BMW 1-Series F70

The BMW 1-Series F70 may look new but it's a rehashed version of its F40 predecessor. The front-wheel-drive Bimmer just got improved and ready to draw some more flak from Bimmer purists everywhere...or will they?

2025 BMW 1-Series

Starting at 32,900 Euros plus additional costs, the F70 BMW 1-Series is a rehashed version of its F40 predecessor in the same way the Mini F66 model is a heavily revised F56 model. Long story short, here comes the real kicker; the F70 model rewrites the rules of BMW's trim naming scheme. Starting with this model, all petrol-powered BMW models will ditch the letter "i" at the end of the trim name because the letter "i" is officially exclusive to all-electric models such as the i4, the i5, and the i7. It's complicated but it goes a long way.

2025 BMW 1-Series

Beginning with the design, the F70 1-Series features a sharper front face compared to its predecessor and donning rear lamps shaped like the one from the Nissan Skyline V37, although the side view from the previous F40 model remains. The front grille can be configured to either weird or weirder but either way, this is still a Bimmer not suitable for purists wailing over the fact that this is a front-wheel-drive car with bits from the current Mini.

2025 BMW 1-Series interior

2025 BMW 1-Series interior

The revised interior features the new dashboard and center console, including a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by the latest Android-based BMW Operating System 9. Although more user-friendly than the previous model, some would have a hard time mastering it just like a newly-bought smartphone with advanced features. As for space and comfort, it accommodates up to five people. With the rear seats folded down, it has up to 1135L of boot space. Nice.

2025 BMW 1-Series

Like the F40 predecessor, the F70 1-Series still runs on the front-wheel-drive FAAR platform, making it mild on the corners and easy to drive everywhere.

As told earlier, the F70 model rewrites the BMW rules for time names as it is the first BMW model to ditch the "i" lettering at the end of the trim name for petrol-powered models while the "d" for diesel and "e" for PHEV models remain. There's no PHEV model for now. Only the 1.5L petrol and the 2.0L diesel are available in this model with various configurations.

The range-topper of the F70 1-Series is the M135 with 300PS of power and 400Nm of torque. With the available xDrive all-wheel-drive system, it does 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. This is your go-to hot hatch worthy of redemption from its purist-unfriendly platform.

As for safety, the new 1-Series features the Driving Assistant package and Parking Assist with a reversing assist that is now part of the standard specification. Customers can opt for the Driving Assistant Professional which adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering assist, and speed limit assist, while the Parking Assist Professional enables remote park assist.

The previous F40 1-Series was one of the worst offenders from BMW because of the un-BMW-ish dynamics that upset longtime fans. With the F70 model, BMW's worst offender just got slightly improved for better and for worse.

Available colors: M Brooklyn Grau metallic, Skyscraper Grau metallic, Thundernight metallic, Fire Red metallic, Saphirschwarz metallic, M Portimao Blau metallic, BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic, BMW Individual Tansanitblau metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Portimao Blau metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic, and Alpinweiß uni.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW X2 U10 and iX2

The BMW X2 is now in its second generation and it gained its all-electric iX2 equivalent. So, what's it all about the all-new X2 and the first-ever iX2? Come here and let's explain.

2025 BMW X2

2025 BMW iX2

The BMW X2 U10, starting at 47,500 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW iX2, starting at 49,900 Euros plus additional costs, showcased something that the predecessor failed to be, a proper coupe-crossover sized to X1 proportions.

While the coupe-crossover is something the all-new X2 wanted to be, there's something about its new looks. It looks like a mini-me XM, especially the crazy XM-styled front face. At the back, BMW borrowed something from Mazda's design department for the taillights.

2025 BMW X2 interior

Like its X1 equivalent, the all-new BMW X2 has an interior similar to the latest 2-Series Active Tourer. It has the new BMW Curved Display, which takes center stage on the driver's side. The display runs on the latest BMW Operating System 9, which has noticeable features, including voice control that works like Alexa. Unfortunately, the new model has a floating center console that removes the storage space under the armrest, making it more difficult to store your stuff. On the plus side, the X2 has more interior space than the previous model.

