Ever since the concept was displayed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Porsche fans have pined for the Stuttgart carmaker to make the Panamera Sport Turismo a reality. That day has finally arrived. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week where five variants will be on display, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo arrives with up to 550 hp on tap, a 4+1 seating arrangement, an electrically-operated tailgate and up to 520 liters storage capacity – around 50 liters more than the Panamera sedan when fully loaded.
In an age where crossovers dominate the streets, the sporty wagon is a welcome addition and we hope paves the way for the likes of the 5 Series Touring and Audi RS6 Avant to make it over to the US. "For Porsche, the Panamera Sport Turismo is a step forwards into a new segment, but retains all of those values and attributes that are characteristic of Porsche", says Michael Mauer, Director of Style Porsche. Styling for the Sport Turismo was penned by the now head of design at Lamborghini, Mitja Borkert, the man also responsible for the equally stunning Mission E concept. Head on, the Sport Turismo apes the sedan, but from the B-pillars back it has a completely unique design.
New rear doors house more glass, with an elongated window line and longer roof that tapers away with less drama than the sedan. The roof extends into an adaptive extendible spoiler, a first for the segment, the angle of which is set in three stages depending on speed and driving mode, providing an additional 50 kg of downforce on the rear axle. At speeds up to 106 mph, the spoiler remains in its retracted position with an angle of -7 degrees, reducing drag and optimizing fuel consumption. Above 106 mph, it moves automatically to the "performance position," an angle of +1 degree, increasing stability and lateral dynamics.
The Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) also steps in when the panoramic sliding roof is open at speeds of over 56 mph, moving the spoiler's angle of inclination to +26 degrees in order to help minimize wind noise. Where the liftback offers just two rear seats, the Sport Turismo is the first Panamera that can seat three in the rear. Two full-size individual rear seats flank a narrow and raised central seat, ostensibly to accommodate a child, although a four-seat configuration is optional, with two electrically adjustable seats at the rear. Entry and exit to the rear has been made easier thanks to the Sport Turismo's raised height and less raked roofline, which also provides greater headroom for rear passengers.
And with the loading lip level now at bumper level, a loading edge height of just 628 mm is quoted, the loading space of the car is now significantly increased. The backrests of the rear seats can be folded down electrically from the boot of the car in a 40:20:40 split. With all three down, storage volume is increased to 1,390 liters. Buyers can also option a luggage compartment management system, which includes two rails integrated into the loading floor, four lashing points and a partition net for secure transport. The 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo will arrive in the US at the end of 2017 with a choice of four engines.
The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generating 325 hp; the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo is powered by a 2.9 liter twin-turbo V6 producing 404 hp; the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is powered by the same V6 as the 4S coupled with a 136-hp electric motor for a total of 456 hp; and the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo comes powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 rated at 542 hp, reaching 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with launch control. Prices range from $96,200 to $154,000. Look out for live shots from the Geneva show floor next week.
