The adventure involved many miles on the road, wintry conditions and an alpine sports programme of a very different variety – and for this road trip to be a success, a very special travel companion was needed. The list of requirements is easy to identify: plenty of space for both equipment and luggage, maximum driving comfort for long distances, a high level of safety in adverse weather conditions and, despite all of this, a sporty performance in keeping with the theme of the tour. The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo was quickly identified as a clear favourite.
Based on the successful sports saloon, the Sport Turismo demonstrates a versatility matched by virtually no other vehicle in its class. With a large tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage compartment volume and a 4+1 seating concept, this vehicle meets all the demands of the winter tour through its combination of everyday usability and maximum flexibility. From a technological and design perspective, the Sport Turismo utilises all the innovations introduced with the brand new Panamera model line launched only last year. These innovations include the digitalised Porsche Advanced Cockpit, assistance systems such as Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control – which is indispensable on long journeys – and chassis systems such as rear-axle steering, the electric Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilisation system and high-performance drives. All Panamera Sport Turismo vehicles are also equipped with Porsche Traction Management – an active all-wheel drive system with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, an advantage that is useful for more than just wintry road conditions.
Travelling with this high-spec vehicle, Kai Petermann (Heldth), Thies Janknecht
(uberding), Florian Junk (Funkjunge), Markus Herrmann (hermsfarm) and YouTuber Stephan Gerick were well prepared as they embarked upon their journey of over 1,000 kilometres across the Alpine country. At each stop, new and extraordinary winter sports awaited the adventurers, making it an adrenaline triathlon.
#1: Sled dog racing
In Seefeld, the petrolheads exchanged their steering wheels for reins. On a specially prepared course, the huskies showed they are just as much fun to drive as a Porsche – if at slightly slower speeds. These four-legged friends were interested not only in pulling the sled, but also in the Sport Turismo's luggage compartment.
Driving pleasure
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: Fuel consumption combined 2.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions 59 g/km; electricity consumption (combined) 15.9 kWh/100 km
Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo: Fuel consumption combined 9.5 – 9.4 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions 217 – 215 g/km
#2: Snow biking
The second stop led to even greater heights: Through dense driving snow, the group arrived in Obertauern. Here, a bona fide Guinness record holder was waiting for the participants. Herrmann Koch has performed various amazing feats on a "snow bike". After a short warm-up, it was time to head down the piste on this “bike on skis” – a real adrenaline rush.
Adrenaline rush
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: Fuel consumption combined 2.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions 59 g/km; electricity consumption (combined) 15.9 kWh/100 km
#3: Bobsledding
The last winter sport trial awaited them in Spital am Phyrn in the state of Upper Austria: sledging on unprepared trails. But before they could go downhill in the powdery snow, the mountain first needed to be conquered. Equipped with snowshoes, the group trekked uphill. The ride downhill was a lot more fun.
Sledging on unprepared trails
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: Fuel consumption combined 2.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions 59 g/km; electricity consumption (combined) 15.9 kWh/100 km
After dog sled races, snow biking and bobsledding, the winter adrenaline triathlon was complete. The group arrived in Vienna after a journey spanning more than 1,000 kilometres, in weather conditions ranging from bright sunshine to heavy snowstorms. The Panamera Sport Turismo had fulfilled its purpose: to be a sports car, pack mule and snow mobile all at the same time.
You can soon enjoy a first-hand account of these experiences at heldth.com, uberding.net, funkjunge.de, hermsfarm.de and youtube.com/stephangerick.
Consumption data
Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo: Fuel consumption combined 9.5 – 9.4 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 217 – 215 g/km
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: Fuel consumption combined 2.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 59 g/km; electricity consumption (combined) 15.9 kWh/100 km