2025 BMW iX2

Because it runs on the improved FF platform just like its X1 equivalent, the X2 U10 feels slightly improved compared to the previous model, although unhappy about it.

Under the hood, the X2 is offered with the choice of a 1.5L petrol with 48V mild hybrid system, a 1.5L diesel, and exclusive to the M35i xDrive variant, a 2.0L turbo engine with 300PS of power. Mated to a seven-speed DCT, it does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

The iX2, with its 64.8kWh lithium battery pack, is offered with a choice from a 150kW eDrive20 with 459km of driving range up to the 230kW xDrive30 variant that propels this SUV to a 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of a Japanesey 180kph. If the iX2 is good enough on the streets of Tokyo, it's good enough on the streets of Berlin.

Both the new X2 and the iX2 are armed with the most advanced safety features offered. These include the Driving Assistant package with AEB, passive cruise control, and Parking Assistant, among others.

The X2 is the coupe-crossover equivalent of the X1 and this new version is literal indeed, although the XM-styled nose is something the neighborhood should look out for. Still, with its slightly improved packaging and the addition of the iX2 made the all-new X2 worth noticeable from top to bottom. In the end, this is the new normal, after all.

Photo: BMW AG 

DTM 2024: Red Bull Ring

With September finally finished, the DTM 2024 season continues at the Red Bull Ring, home of the Austrian Grand Prix of Formula 1. Although the GT3 machines don't deliver the same intensity as the Formula 1 racers that raced there, they still pack the action and the drama fans expect as DTM's 40th-anniversary celebration nears its climax.

Screengrab from DTM

In the first part, SSR Performance's Mirko Bortolotti fended Winward's Maro Engel for the win. At the same time, Arjun Maini, an Indian driver representing Mercedes-AMG Team HRT, completed the podium with his third-place finish. The same goes for the final part of DTM's Spielberg campaign, where Schubert Motorsport's Rene Rast won ahead of Manthey EMA's Thomas Preinning.

DTM's 40th-anniversary celebration is coming to an end. The season finale will be held at Hockenheimring from October 17 to 20, 2024. Mirko Bortolotti currently leads the driver standings. Will he be crowned champion? Don't miss it!

DTM 2024: Sachsenring

Fall is here, and the DTM's 40th anniversary celebration is nearing its climax. The 2024 season continues in Sachsenring, where two rounds of racing action have delivered some unexpected surprises. The end is drawing near.

Screengrab from DTM

Jack Aitken claimed victory in his Emil Frey Racing 296 GT3, but Mirko Bortolotti's second-place finish bumped him to the top of the leaderboards. In the final race, Luca Stolz won ahead of Kelvin van der Linde, while Thierry Vermeulen, driving the Emil Frey Racing 296 GT3, claimed his first podium finish by finishing in third place.

The gap between current season leader Kelvin van der Linde and Mirko Bortolotti is now 13 points, 170 vs. 163. There are four races and two venues left this season. Will Kelvin van der Linde be able to hold on to his lead?

The next event will be in Red Bull Ring this September 26-29, 2024.

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet

When Mercedes-AMG engineers took the subtle CLE Coupe, force-fed it moderate amounts of steroids, and made it look moderately cool without drawing wanton attention, the result was the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe. What about the Cabriolet version?

2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet

The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet is the latest AMG open-top model. It starts at 100,436 Euros, which is less expensive than the Mercedes-AMG SL43, making it the season’s bargain. The CLE53 Cabriolet is a bold blend of machoness and subtlety, as you would expect from a moderately beefed-up CLE Cabriolet.

