Decades ago, Porsche enthusiasts craving the iconic 911's performance but needing family-friendly space faced a dilemma—until the German automaker secretly developed the 989 prototype between 1988 and 1991. This groundbreaking four-door sports sedan never reached production, leaving a void that would finally be filled in 2009 with the revolutionary Panamera. Today, we test the third-generation masterpiece—the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid—starting at Dh527,900.
The original Panamera delivered authentic Porsche dynamics but its controversial styling divided opinions. The second generation refined its proportions, while this latest iteration achieves perfection with sharper lines and technological advancements that redefine automotive excellence.
Design Masterclass: Where Sports Car DNA Meets Executive Luxury
The new Panamera executes an evolutionary design leap rather than revolution. Our Oak Green Metallic Neo test car (a Dh14,490 option) showcases crisper LED matrix headlights framing enlarged air intakes, while rear styling adopts the current 911's full-width light bar with integrated pop-up spoiler (three-piece active aero reserved for top trims).
Measuring over five meters long yet appearing compact thanks to perfect weight distribution and standard 20-inch alloys filling swollen arches, it achieves visual drama without ostentation. The cabin elevates expectations with Dh21,590 Club Leather Espresso trim wrapping every surface in tactile luxury.
Aircraft-inspired tech includes curved digital instrumentation (12.6-inch driver display; optional passenger screen), while Porsche's signature downward-sloping center console houses intuitive climate controls—though airflow adjustments require touchscreen navigation.
Electrified Performance: V6 Fury Meets EV Silence
The heart of this technological tour de force combines a twin-turbocharged V6 with hybrid assistance for staggering outputs:
Total system output: 544 PS / 750 Nm torque
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
Top speed: Electronically limited to 290 km/h
Select Sport Plus mode via steering wheel-mounted dials to transform character completely - adaptive dampers firm up while rear-wheel steering sharpens turn-in response during aggressive cornering maneuvers on mountain passes like Jebel Jais Road’s famous switchbacks. Hybrid functionality impresses equally - improved battery capacity delivers usable electric-only range approaching triple digits (96km claimed), though DC fast charging remains conspicuously absent given six-figure pricing. div > < strong >Technology & Practicality : Business Jet Comfort With Supercar Soul< / strong >
Cargo versatility surprises given sporting pretensions :
