• Porsche's Panamera was first launched 10 years ago.

• The second generation 971 model has received an update for 2020.

• Take a look at the sporty interior of the Turbo S model. 

It has been 10 years since the first generation Panamera was launched by sports carmaker Porsche. It goes without saying that purists of the brand were mortified to hear of its arrival in 2010. 

Fans felt the Panamera would dilute the company's offerings of lightweight rear-engine two-door sports cars in an attempt to broaden the brand's appeal. 

The four-door sedan is the opposite in terms of packaging compared to the 911; it's heavier, has four doors, and the engine is mounted at between the front axle. 

The 911's distinctive driving characteristics are shaped by the heavy six-cylinder engine's weight over the rear axle. 

The reality is, alongside the Cayenne and Macan, the Panamera contributed to the company's success and without those three new models the brand wouldn't be as strong as it is today. 

A decade on since the Panamera was first shown and Porsche unveiled its updated version of the second generation. The focus is on the interior of the range's flagship model: Turbo S. 

This car is all about performance.

It is powered by 463kW and 820Nm 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine. Despite its heft, Porsche claims the top of the range Turbo S will hit 100km/h from standstill  in 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 315km/h. An eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission finds form across the range.

"To transfer the enormous power to the road in a controlled manner and maximise cornering performance, the three-chamber air suspension, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the roll stabilisation system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) - including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) - have been customised to each specific model and optimised accordingly," said Porsche. 

Take a look at the interior of the Turbo S, it exudes sportiness and sophistication in an understated package. 

The updated Panamera is due locally at the beginning of 2021 with pricing starting at R1 602 000.

Pricing 

Panamera: R1 602 000

Panamera 4: R1 701 000

Panamera 4 Executive: R1 927 000

Panamera GTS: R2 389 000

Panamera 4S E-Hybrid: R2 529 000

Panamera Turbo S: R3 253 000

KEEP UPDATED on the latest Wheels news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.

Image: Porsche Pressroom