Under the hood, the CLE53 Cabriolet has a 3.0L inline-six engine with an electric turbo and an integrated starter generator that produces up to 472PS of power. Mated to an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, it does 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

The CLE53 Cabriolet is a moderately good car to drive on the road and on the track. It has AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully adaptable power distribution and rear-wheel steering. It also has AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, three-stage AMG parameter steering with variable ratio, and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping. However, the controversial AMG Real Performance Sounds is downright filtered.

Having a V6-powered convertible with a six-figure price tag is outrageous, but for the fun of it, you can really have the CLE53 Cabriolet over the SL43 because despite being slower than that, it is less expensive, more powerful, and overall, more fun to drive. It's a bravado of a bargain AMG managed to pull it off.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG

Volkswagen ID.3 GTX

When the first-ever Volkswagen ID.3 received its first minor change last year, it gained what the customers demanded apart from its updated styling; and more user-friendly features. It all went well but the lack of a performance variant made it...lacking. Until now.

2025 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX

2025 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX interior

The first-ever Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is an all-electric alternative to the legendary Golf GTI. It promises to deliver GTI levels of driving feel, and at 50,795 Euros plus additional costs, it's a worthy sleeper. The ID.3 GTX is part subtle and part obvious.

Although it looks and feels just like the normal ID.3, it features the usual GTX exterior treatment as well as sporty front seats, red stitching, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and illuminated touch sliders for the media volume and air-conditioning. It still fits five people and has up to 1267 liters of boot space for your daily stuff.

Being the only rear-wheel-drive vehicle of the VW GTX grid, the electric motor powering the rear axles and the 79kWh battery pack gives the ID.3 GTX 286PS of power and 545 Nm of torque. In the more powerful Performance variant, the performance figures bumped to 326PS, resulting in a 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 200kph, as fast as a Mazda Roadster.

The ID.3 GTX is a rear-wheel drive car that weighs almost two and a half tons. It behaves like a hot hatch but in a mild and tangy way as expected. It has spartan driving manners just like a normal Porsche 911. Driving one is a piece of cake, thank you MEB platform and aluminum bodywork.

As for safety, the ID.3 GTX features a wide array of ADAS such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Travel Assist with automated lane changes, and Park Assist Plus with a memory function. It also comes with V2X technology that allows this car to "communicate" with others within 800 meters and alert the driver of hazards, accidents, and stationary traffic.

If you're looking for a hot hatch that promises to be as cool as the Golf GTi, but the Golf is out of the picture due to the new normal, then the ID.3 GTX is your only alternative. It's controversial, but it's worth a shot.

Available Colors: Mondsteingrau Schwarz, Grenadillschwarz Metallic Schwarz, Gletscherweiß Metallic Schwarz, Kings Red Metallic Schwarz, and Scale Silver Metallic Schwarz.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen Passat B9 vs ID.7 Tourer

Even in the age of the "new normal" the Volkswagen Passat managed to survive with its ninth generation but with only one twist; it's now wagon-only.

2024 Volkswagen Passat

That's right. The all-new Volkswagen Passat B9 is now offered exclusively as a five-door station wagon starting at 39,995 Euros plus additional cost. Sometimes, a painful sacrifice has to be made to keep the Passat alive and kicking amid the "new normal".

2024 Volkswagen Passat interior

Beginning with the design, the all-new Passat prefers to keep it clean and Golf-ish even in its sporty R-Line trim. While incorporating modern-day VW design standards, it's surprisingly bigger than the old Passat Variant thanks to the MQB evo platform it dons.

Step inside, the minimalist interior is getting more interesting to toy with because of the buttons of the steering wheel instead of the utterly irresponsible touch panels, not to mention two screens with the latter being the 15-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment, navigation, smartphone connectivity, and climate control. It's a tricky job.

Getting accommodated with its ergoActive front seats with 14-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, the sharp increase in dimensions made it the most spacious Passat ever made and with up to 1920 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down, Volkswagen's not joking about it.

