain of a wintry Leipzig, it placed on a hell of a present.

However then a $175,000/£140,000/€192,000/AUS$280,000 sedan ought to most likely know the right way to work a crowd.

Leveling the enjoying subject

With Porsche Lively Journey fitted, the heavily-camouflaged prototype Panamera I approached virtually jumped to consideration as I pulled the door deal with. The suspension launched from its default low resting place to a extra handy peak that allowed me to seamlessly slip into the sculpted seats.

Equally, all the rear part can drop (à la Vary Rover) to help loading heavy gadgets into the trunk, but it surely actually involves life out on the street. Below heavy braking, the nostril gently rises to counteract the everyday ahead inertia felt by these onboard.

In the identical breath, the nostril will dip barely when the accelerator is floored to negate that whiplash feeling that happens in mightily highly effective automobiles like this. Keep in mind the upcoming Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid will dash to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and a high velocity of 196 mph.

That is due to a four-liter V8 turbo engine that’s paired with a 140 kW (190hp) rear electrical motor. Solely now, Panamera will fortunately cruise round on electrical energy alone for 56 miles, in keeping with the mixed WLTP cycle. A brand new 11 kW on-board AC charger shortens the charging time to a really exact 2 hours and 39 minutes.

To make sure its new-fangled suspension may deal with the large quantity of efficiency on faucet, Porsche put in a refreshed ECU that’s devoted solely to chassis management. {The electrical} system can react in beneath 25 milliseconds, which means the Lively Journey suspension comes into play a lot sooner than the bodily acceleration. 

Having a suspension system like this that reacts to inputs in such an apparent means is just a little disconcerting at first and, in all honesty, doesn’t make for a very partaking driving expertise. However that’s not the purpose. 

Positive, the system handily “leans” into corners, however these wanting a racier drive will need to swap the system off, which is well accomplished.

Nevertheless, for passengers (notably these touring within the rear), Porsche Lively Journey neatly blends into the background, maintaining the car superbly stage always and handily disguising your chauffeur’s lack of finesse on the accelerator pedal.

A tech-laden cockpit 

Alongside the extra luxurious massaging seats, elevated legroom and total premium cockpit atmosphere, Porsche has made certain the brand new Panamera is extra related than ever. In any case, Taycan (and its plethora of screens) has confirmed extraordinarily common with clients, which means Panamera now has a high-tech rival within the roost.

Up entrance, there’s the identical extremely customizable, curved 12.6in show that takes care of driving info, corresponding to velocity, navigation and car settings. That is paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment panel within the center, in addition to an elective 10.9-inch touchscreen that gives bespoke leisure on the go to the entrance passenger.

Porsche has additionally prolonged its Apple CarPlay performance, so options like air con, these seat massagers and ambient lighting may be managed instantly by way of Apple CarPlay or with the Siri voice assistant.

As we talked about in our sneak peek inside Porsche’s techy new Panamera inside piece, probably the most luxurious fashions are reserved for the Asian markets, the place an extended wheelbase Govt model takes opulence to the subsequent stage.

Massive screens mounted to the backs of the rear seats act as infotainment units for rear passengers, which are in a position to stream on-line content material or mirror smartphones. Luxurious carpets and rear seats that may now recline even additional make it a first-class method to journey.

After all, Porsche goes to ram residence its efficiency credentials, even going as far as to slap Turbo on its E-Hybrid mannequin. However the total refinement, the innovative hydraulic suspension system and the high-tech inside make this Panamera really feel extra like a limousine than ever.

The massive wigs in Stuttgart may disagree, however this could be one of many first Porsche fashions I’d quite expertise from the rear thrones, quite than the motive force’s seat. 

You may also like

• Lastly, Porsche has cracked the Apple CarPlay expertise – this is why
• Polestar unveils its Porsche Taycan-rivalling 5 mannequin with out the disguise
• Hey Google! Play Retailer is coming to future Porsches