Porsche Launches Smartphone App in New Panamera

By Chris Chase

Jul 19, 2016

Car News

Summary

Porsche jumps on the connected car bandwagon

Porsche is the latest automaker to let owners stay connected to their cars from wherever they are with the launch of the Porsche Connect smartphone app.

Joining the ranks of automakers like Nissan (Nissan Connect) and Mercedes-Benz (mbrace), Porsche Connect allows owners of the new Panamera to "simplify life through everyday technology." As with other OEM smartphone apps, Porsche's lets you communicate with the car to find out how much gas is in the tank, or to find the car if you can't remember where you parked.

And in E-Hybrid models, the app gives the driver remote control over the car's auxiliary heating function and charging timer, and will show remaining driving range based on current battery charge and remaining fuel.

And when you're in your car and can't find where you're going, Porsche Connect lets you call up Google Earth and Street View to show you what your destination looks like.

Porsche says the Panamera's 12.3-inch touchscreen "marks the next stage of development for the Porsche Communications Management (PCM)" system, and is the foundation for its Porsche Advanced Cockpit system's high-res displays and smartphone-like interface. Look for the new display system to show up in future Porsche models.

Porsche Connect also incorporates Apple CarPlay but, apparently, not Android Auto. The app is, however, available through both Apple and Google online app stores.

Meet the Author

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.