2021 Porsche Panamera: The Biggest Changes Are Hidden Under The Hood

A little over four years after its debut in the summer of 2016, the second generation of the Porsche Panamera, code name 971, has received a mid-cycle facelift.

While the cosmetic changes performed inside and out are, typically for Porsche, restrained and will likely go unnoticed by most casual viewers (we’ll get to those later), the Germans gave the Panamera some notable improvements under the body.

For starters, the Turbo S has replaced the Turbo and comes with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that puts out 621 HP (630 PS / 463 kW) and 605 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque, an increase of 79 HP (80 PS / 59 kW) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm).

Video: Watch The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Lap The Nurburgring Nordschleife In 7:29.81

The 2021 Panamera Turbo S, which is the Nurburgring Nordschleife record holder for executive cars beating the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 by 0.3 seconds, accelerates from nought to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 3.1 seconds and tops out at 196 mph (315 km/h). The combined fuel consumption is 21.2-22 mpg US (11.1-10.7 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions stand at 245-253 g/km.

A new PHEV joins the range

The plug-in hybrid lineup has welcomed a new model, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. It combines a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, making 434 HP (440 PS / 324 kW), with a 134 HP (136 PS / 100 kW) electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK transmission, for a total output of 552 HP (560 PS / 412 kW) and a peak torque of 553 HP (750 Nm). This variant covers the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 185 mph (298 km/h). It has a 34–mile (54-km) driving range in the WLTP cycle with the 17.9 kWh battery fully charged.

Other versions of the Panamera have been upgraded as well, with the GTS’ twin-turbo V8 now pumping out 473 HP (480 PS / 353 kW), up 20 HP (20 PS / 15 kW), and 457 lb-ft (620 Nm). The Panamera and Panamera 4 now feature the 2.9-liter V6 bi-turbo engine in all markets, rated at 325 HP (330 PS / 243 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm), with identical performance numbers, Porsche notes.

The facelifted Panamera promises a more engaging driving experience, as the chassis and control systems have been upgraded with an emphasis on the sportiness and comfortable character of the car. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has been has been revamped, resulting in improved damping comfort, whereas control of the electric roll stabilization leads to improved body stability.

What’s new in the design department

Available in Sedan, Sport Turismo and Executive LWB body styles, the 2021 Panamera boasts revised looks, although in typical Porsche fashion, you have to look closely to notice them. For instance, the new SportDesign Package, which was previous available as an option, is now standard across the lineup, the Turbo S gets a sportier front bumper with bigger air intakes and unique lighting signature, and the GTS features new darkened taillamps. Mirroring the looks of other Porsches, the back end sports an LED light strip, and there are also newly designed LED taillights. New 20- and 21-inch wheels have been introduced, raising the number to 10.

Not much has changed inside either, save for the Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, which becomes the GT Sport steering wheel in the Panamera Turbo S. Features such as the 12.3-inch center touchscreen with sat-nav and Wi-Fi hotspot are part of the offering, alongside a Bose premium sound system and electrically adjustable seats, among others.

All 2021 Panamera models are equipped with standard Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, while the Lane Change Assist, Surround View, Porsche InnoDrive with Adaptive Cruise Control, Night Vision Assist and head-up display are optional.

When will it go on sale?

Porsche will launch the facelifted Panamera in the U.S. early next year, with pricing to be announced.

In Europe, it’s already up for sale, though it won’t arrive at dealerships before mid-October. Prices in Germany start at €91,345 ($107,961) for the RWD model, €95,289 ($112,623) for the Panamera 4, €126,841 ($149,914) for the 4S E-Hybrid, €136,933 ($161,842) for the GTS and €179,737 ($212,432) for the Turbo S.