2017 Porsche Panamera Blooms Into Something Sleek

The biggest criticism of the current Porsche Panamera was its looks. The model was described by some as either being a squished frog or humpback. But you couldn't deny the performance and passenger space on offer.

Last night at an event in Berlin, Porsche unveiled the second-generation Panamera. The first thing you notice is how much work Porsche put in making the design look much better. As we first saw in spy shots earlier this month, Porsche's designers took the shape of the current model and proportioned it better. The design has also been smoothed out. The end result is something that the can be described as sleek.

The interior hasn't changed much in terms of design. But in the technology front, Porsche has added a lot. The instrument cluster features two seven-inch screens flaking a tachometer. The center stack gets a 12.3-inch screen and capacitive buttons on the console.

Powertrains?

For the time being, Porsche has unveiled three new engines for the European marketplace.

• Panamera 4S: 4.0L Biturbo V6 - 440 horsepower, 406 pound-feet of torque
• Panamera 4S Diesel: 4.0L Turbodiesel V8 - 416 horsepower, 627 pound-feet of torque
• Panamera Turbo: 4.0L Biturbo V8 - 542 horsepower, 568 pound-feet of torque

It is expected that the 4S and Turbo will be available in the U.S. There will also be a plug-in hybrid variant coming down the road.

All of the engines will come paired with an eight-speed PDK transmission and all-wheel drive.

Europe can place orders for the 2017 Panamera right now for European delivery. At the present moment, we don't know when the next-generation Panamera will arrive in the U.S.

Pic Credit: Porsche