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, 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 and 820 Nm of torque, an increase of 79 HP and 50 Nm. The 2021 Panamera Turbo S, which is the Nurburgring
Nordschleife record holder for executive cars. 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.
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, with a 134 HP electric motor
integrated into the eight-speed PDK transmission, for a total output of 552 HP and a peak torque of 750 Nm. This variant covers the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 298 km/h. It has a 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, up 20 HP, and 620 Nm. The Panamera and
Panamera 4 now feature the 2.9-liter V6 bi-turbo engine in all markets, rated
at 325 HP and 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.
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.
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 (US$ 107,961) for the RWD model,
€ 95,289 (US$ 112,623) for the Panamera 4, € 126,841 (US$ 149,914) for the 4S E-Hybrid,
€ 136,933 (US$ 161,842) for the GTS and € 179,737 (US$ 212,432) for the Turbo S.
