The third-generation Porsche Panamera, which borrows heavily from the Taycan, unveils its completely updated interior ahead of its global debut on November 24. The sporty liftback shares few traditional controls with the all-electric sedan, since most functions are controlled through screens or touch-sensitive keys located on the centre console.
It has a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster that is connected to two displays on the dashboard: one on the passenger side and one in the centre via a touchscreen. A larger capacity storage area and electrically adjustable air vents are features of the centre console. Porsche added a second touchscreen to the back so that the passengers in the back could adjust the media, navigation, and ambient lighting, among other options.
Similar to the previous generation, the new Panamera will also come with an Executive version with a wider wheelbase, more rear legroom, and newly contoured seats for enhanced comfort on those lengthy journeys. For the first time in the model’s history, a new upholstery option combining Race-Tex and Pepita cloth is available without the use of leather.
Despite being a large and weighty vehicle that can accommodate at least four passengers, the updated Panamera boasts a driver-centric cabin with easy access to the majority of its features. In order to achieve this, the toggle switch for navigating the menus on the digital instrument cluster is integrated into the driving mode selector, which is located on the steering wheel. The optional head-up display can also be controlled from the steering wheel.
Porsche has freed up the space between the front seats by relocating the gear selector, which is located to the right of the steering wheel. Better seat cushion materials and a continuous light strip are two other improvements. As it only appears good in official photos, hopefully there will be a way to swap out the glossy black surfaces for something less likely to attract fingerprints.
We questioned Porsche about whether a more useful wagon variant will be available once more when we tested a prototype of the new Panamera back in August. It doesn’t appear good because, according to a member of the Zuffenhausen staff, not many people have bought the departing model as a Sport/Cross Turismo. As part of the media drive event, all four prototypes organized in Spain were the hatchback. In addition, we don’t remember seeing spy shots of a long-roof model.
