SPY PICS: 2017 Porsche Panamera interior detailed

Spy photographs of the next-generation Porsche Panamera have been circulating for ages, but these most recent snaps from the US are the first to show some of the internal elements, including the dash and centre console areas.

Previous reports have detailed the expected mechanical makeup of the G2 Panamera, to be based on the Volkswagen group's MSB platform that will also underpin a couple of upcoming Bentley models and the production version of the ground-breaking Mission E all-electric sedan concept Porsche has promised to deliver this decade.

The new MSB platform is tipped to be lighter, cheaper to produce, stiffer and more adaptable than the current Panamera's architecture and is expected to bring overall weight savings of as much as 100kg. It's also being said the new platform will enable Porsche to finally offer an all-wheel drive diesel as well.

The first-time interior photos show an all-new dash layout employing angular themes similar to the current Panamera's, but with all-new sculpting for the instrument panel and the centre console – to which the air vents have migrated from the upper dash.

The instrument shrouding, complete with the large central tachometer and two digital outboard displays, appears to be a continuation of current design themes, but is joined by a larger centre colour touch-screen to display Porsche's latest Apple CarPlay-equipped PCM4 infotainment system from the 2017 911.

Perhaps the biggest news, however, is the completely revised centre console, which swaps the current model's pair of same-sized buttons for a new capacitive-touch controls, as well as a new gearshifter.

Word is that the next Panamera will be available in short and long-wheelbase sedan form, and as a wagon. The rumour mill is also in overdrive concerning a Porsche 928-style four-seater coupe under consideration, along with a convertible variant.

Drivelines are expected to be a basic follow-up of the current arrangements including rear- and all-wheel drive, V6 and V8 petrol powerplants, a V6 turbo-diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains – this time possibly in both V6 petrol and diesel form.

It's believed that the new platform, plus improved battery technology, will help lower the new Panamera S E Hybrid's weight to below the two-tonne impediment inflicted on the current model.

The next-generation Panamera is tipped for an overseas release later this year. Australia is expected to follow early in 2017.