Recently, in Barcelona and its environs, the new Porsche Panamera underwent final test drives. The main focus of these tests was the powertrain, which includes a new Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), and the newly developed chassis with active damper control.

Earlier, the sports saloon completed the majority of the test procedures, during which the four-door sports car demonstrated its qualities on four continents.

For example, tests in the US checked the drivetrain performance at high altitudes and low oxygen levels, or verified the performance of the engine-cooling system and the air-conditioning in extreme heat. In Scandinavia, the Panamera was driven at very low temperatures; in South Africa, it mastered difficult road conditions; and in Asia, the high air humidity and hours of stop-and-go traffic in megacities posed particular challenges for the overall package.

“We test every new car intensively in order to meet our demands, and of course those of our customers all over the world,” said Development Manager Marcel Hönemann.

“The standard we set is always the development targets defined in the specifications. The new Panamera must excel here and now, in particular in terms of performance, comfort and acoustics.”

Four E-Hybrid variants

At Porsche, the right drivetrain is imperative for optimum performance. The new model of the Panamera has a completely upgraded engine range with a state-of-the-art focus on sustainable drivetrains and efficiency.

The basis of all E-Hybrid models of the new Panamera is a new, more powerful electric motor that is now completely integrated in the transmission housing of the new dual clutch transmission. It offers higher drivetrain and recuperation performance values than its predecessor at a lower weight. Its energy is provided by a high voltage battery with a significantly higher capacity of 25.9kWh. An on-board charger with a power of 11kW shortens the charging time despite the increased energy content.

The new Panamera will be on display at the Icons of Porsche Festival in Dubai on November 25 and 26 after its launch.