With the model change, Porsche’s latest driver-centred control concept is being introduced in the Panamera. The Porsche Driver Experience stands for a fully digital display, versatile individualisation and intuitive operation. The focus is entirely on the driver’s line of sight: all controls that are crucial to actively driving are grouped directly around the steering wheel and are therefore directly accessible. This allows the driver to operate more quickly, more easily and ultimately more dynamically. Another feature of the new control logic from Porsche is striking the right balance between digital and analogue elements.
As usual with Porsche, the highest point on the dashboard is the instrument cluster, a digital, free-standing 12.6-inch display in a curved and free-standing design. It’s divided into three areas. Depending on the specified equipment, driving information can be displayed in up to seven different views. This includes a 3D driver assistance display and a display based on Porsche’s ‘Classic’ five-pipe design. An optional head-up display is also available. The driver can adjust the displays and the position of the head-up display directly from the sports steering wheel without taking their eyes off the road.
In classic Porsche fashion, the start button is located to the left of the steering wheel. The designers have positioned the significantly smaller selector lever for the automatic transmission to the right of the steering wheel, between the instrument cluster and the dashboard. Porsche has placed the standard mode switch for quick selection of the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving programmes as well as a toggle switch for quick access to functions of the instrument cluster on the multifunction Sports steering wheel. The mode button on the fundamentally revamped control lever for the assistance systems allows lightning-fast selection of driving assistance functions. Further settings can be made via context-related pop-ups in the instrument cluster.
The dashboard, with its elegant black panel design, integrates the high-resolution 12.3-inch central display and the optional 10.9-inch passenger display, which is available for the first time in the Panamera. The central display controls the functions of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system as usual. The Passenger Display gives occupants of the front passenger seat access to an innovative display and control interface of their own. It can be used, for example, to operate infotainment functions such as the radio or navigation system, display dynamic driving information and even stream videos. A special film ensures that the driver is not distracted.
The new position of the gear selector lever enables the complete redesign of the centre console and the climate control panel. It now features large touch-sensitive control surfaces with intuitive tactile feedback. The driver and front passenger control the temperature, the ventilation level and switch the air conditioning on and off via five physical climate switches. Directly below this is a mechanical rotary push-button that controls the volume of the audio system.
The new, louvre-less air vents also contribute to the new Porsche Driver Experience in the Panamera. They can be operated via pre-programmed automatic ventilation modes or adjusted completely electrically. This allows you to switch between draught-free air conditioning and rapid cooling with a single click.
High-quality, modern interior design
The interior of the new Porsche Panamera features a stylish overall look made up of modern technical details, premium materials and delicate décors. The focus is always on operating efficiency with regard to dynamic driving. Characteristic of the Panamera are the steeply rising centre console and the width-emphasising black panel and its decorative elements, which also help to underscore a sense of width. It combines the central display and the optional Passenger Display into an elegant single unit, creating a calm and high-quality appearance. For the first time, Porsche has also implemented ambient lighting across the entire width of the dashboard in the new Panamera, which further enhances this effect.
The newly designed seat surfaces contribute to the clean, sporty, high-quality ambience in the new Panamera. Transverse seams and single fell seams on the contours of the seats create a restrained but clear visual structure.
Porsche has completely revised the colour and material options in the interior. Initially, two part-leather and six leather variants as well as two particularly high-quality club leather seat upholstery options are available. Particular attention was paid to a broad selection of two-tone designs. This creates extensive and precisely coordinated options to accentuate the interior appearance in terms of colour. The colour matching between the Sport Chrono on-board clock and the digital rev counter is a particularly lovely detail. In addition, there are other new décor and accent options that Porsche is offering together in various packages. The customisation options range from particularly high-quality to maximum sportiness. Due to popular demand, Porsche is also offering leather-free equipment in the Panamera for the first time, combining particularly sporty materials such as Race-Tex with faux-leather.
Interior of the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid
Traditionally, Porsche Turbo models are the range-toppers in their respective model lines. In the new Panamera, Turbo versions can be identified in the interior by several exquisitely designed accents in Turbonite. In combination with carbon elements, this Turbo-specific colour creates a particularly sporty ambience and can be found, for example, on the Porsche crest on the GT sports steering wheel, in the central rev counter in the digital instrument cluster, as the colour of the controls in the centre console and as an accent on the door panels.
