When Porsche CEO Matthias Müller admits that the current Panamera is not a looker, you know that it’s a car which has polarized the public – and generally, not in a good way…

In light of the styling debate, Porsche has been hard at work developing a successor that will fix the mistakes of the original whilst still delivering that traditional ‘Porsche look’. We take a rendered sneak-peek to see just how things will change with the all-new 2017 Panamera.

Familiar New Looks:

There’s nothing dramatically wrong with the out-going vehicle; although from a designer’s perspective, one aspect that has hobbled the aesthetics is the belt line up-kick leading into the C-pillar. This gives it an awkward, clumsy appearance that has polarized many.

Rebooting the Panamera for 2nd generation duty has seen Porsche design a much sleeker silhouette, with heavily raked front and rear windows. Most noticeably, the side DLO (daylight opening area) has gained an additional rear quarter window, with a belt-line that’s more reminiscent of the 911.

At the front, styling has evolved ever so subtly with that familiar Porsche face. LED headlamps and lower air intake in particular, include elements from the stylish Panamera Sport Turismo Concept. This influence also extends into the side bodywork with the front fender vents now channeling higher up on the doors.

On The Inside:

Another area where Matthias Müller has criticized the out-going car is the interior – simply put, it needed improving.  Although we’ve yet to see any clear shots of the all-new cabin; one can expect a design theme similar to the Panamera Sport Turismo, with its cockpit-style layout, fluid lines and up-scale materials.

Improvements to packaging will yield better passenger space for first and second row occupants, whilst the gadget-minded will be well catered for with a vast array of infotainment and comfort features.

What Could Power It:

Powering the Panamera is believed to be a range of new turbocharged V6 and V8 petrol engines, a V6 plug-in hybrid and potentially a V6 diesel too. Coupled with updated PDK dual-clutch transmissions; these units will predominantly send power to the rear wheels, although all-wheel-drive will be available.

Making use of these re-invigorated powertrains will be a new modular platform named ‘MSB’. This will help the Panamera undergo a diet; yielding benefits in handling, fuel economy, and performance.

Market Positioning:

The Porsche sits within an exclusive segment of coupe-like luxury sedans. It trades leather and Alcantara blows with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A7, Maserati Quattroporte and Aston Martin Rapide.

All of those competitors stand out in their own right for different reasons, with the Panamera sitting in as the newest model with a MY2017 release. Currently it’s at the top in terms of handling dynamics, however does the next-generation finally have the style to match its rapid pace?

Tell us your thoughts in the discussion area below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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