Four years after hitting the showrooms, Porsche’s love-or-loathe it Panamera limousine is still trying to outrun jibes about its controversial looks. If any model stands a chance, it’s the new Panamera Turbo S, which has received a healthy power increase for its facelifted iteration.
What new hardware does the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S get?
The new Panamera Turbo S is the most powerful mass production Porsche currently on sale – only 918 units of the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar are being built, so we won’t count that. The Panamera Turbo S engine has bigger turbochargers than the standard Panamera Turbo’s 4.8-litre V8, as well as high-pressure fuel injection, and aluminium-alloy pistons. The piston rings are coated in a low-friction surface to help eke out even more poke.
And the results are?
Big power. Porsche claims its big saloon pumps out 562bhp – an increase of 20bhp versus the pre-facelift Turbo S and a whopping 42bhp more than the ‘non-S’ Panamera Turbo. Even Porsche’s 911 Turbo S has to play second fiddle to the big bruiser Panam, which beats the rear-engined car by 10bhp.
Torque has increased too: 553lb ft is now on tap, up 37lb ft from the Panamera Turbo. While that figure is on demand between 2250 and 5000rpm, a temporary overboost function ramps up torque to 590lb ft when overtaking. Be sure to warn rear seat passengers before engaging PWD (Porsche Warp Drive).
That reminds me, are plenty of acronyms present and correct?
Naturally, there’s a PDK (Porsche Double-Clutch) seven-speed transmission, matched with a PTM (Porsche Traction Management) all-wheel drive. PASM (Porsche Active Stability Management) sorts out the level of chassis nanny interference and controls the car’s air suspension, while PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) is in charge of the dynamic anti-roll bars. PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) independently manages driven wheels for maximum traction, and the eagle-eyed among you will have spotted yellow brake calipers, meaning PCCM is on board. That’s the Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes, which are standard on this flagship Panamera Model. Phew!
What are the performance numbers?
The Panamera Turbo S rockets to 62mph in 3.8sec with launch control engaged – exactly the same time taken by the old Turbo S. And with the top speed up just 1mph to 192mph, you might well wonder what the point of the extra power is. Still, roll-on acceleration should be more impressive, revisions to the PDK gearbox make for even faster gearshifts, and the claimed 27.7mpg fuel economy is no worse than the less powerful Panamera Turbo.
And how much do I pay for all this brawn?
More than any other Panamera: £131,049 is what the Turbo S will set you back. That’s a chunky £23,000 pricier than a Panamera Turbo, though the standard-fit ceramic brakes, exclusive cabin finishes and a full suite of infotainment and comfort upgrades help offset the price bump.
One option box you’re sure never to see ticked is the no-cost badge-delete opt-in – how else will anyone else tell you’ve splashed out on the most expensive four-door Porsche ever?