Porsche is blending performance and practicality with the 2021 Porsche Panamera. The next-gen model has design enhancements brining it into line with the rest of the modern Porsche lineup and a host of new powertrain options reflecting the company’s commitment to alternative powertrains.
The exterior of the new Panamera isn’t a complete departure from the old. In fact, it’s just subtle tweaks. Each model now comes standard with the SportDesign fascia (previously an option). Buyers can upgrade to the SportDesign package, with or without carbon fiber. The Panamera GTS gets this fascia in Satin Black and the Panamera Turbo S has a unique take as well, including a specific front light signature.
The previously available Sport Design front fascia is now standard.Photo courtesy of Porsche AG
At the rear, the Panamera has Porsche’s new signature light strip that spans the width of the haunch-heavy model. This is a design similar to the 911 and Cayenne. The lower rear fascia has new diffuser fins.
A new 20-inch wheel design and two new 21-inch wheel designs are available. The Panamera Turbo S gets 21-inch 911 Turbo Design wheels. The Panamera GTS runs on GTS-specific Satin Black 20-inch Panamera Design wheels. An Ultra High Performance Summer tire is available on Panamera models for the first time.
Porsche has given its GTS model additional enhancements including Exclusive Design tinted taillights as well as black lettering and model designations. This version of the Panamera gets the available Sport Exhaust System as standard equipment.
Two new paint options are available – Cherry Red Metallic and Truffle Brown Metallic.
The Panamera now comes with a host of new engine options.Photo courtesy of Porsche AG
Standard Panamera models will now feature a twin-turbocharged 2.9 liter engine that makes 325 horsepower. This engine replaces the previous turbocharged 3.0-liter unit.
Porsche has replaced with the Panamera Turbo with the Turbo S. The new Panamera Turbo S gets enhancements to its crankshaft, connecting rods, timing chain drive and torsional vibration dampers, and fuel injectors. It also will have a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 at its heart making 620 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, a significant bump from the 550 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque in the Turbo.
The same engine can be found in the Panamera Sport Turismo and, using launch control, it can get from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds (3.0 seconds for the Panamera Turbo S Executive).That’s half a second quicker than the previous Panamera Turbo. The car is speed limited to 196 mph on the track.
The Panamera GTS also gets a power upgrade. It now has 473 horsepower (up 20) and 457 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, its throttle calibration has been tuned to match a naturally aspirated engine more closely.
A new plug-in hybrid option will be available. The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid pairs an electric motor with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 to achieve 552 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Using launch control it can get off the line and to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top track speed of 185 mph.
Porsche has given all its Panamera E-Hybrid models a 27 percent larger hybrid battery capacity for 2021. The bump moves it u pto 17.9 kilowatt-hours from 14.1 kilowatt-hours. They also get recalibrated drive modes that are designed to maximize the performance and efficiency of the car.
Each Panamera gets the adjustable Porsche Active Suspension Management system, which features an updated calibration for its adaptive dampers that is designed to sharpen feedback.
The Panamera Turbo S also gets the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport roll-stabilization system, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV Plus), rear axle steering, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes as standard. This equipment can all be ordered as options on other Panamera models. all of which can be optionally ordered on other Panamera models. The car’s rotors are fitted with yellow or black calipers, depending on client specification.
Porsche has installed a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen in the Panamera.Photo courtesy of Porsche AG
The interior of the Panamera gets a freshly designed multifunction Sport steering wheel with shift paddles. The Panamera Turbo S and GTS get a new, Race-Tex-covered GT Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters wrapped in leather.
Panamera and Panamera 4S E-Hybrid models come standard with eight-way electrically adjustable comfort seats with driver memory package, while the Turbo S models are equipped with 14-way electrically adjustable comfort seats with memory. The luxurious Panamera GTS comes standard with 18-way electrically adjustable adaptive sport seats. Both the 14-way comfort seats and 18-way adaptive sport seats are optional on other Panamera models.
At the center of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen. The system includes navigation, real-time traffic information, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Panamera Turbo S has a 14-speaker, 710-watt Bose Surround Sound System. A 21-speaker, 1,455 watt Burmester 3D High-End Surround System with an active 400 watt subwoofer is available in all Panamera models.
All 2021 Panamera models come standard with lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition technology. Buyers can further enhance their model with a number of available safety technologies including Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, Surround View, and Porsche InnoDrive with Adaptive Cruise Control. A head-up display is also available.
The 2021 Panamera models will be available to order starting early next year, and are expected to arrive at U.S. dealers in the course of Spring 2021. Pricing will be announced once order availability starts.
