DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Unveiled on a balcony overlooking the Burj Khalifa Tower, the 2024 Porsche Panamera managed to look more imposing than the tallest building in the world.
Apart from feeling privileged to be the only Filipino in the crowd to see the Porsche Panamera for the first time, I was also thrilled to meet some notable Porsche executives in the flesh. After the CEO of Porsche Middle East & Africa Manfred Bräunl unveiled the Panamera, Porsche Head of Interior Design Markus Auerbach gave us insights on what to expect. 
Auerbach emphasized that the Panamera design kept the brand’s iconic identity. Nonetheless, a first look at the third generation Panamera immediately reveals an extensive revamp. The exterior looks sporty and powerful, characterized by strong contours, muscular front fenders, larger air intakes and LED Matrix Design headlights.
Showcased at the launch is a Panamera E-Hybrid in a unique shade of “Madeira Gold Metallic,” one of the colors in Porsche’s Fresh Color Program developed over several years for the Panamera.
The Panamera will be offered in four plug-in hybrid versions, with two V-6s and two V-8s, all equipped with a large 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery (the same size as that of the Cayenne). The Turbo S E-Hybrid, the most powerful among them, has a 4.0- liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor generating 140 kW (187 hp) boasting 670 hp and 685 lb.-ft. of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 315 km/h. To further highlight the Turbo model’s distinction as the pinnacle of the line, the Panamera Turbo models are the first Porsche cars to incorporate Turbonite—a new Turbo-exclusive color in modern metallic tone developed by experts at Porsche Colour & Trim. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is distinguished by a bespoke lower rear fascia with diffuser elements painted in body color and dark bronze tail pipes, as well as a Turbo-specific front fascia and optional center lock wheels.
The morning after the launch, I sat with journalists from around the world with the Panamera Team to understand not just the “what” but the “why” that made the Panamera what it is today.
Stefan Utsch, Porsche’s Director Complete Vehicle Panamera, says that Panamera was designed to be the “Best in Class” in its segment while maintaining its Porsche DNA.
But Auerbach adds a more compelling motivation for the Panamera design: “We want the driver to have an emotional bonding with the car.”
Auerbach delves deep into human nature: “Humans like to feel, to grab, to hear.” Thus, the Panamera incorporates biohaptics and analog control. The result is a Porsche Driver Experience interior concept defined by an ideal balance between analog and digital operating controls, as well as an orientation of the essential touch points and features towards the driver.
The Panamera cabin is driver-centric. All switches are intuitively positioned within the direct reach of the driver, such as the mode switch (to select among the drive programs Normal, Sport and Sport+) and the gear selector toggle nestled to the right of the steering wheel. At the center is a 12.6-inch unit within the driver’s view to display the instrument cluster, and an optional 10.9-inch screen for passengers to operate the infotainment system, view vehicle data, or watch video streaming.
The new Panamera is also designed to act as an integral part of the driver’s digital ecosystem. A personalized Porsche ID can be used to sign-in the system. MyPorsche App (that can be connected to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay) provides access to digital functions, such as: climate control, seat massage, and ambient lighting.
The Panamera blends comfort and handling with state-of-the-art suspension. Christian Wittke, Panamera Manager Chassis & Assistance Systems, describes this as “comfort that adjusts to road conditions.” The new Panamera features a two-chamber, two-valve air suspension that includes the Porsche Active Suspension Management. The Panamera absorbs bumps and road imperfections smoothly, while providing a powerful driving experience characteristic of a Porsche.
Meeting the Panamera for the first time, one thing is clear: The new Panamera tops its predecessors. It has more visual impact, more hybrid capability, more technology, and more performance.
The only thing bothering Auerbach? How to design the fourth-generation Panamera in the future. He quips, “The challenge for designers is if there’s a successful history, you have to top it.”