2024 Volkswagen Passat

Under the hood, the Passat B9 is offered with the choice of a 1.5L turbo eHybrid, 1.5L eTSI, 2.0L TSI, and 2.0L TDi. The eHybrid is mated only with the 6-speed DSG while the eTSi, TSI, and the TDI variants are mated to a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5L eHybrid variant is the most powerful of the range with 272PS of power and 400Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 225kph. It has 0.4l/100km of fuel economy based on WLTP standards and running on electric power alone, it's good for 118km. Not bad for a German PHEV wagon.

The Passat B9 is more interesting to drive than previous models, especially with the available Dynamic Chassis Control Pro. This system features two valves that provide more precise control of the suspension's rebound and compression. The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager controls the electronic XDS system, which provides better handling and stability.

As for safety, the Passat B9 has a long list of available ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, and more. Coupled with the Park Assist Pro, it's now the most technologically advanced Passat ever made.

The Passat B9 is proof that it's here to stay even though it's a wagon only. However, despite being all-new, it feels like its days are already numbered thanks to this.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

This is the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, it's the all-electric alternative to the all-new Passat B9. With prices starting at 54,795 Euros, this is shockingly cheaper to own than the one Passat B9 variant I know, the 2.0 TSI R-Line 4MOTION DSG.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer interior

The ID.7 Tourer features most of the bits and bobs from its saloon counterpart but with up to 1714 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. That's less than the Passat B9's boot space although the Tourer's dimensions are bigger than the Passat B9's.

Like its saloon version, the ID.7 Tourer is powered by the APP550 electric motor that runs the rear axles, producing 286PS of power and 545Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds and a Japanese-esque top speed of 180kph. As for the driving range, it's good for 605km for one full charge.

Being aerodynamic is the top trump for the ID.7 Tourer. Despite being rear-wheel-drive, its mild driving feel is what sums up the ID.7 really well. As for safety, it comes with Travel Assist which comes with assisted lane change maneuvers and assisted parking maneuvers, among others.

If you prefer a conventional internal combustion engine or need a car with a well-established service network, the Passat B9 might be more suitable. If you're ready to embrace electric mobility and want the latest tech, the ID.7 Tourer is likely the better fit. It's the new normal, after all. Up to you.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

DTM 2024: Nurburgring

DTM's 40th-anniversary celebration continues at the Nurburgring Grand Prix Circuit. The weather was wet at the beginning of the race and cloudy at the end. This is the true nature of the Nurburgring GP that the DTM drivers faced.

Screengrab from DTM

In the first part of the Nurburgring campaign that saw the drivers facing arduously wet conditions, Kelvin van der Linde in his Team ABT Sportsline Audi R8 survived all the way to the end and won the race, edging the likes of Mirko Bortolotti and Maro Engel. In the final part, which witnessed an accident between Rene Rast and Maro Engel, it was Kelvin van der Linde's turn to drive his Schubert Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 to victory.

After Nurburgring, Kelvin van der Linde is leading with 140 points, Mirko Bortolotti is in 2nd with 133 points, and Maro Engel is in third with 128 points.

The next race is at Sachsenring from September 5 to 8, 2024.

My FM Log: The Unrivaled

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR and the Lamborghini Reventon made their way back to Forza Motorsport's Update 10 and having won these two timeless exotics, it's time to have a word with them.

Let's begin with the Lamborghini Reventon that I won by completing Update 10's Open Tour until the August 14, 2024 deadline.

Unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and limited to 20 units, costing about two million dollars each, the Reventon is one of the rarest and most unique Lamborghini models ever made, using some of the components from the Murcielago LP640. It was named after a fighting bull famed for the death of Mexican bullfighter Felix Guzman in 1943 and heavily inspired the design of the fighter jet.

The 6.5L V12 derived from the LP640 Murcielago gave a 10HP boost, therefore it has 650HP of power and 660Nm of torque. When it was driven somewhere in Dubai, it achieved 356 kilometers per hour (221.2 mph) of top speed.

