Porsche Panamera has UAE debut in Abu Dhabi

The all-new Porsche Panamera made its UAE debut at an event hosted in Abu Dhabi for customers and media. It was also the first time that the Panamera sedan has gone on sale outside Europe, as the GCC is the second region to make the car available in showrooms.

The Panamera “Gran Turismo” sedan is available in three versions, namely the Panamera S, the Panamera 4S and the top-of-the-range Panamera Turbo.

The Panamera S and the Panamera 4S have a 400 hp 4.8-litre V8, while the Panamera Turbo has a 500 hp turbocharged V8. All come with a 7-speed PDK automanual gearbox, and the 4S and Turbo feature all-wheel-drive. The S can also be had with a 6-speed manual.

All versions of the Panamera come with Porsche’s new fuel-saving start-stop function that automatically switches off the engine as soon as the car comes to a standstill at traffic lights or in a traffic jam, then automatically starts the engine again as soon as the brake pedal is released.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is a standard feature on the Turbo and an option on the Panamera S and 4S. Its three manually-adjustable control maps and frequency-specific damping provide a wide range of adjustments for adaptive air suspension. In the Sport Plus Mode, the Panamera is lowered by 25 mm.

The Panamera comes on newly developed 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch aluminium wheels available as an option. All have wider wheels in the rear.

Available on the Panamera Turbo is an active aerodynamic system that deploys a multi-stage, adjustable rear spoiler.

The Panamera was developed as a four-seater right from the start and boasts a unique leather-draped interior. Despite its low silhouette, the Panamera’s dimensions give generous room for all four sports seats and useable cargo room.

Optional is a four-zone automatic a/c with individual adjustment of temperature, blower strength and air distribution for each seat.

The Panamera S and 4S come with the “CDR-31” stereo as standard, while the Turbo is equipped with “PCM” multimedia computer, with the navigation module available as an option on the other two models. As an option, rear passengers can enjoy two consoles integrated in the headrests of the front seats with swivelling 7-inch touchscreens that integrate cordless infrared headsets.

The Panamera S starts at a massive Dhs 440,000, with the Panamera 4S starting from Dhs 459,000, and the Panamera Turbo from Dhs 622,000. While prices will differ somewhat in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, the Porsche Panamera is priced to be well above the Cayenne, and combined with its confused styling, very few will be seen on the streets, garnering some exclusivity for those who buy one.

However, with VW’s recent takeover of Porsche, this is probably the last pure model from the German sports-car maker before the eventual platform-sharing starts, already set in motion long ago with the Cayenne.

For detailed specs and prices, visit the Porsche Panamera buyer guide.