Porsche details all-new Panamera's infotainment system

Porsche has spilled the beans concerning the advanced new infotainment system that will make its debut in the all-new Panamera and, eventually, be introduced to the rest of the manufacturer's full range of SUVs and sports cars.

The debut of the new system, called Porsche Connect, coincides with the firm's equally new Porsche Communications Management system that also stars in the fast luxury sedan and introduces a new large 12.3-inch HD touch screen that's said to mimic a smartphone's interface and incorporate a natural-speak voice control system.

Fully customisable, the system's response-to-touch times are near instantaneous, as the system actually reacts before the physical touch, Porsche claims.

Like the Audi Q7, the new Panamera will also come with Porsche's take on the Audi virtual cockpit that offers drivers two 7.0-inch configurable instrument displays.

A new feature standard for the Panamera is a smartphone storage receptacle that maxmimises mobile phone reception and charges the phone wirelessly.

Featuring Apple CarPlay, the Panamera also comes with an app that is compatible with the Apple Watch. This should mean the car can be unlocked or locked from the watch, with other functions like cooling or heating using the air conditioning all controlled remotely using the watch.

Other information like the future plug-in hybrid's range, or charging time can also be shared with remote devices.

The navigation system has also been upgraded and now incorporates Google Earth and Street View, while owners will be able to find empty car park spaces, check on flight arrivals and opening and closing times thanks to new apps and the Porsche's online capability.

Music fans will also benefit from a large 10GB jukebox that owners can upload music to via the SD or USB ports.

Finally, a 24/7 concierge service for customers will also be offered in most markets that offer services like restaurant reservations on the move.

The second-generation Panamera sedan is set to arrive in just three versions, early in 2017.

Priced from $304,200 plus on-road costs, the new Panamera 4S costs $3500 or 1.2 per cent more than the model it replaces ($300,700), but is claimed to bring better value than before.

Also on sale from June 29 is the all-new Panamera 4S Diesel, powered by a new oil-burning V8 and priced at $312,100 plus ORCs, but due to arrive here shortly after the petrol V6-powered 4S and petrol V8-powered Turbo.

A base V6 variant and a diesel model, as well as a new plug-in hybrid, Turbo plus never-before-offered wagon version will follow on later in 2017.