Of 20 made, 10 were delivered to the United States, 7 to Europe, 1 to Canada, and 2 to Asia. Notable owners include Khalid Abdul Rahim of Bahrain, Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov, and Ken Lingenfelter who is a car collector in Michigan. 

Lastly, let's get to know the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, the one that I got from Update 10's Nemesis Tour until the August 28, 2024 deadline.

Introduced in 1997, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a GT1-class racing machine that is made to compete in the FIA GT Championship. A year later, it spawned its road-legal homologated equivalent.  Powering the road car is a 6.9L V12 engine that produces 604HP of power, making it capable of going from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 198mph.

Only 26 road cars were made and sold, making it one of the most exclusive and desirable Mercedes-Benz models ever produced. 20 were coupes and 6 were roadsters. Two of them, a coupe and a roadster, were RHD models built for the 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. The other two coupes left the factory with SuperSport specifications powered by the 7.3L V12 engine that would later power the Pagani Zonda.

Let's take these two iconic supercars for a quick spin around South Africa's Kyalami GP Circuit. We'll see how fast they can go and how much power they have.

These cars really are in a class of their own. They are unrivaled from the way they look to the way they feel.

Enjoy your new rides!

My FH5 Log: Getting Infested

The Cars and Coffee update on Forza Horizon 5 is a disaster. The game is now infested with old cars swarming all over the Horizon Mexico grounds. These old cars are like disease-carrying insects ruining everyone's summer vacation.

Our first offender is the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae that I've obtained from the Wet Season Playlist. Lamborghini said goodbye to the Aventador with the LP780-4 Ultimae, the final special edition that combines all the greatest feats from the normal Aventador to the SVJ. It's limited to 350 coupes and 250 roadsters, and features an updated 6.5L V12 engine producing 780PS of power, making it the most powerful Aventador ever made.

Our second offender is the so-called Volkswagen SP-2 that I won from the Storm Season Playlist. Developed by Volkswagen do Brasil, the SP-2 runs on the chassis of the Brazil-spec Type 3. Despite its sleek looks, sales were drastically poor and 10,205 cars were built with 681 exported to Nigeria, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The "brood mother" of the Cars and Coffee infestation is the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato that I won as the overall prize car of the update. Unveiled at the Concourse d'Elegance event at Lake Como, this limited-to-99-unit collectors' model is the fifth car that emerged from the ongoing partnership that spans back from the DB4 GT Zagato, the barn find that you got since you first moved to Horizon UK. Although based on the Vanquish S underneath, the 6.0L V12 engine has been uprooted to produce 600PS of power, which allowed the Vanquish Zagato to get from 0-60mph in three and a half seconds, and it features a more comfort-oriented suspension setup for a more GT feel, unlike most ultra-expensive sportscars. Apart from the Coupe, the Vanquish Zagato has spawned various variants such as the open-top Volante, the Speedster, and the Shooting Brake. Combining the "family" of four Vanquish Zagato models, all 325 cars have been sold before being shown to the world.

Finally, the mole rat of the horde is the Volkswagen Type 181 that I won from the Hot Season Playlist. Called by the Americans as the VW Thing, this vehicle was originally made for the German army, this military vehicle has been sold to the general public as the Kurierwagen in the country where it was made and has some of the major components from the People's Car, the VW Beetle. This peculiar vehicle lasted until production ended in the early 80's.

Let's take the recent horde of disease-carrying vermins on various races to prove how much of a vermin they really are. Roll the tapes.

Old cars are a scourge that swarm the festival like disease-carrying insects. These old cars ruin everyone's summer vacation and that's the bottom line. It's the halfway point of 2024 and a game like Forza Horizon 5 is still spreading old cars to the roster like The Plague 

This plague is far from over if you catch my drift. Be warned.

Enjoy your new rides!

