Porsche just launched a redesigned version of its Panamera luxury performance hatchback, and now it's adding a new Sport Turismo body style that gives the car a more traditional hatchback or wagon shape. The Sport Turismo offers a range of turbocharged drivetrains — including one that transforms the car into a plug-in hybrid — and an adaptive air suspension and all-wheel drive are standard.
The 2018 Panamera Sport Turismo hits dealerships at the end of the year with a starting price of $97,250 for the 4 trim level; $105,050 for the 4 E-Hybrid model; $110,250 for the 4S version; and $155,050 for the top-of-the-line Turbo (all prices include a $1,050 destination charge).
Exterior
Porsche says the Sport Turismo has unique styling from the B-pillars back. The roofline is higher, which leads to larger side windows in back, and the rearmost roof pillar is more upright. It’s still forward-swept, though, which gives the design some additional athleticism.
A multiposition roof spoiler can provide more downforce as needed and is also used to minimize wind noise when the panoramic roof is open. Wheels as large as 21 inches in diameter are available.
Interior
The Panamera has been a four-seat car since its debut, but the Sport Turismo has room for up to five people with its three-person 40/20/40-split rear seat. Choosing the optional power-adjustable rear seats returns it to a four-seat configuration.
The Sport Turismo’s liftover height is only about two feet from the ground, so you don’t have to lift luggage that high when loading it. The cargo area measures 18.4 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded, maximum cargo volume is 49 cubic feet. A cargo area management system with two rails in the floor and four tie-down points is optional.
Under the Hood
The Sport Turismo shares its engines with the regular Panamera. The base engine is a 330-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 while the 4S gets a 440-hp, twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 that accelerates the car from zero-to-60 mph in 4 seconds — 1 second quicker than the base engine. The 4 E-Hybrid also uses the 2.9-liter V-6 and gains an electric motor, while the Turbo features a 550-hp, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that can rocket it to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
