Porsche Introduces Panamera Platinum Edition for 2013

Do you hear that? That sucking, whooshing sound is the audible void between the entry-level Porsche Panamera and Panamera 4 and the next-level-up S and 4S models. Calm down, folks, the roaring din will soon subside, because Porsche is introducing two Platinum Edition models to fill that previously gaping hole in the Panamera lineup. The Platinums, basically, are tarted-up base V-6 Panameras with more standard equipment. Porsche, of course, isn’t new to filling or even creating niches—just look at the sprawling 911 lineup or the recent addition of the Panamera GTS.

Based as they are on the 300-hp V-6 Panamera and Panamera 4, the Platinum Edition is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Outside, the cars are separated from standard V-6 Panameras by platinum silver metallic trim. The shiny stuff covers the grille and rear diffuser accents, the lower half of the side mirrors, and the trunk trim. Porsche also throws in a set of 19-inch Turbo wheels—a $1950 value!—and finishes the window trim in gloss black. Inside, the Platinum models get a black and beige two-tone color scheme; partial-leather interior furnishings are standard, with a full-leather cabin being optional. A sport design steering wheel is standard, as well as Porsche crests on the front and rear headrests and “Platinum Edition” lettering on the doorsill trim.

Aside from the fancier exterior duds and two-tone interior, the Platinum Edition sets itself apart with something of a value proposition. The cars get more standard equipment than the base Panamera and Panamera 4, and come with Bose audio, Power Steering Plus, heated rear seats, bi-xenon headlights, and the Premium package. Better still, this bundle of equipment comes at a lower cost than if one were to simply option a Panamera or Panamera 4 to similar levels.

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The Panamera Platinum Edition starts at $81,475, and the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 Platinum Edition commands $85,575. Both prices nicely bisect those of the $76,825 Panamera and $81,425 Panamera 4 and the V-8-powered $92,325 Panamera S and $97,325 Panamera 4S. So the Platinum cars offer up some value combined with a distinctive look, but you better not be itching for a bright color—the cars are only available in five somber hues: black, white, Basalt Black metallic, Carbon Grey metallic, and Mahogany metallic. Oh, and you’ll have to wait until first thing next year to get your hands on one.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/Tq0cU7okBr0/

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