My FH5 Log: Taycan Bloodline

The Porsche Taycan revolutionized the company behind the legendary 911 and others with its all-electric powertrain and became the starting point for Porsche's road to electrification. Here in Forza Horizon 5, I sample two versions of the said electric car.

But first, a quick refresher on the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan, Porsche’s first fully electric sports saloon, is a true revolution. It’s a sign of a new era for the company behind the legendary 911, among others. This car is an amazing testament to Porsche’s engineering capabilities. The Taycan Turbo S variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in under three seconds and has a unique electric drivetrain with 800V system voltage and 93.4 kWh Performance Battery Plus. The Taycan is also equipped with a wide range of networked chassis systems that keep it sporty and comfortable.

A year after the saloon version was sold, the Cross Turismo joined the lineup. You know, the one that I won from the Modern Horizons Hot Season Playlist. The Cross Turismo features the same bits and bobs from its saloon version but is now in jacked-up shooting brake packaging. The most powerful version, the Turbo S, has 460kW of power output but when over-boost kicks in, it generates up to 560kW of power, delivering a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 250kph, slower than its sedan equivalent. Range? It's up to 419km per WLTP standards.

Both the Taycan and the Taycan Cross Turismo were concepts turned real and had the same performance. The question is, which Taycan is the best? The saloon or the Cross Turismo? To find out, I went to the main festival stage to conduct this experiment. Roll the tape.

And now the results...

Taycan - 1m00.460s

Taycan CT - 1m01.044s

A close shave as expected but the saloon came up on top.

Saloon or Cross Turismo, it makes no difference which Taycan you're on because, with the Taycan, Porsche's road to electrification goes full circle and the hype is real. Electric power just got manly and dangerous. This is Soul, Electrified.

EPILOGUE

Showing respect to the first-ever Porsche Taycan, it's time for the saloon version to do a one-car show but first...

A dab of Angel's Breath and the Taycan's feeling angelic for all the wrong reasons. Still, the scent of Angel's Breath is lovely and nostalgic just like a stack of Mod magazines from my youth. Let's go, Mikan.

With the scent of Angel's Breath lingering, Mikan the Taycan is prepared to take on today's Making Drama; a storm drain setting curated by a certain EventLab pro. 

Making Drama, switch on!

The scent of Angel's Breath may be gone but my little angel skewered through the storm drain like an idol possessed.

The Porsche Taycan is a truly revolutionary vehicle. The electric powertrain is impressive, the performance is incredible, and it's both stylish and comfortable. Plus, it's fun to drive! It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular new cars on the market. It's a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess that they were able to create an electric car that doesn't sacrifice any of the things that make a Porsche a Porsche. I predict that the Taycan will be one of the most iconic cars of the decade.

GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!

Porsche Panamera (972) v Taycan Minor Change

The only premium saloon in the Porsche stable, the Panamera, is now in its third generation and it's officially the best Panamera ever made by a narrow margin.

2025 Porsche Panamera

Starting at an ultra-expensive 110,900 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new third-generation Panamera is the Third Coming of Porsche's only luxury premium sedan that combines the first-class comfort and track-honed performance you would expect for a Porsche.

2025 Porsche Panamera

The design of the Panamera 972 is very similar to earlier models, but Porsche says that this new version was inspired by the electric Taycan. The all-electric Taycan is Porsche's only luxury premium sedan, and its influence can be seen in the design of the Panamera. I think this is an exciting development that shows that Porsche is moving forward with exciting, new models that will be part of their exciting future.

Now the range-topping Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, the most powerful Porsche Turbo, is the first to don the monochrome Porsche badge because it looks so cool. I think it's a great idea to put the badge on the most powerful version of the Porsche.

2025 Porsche Panamera interior

2025 Porsche Panamera interior

In contrast to its familiar looks, the interior is all-new for the 972. On the driver's side, it features a dual touch-screen display with the other one on the passenger side, which is of course an optional extra and it's only visible to whoever sits in the front passenger seat, not from the driver's seat to avoid distracted driving. Boo. On the plus side, the analog clock from the previous model is still here. On the top as usual. On the passenger side, it still has that out-on-the-limo feeling, and things get even more interesting if you go for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive with longer wheelbase and executive rear seats. Going first-class doesn't need to be a dull moment especially when you're in the all-new Porsche Panamera.

