Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo estate revealed

A complex active spoiler element mounted atop the tailgate at the rear serves to enhance the new estate’s aerodynamic properties. It deploys in three stages depending on speed and/or driving mode, generating additional downforce of up to 50kg at the rear axle.

At speeds of up to 106mph, the spoiler remains in its retracted position with an angle of minus seven degrees, reducing overall drag and enhancing fuel economy. Above 106mph, the spoiler is automatically set in a so-called performance position with an angle of 1deg. When the driver chooses Sport or Sport Plus driving modes, the spoiler deploys into the performance position at a speed of 56mph.

When the Sport Turismo’s optional panoramic sliding roof is opened, the spoiler is automatically set to a position of 26 degrees to help minimise wind noise.

“The Panamera Sport Turismo is a step forwards into a new market segment, but it retains all of the values and attributes characteristic of Porsche,” says Michael Mauer, head of Porsche’s design operations.

At 5049mm in length, 1937mm in width and 1428mm in height, the Sport Turismo is same length and width but 5mm higher than the second-generation Panamera liftback. It also rides on the same 2950mm wheelbase as its established sibling.

The Sport Turismo is the first Panamera model offer seating for up to three in the rear, rather than just two as with the liftback. The two full-sized individual rear outer seats are accompanied by a narrow and raised central rear seat, boosting overall accommodation to five. The central rear seat is, however, compromised for leg space owing to the central tunnel running down the centre of the floorpan and really only designed to accommodate children.

Nevertheless, Porsche claims the added 5mm of roof height and less tumble home to the rear of the glasshouse not only provides for improved entry and exit to the rear over the liftback but also makes for greater head room for those seated in the rear.

Boot capacity is 520 litres, bigger than all other Panameras, the E-Hybrid Sport Turismo at 425 litres, and 20 litres more load capacity than the standard liftback. The backrests of the rear seats can automatically be folded down in a 40:20:40 configuration to extend overall load capacity to 1390 litres.

A so-called luggage compartment management system is among a long list of options available for the new Porsche model. It uses two rails integrated into the floor of the boot, four lashing points and a partition net to secure items.  

At launch, the Panamera Sport Turismo will be offered in five different model variants: the Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S Diesel, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera Turbo – all of which are planned to be on display at the Geneva motor show, which opens its doors to the public on 8 March.