New range-topping Porsche Panamera is already breaking records

Driver Guides  New Launches 

If you’re thinking about leasing a premium executive saloon, your options are slightly more limited than most people. As you approach the really high-end options, the number of manufacturers and models to choose from inevitably decreases.

The choices you do have are unquestionably superb…there just aren’t very many of them. And with two new range-topping Porsche Panamera models on their way, your options might be about to become even more limited.

Yes, we know that sounds like a contradiction but it actually makes perfect sense. If you want the very best in luxury, excellence, and incredible performance you’ve got two choices: the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, or the new Porsche Panamera GTS.

But what a choice!

The Porsche Panamera has already redefined the luxury saloon segment. Porsche is now ready to launch the top series models with the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS joining the line-up in the next few months. The Panamera GTS is a dynamic sports saloon that puts the emphasis on the driving experience, while the Turbo S E-Hybrid version is simply the most powerful, fastest, and most luxurious Panamera ever.

Pace-setting Panamera

To prove the point, the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has just set a new record on the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Porsche test driver Lars Kern set a new best time of 7:24.17 minutes for luxury class cars with combustion engines and hybrids, in the new range-topping Panamera. Lars Kern had already set class records on the Nordschleife, most recently in the Panamera Turbo S (7:29.81 minutes). The new Panamera’s lap time, over five seconds quicker than the previous model, underlines the consistent development of Porsche’s four-door sports saloon.

And it appears that the only modifications required for Porsche to set this new record were to fit the optional Carbon Aerokit to the new Panamera, and a set of specially developed Michelin tyres. Which basically means, the car you can lease is essentially the same as the one that set the record-beating time – minus the mandatory roll cage and racing seat.

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid generates the power to set records by combining Porsche’s 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK transmission. The result is a four-door saloon that boasts 770bhp, can sprint to 60mph in under 3 seconds, and has a top speed of just over 200mph. And because it’s a modern and efficient hybrid, it also has a range of around 50 miles on electricity alone.

As the Turbo model is the pinnacle of the Panamera range, Porsche also gives you chrome-plated tailpipes in Dark Bronze, ceramic composite brakes, active suspension, rear axle steering for even more precise handling, and Turbo-exclusive colour options inside and out, as well as an upgraded Bose sound system.

Alternatively, you could opt for the new Porsche Panamera GTS which differs slightly in a few ways.

GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport, and the new Panamera GTS offers a slightly more driver-focused philosophy with a chassis tuned for high performance, an exclusive SportDesign package and an equally high-quality but slightly sportier feeling interior.



As well as the differences in the chassis, Porsche has also tweaked the suspension set-up in the new Panamera GTS, lowered the body by 10mm, and reinforced the anti-roll bars for a stiffer and more agile driving experience. GTS models also get the Sport body kit option, tinted LED lights, and the same bronze tinted sports exhaust and 21-inch alloy wheels as the hybrid version. The interior is finished in suede-like Race-Tex material, and it also features the Sport Chrono package and Bose sound system as standard.

The only downside is that you have to rely solely on the 4.0-litre V8 to propel the Panamera GTS as it’s not a hybrid. Which isn’t necessarily a big downside anyway. You’ll still have 490bhp to play with, still be able to hit 187mph, and still be able to reach 60mph in around 3.8 seconds. It might not be quite as powerful as the hybrid, but the Panamera GTS promises to be even more agile and responsive when you show it a series of bends.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS are now available to order with first deliveries due to start leaving the factory in the Autumn.

Both models benefit from the new features and latest technology of the third generation of the Panamera. Both of them are luxurious, powerful, and brilliantly engineered. And both of them are going to make choosing which high-end saloon you want to lease both a little bit easier and a little bit harder.

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