The new Porsche Panamera has a good amount of boot space, as long as you don't need the rear seats. With the seats folded down, you can fit up to 1264 liters of stuff in the back, which is pretty good for a premium sedan. So if you’re a Porsche purist and you need a lot of cargo space, you’ll likely be happy with the new Panamera.

2025 Porsche Panamera

Base Panamera variants are powered by a 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine with 353PS of power and mated to an 8-speed AT but the E-Hybrid variants are armed with the same engine but bolted to an E-Motor to produce a total output of up to 544PS of power for the 4S E-Hybrid variant. Mated to the said gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and flat-out at 290kph.

The range-topper Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is armed with the new 4.0L V8 turbo engine bolted to an E-Motor that produces a total output of 680PS of power and 930Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 315kph. That's nearly supercar performance in a car that weighs over two tons.

Dynamics have been slightly improved thanks to its standard Porsche Active Suspension Management, available all-wheel steering, available Porsche Active Ride active suspension, and new active shock absorbers, among others. With such improvements, the dynamics made the all-new model the best premium sedan to drive by a narrow margin. You might as well ditch your Mercedes-AMG S63 for this one. It feels downright addictive to drive.

As for safety, the all-new Panamera features a revised active speed assistant as well as the updated Porsche InnoDrive now with swerve assistant and the new Remote ParkAssist function.

The all-new Porsche Panamera is no doubt the best Panamera ever made by a narrow margin but is it really the best Porsche sedan you want to drive and leave others driven to tears?

2025 Porsche Taycan

2025 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

2025 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo

To give us the answer, let's introduce to you to the Porsche Taycan's 2025MY Minor Change. Priced at 101,500 Euros, which is slightly more expensive than the all-new Panamera, the Taycan is still offered with three body styles such as the saloon version, the Sport Turismo with up to 1212 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down, and the slightly rugged Taycan Cross Turismo.

2025 Porsche Taycan interior

The Taycan minor change features a slightly refreshed design as well as a revised interior with more touchscreens, a refreshed digital instrumental cluster, standard brushed aluminum side sill scuff plates, new leather-free upholstery options (both with Pepita houndstooth fabric), revised two-tone color scheme choices and new Aluminium Prisma decor. Everything around the Taycan is still first-class comfort.

2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT

Of course, you can have the all-electric Taycan from 408PS to 952PS for the Turbo S but ignore all of that because there's now the ultimate Taycan you want to have; the Taycan Turbo GT.

Priced at 240,000 Euros plus additional costs, the Taycan Turbo GT juiced its AWD dual-motor powertrain with 105kWh Lithium battery to produce a monstrous 1034PS of power and 1340Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 2.3 seconds and flat-out at 290kph, slower than the all-new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. As for driving range, the Taycan Turbo GT is good for 555km in one full charge and it will take half a day to charge it while at home or 18 minutes while at a public 320kW charging station if there is one.

Armed with the available Weissach Package that deletes the rear seats and other forms of comfort to drop 70kg on a car that weighs over two tons, the Taycan Turbo GT is capable of crushing the Nurburgring Nordschleife production EV lap record in 7 minutes and 7.55 seconds, faster than the controversial Tesla Model S Plaid. This is no doubt the fastest saloon to lap the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife and such plaudits must not be ignored.

So, the all-new third-generation Panamera and the Taycan minor change. Both Porsche saloons are built for the new normal with the first-class comfort and race-honed performance you would expect for a Porsche but in the end, it's the facelifted Taycan, in Turbo GT form, takes the upper hand. Either way, these two are too hot to be ignored. WE JUST WANT ONE OF THESE.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG