The platinum version seems to have lost some popularity to the Porsche Panamera.

The Porsche Panamera is arguably the best driving four-door sedan on the market today. Some people call it an extended 911 with four doors, which is what makes Panamera extraordinary. However, recent sales figures show that people are starting to look away from it due to two very fundamental reasons.

First, modern consumers almost ignore cars and prefer SUVs and trucks. This is why the Cayenne and Macan SUV appeared. Secondly, Panamera is witnessing the family crisis of its recently-born all-electric brother, the Porsche Taycan. Therefore, in order to increase Panamera's confidence, Porsche launched the Panamera Platinum Edition, which is why it is worth $14,500.

Subtlety is at the core of the Panamera Platinum Edition. The changes it brings are mainly decorative. Panamera Platinum will add some elements, such as the black trim surrounding the windows and sports exhaust. The taillights have a smoky appearance. The special 21-inch wheels made in satin black are unique to Platinum, while the 20-inch wheels are still available. The side vents and all badges also have the same satin finish. However, the hybrid variant also adds some acidic green elements.

There are 13 different colors to choose from, and four special colors will be provided as options. However, if you want your Panamera to have a different and more specific tone, then the door is open.

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The platinum version also comes standard with some additional features, which are Panamera's paid options. The "Premium Package" is usually an option of US$6640-8170 (depending on the variant) as a standard configuration. The kit adds Porsche Active Suspension Management System, LED matrix headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System Plus, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, panoramic glass roof and parking assist system with reversing camera. The hybrid version also adds an on-board AC charger with a charging power of 7.2 kW.

In addition, the platinum version of the interior is also equipped with front 14-way adjustable ventilated seats, and the front and rear seats are also equipped with heating functions. If you want to listen to powerful music, you can also enjoy them through the Bose surround sound system. The driver gets an updated GT sports steering wheel and Porsche's Power Steering Plus.

But the platinum version is not yet complete. It also provides a lane change assist system, and the doors are soft-closed. The vehicle also uses black brushed aluminum interior components, with Porsche logo on the headrest. But some additional decorations include brushed aluminum door sill guards with the "Platinum Edition" logo, which is unique to the vehicle. Finally, all Panamera Platinum Edition models will have an analog clock on the dashboard as standard.

Panamera Platinum Edition will provide three models-Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The European market will also enjoy the corresponding Sport Turismo models. In China, the offer will also be extended to Panamera Executive long-wheelbase models.

The standard Panamera and Panamera 4 models use a 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6, which produces 325 horsepower. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid uses the same motor. However, the maximum power output supplemented by the hybrid system is 455 horsepower, and it is said that the EPA rating is 52 mpg-e. Since the premium package includes the Porsche Active Suspension Management System, it includes the standard adaptive shock absorbers and air springs for hybrid models. The changes to the Platinum Edition are only the appearance and function increase, so there is no mechanical update.

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Currently, Panamera Platinum has been displayed digitally to arouse people's interest. It will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show before delivery starts in late January 2022. Panamera Platinum Edition starts at $103,250. The retail price of Panamera 4 Platinum Edition is US$107,350, and the retail price of 4 E-Hybrid is US$116,550. Therefore, the basic Panamera Platinum Edition costs $14,500 more than the standard Panamera.

If you are looking for something different, Panamera has always been the typical choice of four-door sedans in its series. It feels like a subtle improvement from the three popular Germans, namely Mercedes, BMW or Audi. Although Panamera occupies a place in existing models, it is currently facing a family discord with its brother, the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Taycan is brand new, and it is also Porsche's first step towards an electrified future. On the other hand, Panamera may be its last variety. Porsche’s recent sales figures show that Taycan’s sales have consistently surpassed Panamera.

The platinum version is a lot of money higher than the base price, but it cleverly adds some cool technology to the model as a standard talent, otherwise it will be slowly forgotten.

The automaker hopes to find a way for Panamera and Taycan to coexist because it further enriches its product line.

Rahul's passion for cars began very early in his cousin's garage, where he restored old Ford Model As, Cadillac and other models. Then he stumbled across a Formula One car when he was 6 years old, and soon his father's camera also appeared. Life is about passion, and he intends to share his passion through his writing and photography.