Porsche will further broaden its range with the introduction of an estate version of the Panamera coupe, according to a new report.
Bloomberg claims that the Panamera estate, which would be German sports car brand’s first ever estate car, will be unveiled at next year’s Geneva Motor Show and go on sale soon after.
Aiming to rival cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, the Panamera estate is likely to be based on the Panamera Sport Turismo concept unveiled back in 2012 and pictured here.
Geneva Motor Show debut?
If true, it would arguably mark the most radical departure from Porsche’s sporting roots since the introduction of the Cayenne SUV in 2002, and would further expand its appeal to buyers.
Broadening the appeal of cars like the Panamera is crucial to the manufacturer’s plans for the future and also crucial to its profitability as part of the Volkswagen Group.
Having nearly went best in the late 1990s, the marque has enjoyed record demand in the past few years thanks to a strategy which saw it branch out into models other than the 911 and the Boxster.
Panamera controversial but popular
Although it was initially mocked for its appearance upon its debut in 2009, the Panamera has gone on to sell 150,000 models since, and an estate version could further boost that success.
Sales of more family-friendly models like the Panamera, the Cayenne and the Macan can afford Porsche the profits to then pursue enthusiast models like the new 911 R.
The Bloomberg report also cites industry insiders as saying that a hybrid version of the Panamera will be unveiled soon, paving the way for the introduction of models like the upcoming Mission E electric sports car.
Whether the report turns out to be true, however, remains to be seen and so far, Porsche has declined to comment.
