The second-generation Porsche Panamera is now four years old, which means the luxury sports sedan and wagon are definitely ripe for an upgrade. Thankfully, Porsche did just that, as they have recently unveiled the facelifted 2021 Porsche Panamera.
As with every facelift Porsche makes, the changes are very hard to spot. But as journalists, it’s our job to tell you what’s new. There are three body styles on offer: Sedan, Executive (long-wheelbase), and Sport Turismo (shooting brake). The Sport Design package, which used to be an optional aesthetics upgrade for the Panamera line-up, is now standard across all variants. As a result, the front bumper now features a sleeker and sportier design.
As expected, the top trim Turbo S variant features even more aggressive exterior elements to match its equally aggressive performance. LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard across the line-up, while the Turbo S gets its own unique LED headlight signature. Perhaps the most noticeable change is at the rear, where Porsche has added an LED strip that connects the two taillights. This design element has already become a signature of all new Porsche models.
Interior changes are even less noticeable. Materials have been upgraded in a few places but that’s about it. Drivers will be greeted by a single analog tachometer flanked by two high-resolution LCD screens, which is equipped as standard on all variants. Other standard features include the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system, which features a 12.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Bose premium sound system, electrically-adjustable front seats, just to name a few.
Most of the changes of the 2021 Porsche Panamera have been implemented under the hood. The Panamera Turbo S now replaces the Turbo as the most powerful non-hybrid model. Its twin-turbo V8 engine pumps out 621 hp and 820 Nm of torque, an increase of 79 hp and 50 Nm over the outgoing Turbo variant. As a result, the Turbo S sprints from zero to 100 kph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 315 kph. The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S also happens to be the current fastest executive luxury sedan to lap the Nurburgring, finishing the run in 7:29.81.
Just below the Turbo S is the GTS, in which its twin-turbo V8 now produces 473 hp (+20 hp) and 620 Nm of torque. Porsche hasn’t revealed zero to 100 kph acceleration times, nor its top speed. Though we’re pretty sure it’ll be impressive.
Making its debut in the 2021 Porsche Panamera is a new plug-in hybrid variant called the 4S E-Hybrid. This model combines a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for a combined output of 552 hp and 750 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 kph is achieved in just 3.7 seconds along with a top speed of 298 kph.
Serving as the base variants are the Panamera and Panamera 4, with 4 denoting that it’s the AWD model. Both variants are powered by a new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 rated at 325 hp and 450 Nm of torque. As for transmission choices, all aforementioned powertrains are mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Notably absent in the 2021 Porsche Panamera lineup is the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Porsche says this high-performance electrified variant will make its return in the next few months. As the flagship of the Panamera range, this electrified Panamera is also expected to be the fastest. The previous model is able to sprint from zero to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds.
Apart from the powertrains, the chassis has also been upgraded. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has been revised for improved comfort and handling.
The 2021 Porsche Panamera will go on sale worldwide in the middle of October 2020.
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