A little over four years after its debut in the summer of 2016, the second generation of the Porsche Panamera, codenamed 971, got a facelift in the middle of the bike.
Although the cosmetic changes made inside and out, typical of Porsche, are limited and likely to go unnoticed by most casual viewers (the ones we will come to 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 produces 621 hp (630 hp / 463 kW) and 820 Nm of torque, an increase of 79 hp (80 hp / 59 kW ) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
Video: Watch The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Lap The Nurburgring Nordschleife In 7: 29.81
The 2021 Panamera Turbo S, the Nurburgring Nordschleife record holder for executive cars that beat the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 by 0.3 seconds, accelerates from nothing to 62 mph (0-100 km / h) in just 3.1 seconds and comes out at 196 mph (315 km / h). The combined fuel consumption is 21.2-22 mpg FS (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, producing 434 HP (440 PS / 324 kW), with a 134 HP (136 PS / 100 kW) electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK transmission, for total output of 552 HP (560 PS / 412 kW) and a peak torque of 553 HP (750 Nm). This variant covers the sprint 0-62 mph (0-100 km / h) in 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 185 mph (298 km / h). It has a range of 34 kilometers in the WLTP cycle with the 17.9 kWh battery fully charged.
Other versions of the Panamera have also been improved, with the GTS ‘twin-turbo V8 now having 473 HP (480 PS / 353 kW), 20 HP (20 PS / 15 kW), and 457 lb-ft (620) pumped out. Nm). The Panamera and Panamera 4 now have the 2.9-liter V6 bi-turbo engine in all markets, rated at 325 hp (330 PS / 243 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft), with identical performance numbers, Porsche notes.
The facelifted Panamera promises a more immersive 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 revamped, resulting in improved damping comfort, while control of the electric roll stabilization leads to improved body stability.
What’s new in the design department
The 2021 Panamera is available in sedan, Sport Turismo and Executive LWB body styles, and has revised looks, though in typical Porsche fashion you should look good to notice them. For example, the new SportDesign package, previously available as an option, is now standard on the lineup, the Turbo S gets a sporty front bumper with larger air intakes and unique light drawing, and the GTS has new dark taillights. As a mirror of the appearance of other Porsches, the rear has an LED light strip, and there are also newly designed LED taillights. New 20- and 21-inch wheels have been introduced, increasing the number to 10.
Not much has changed either, except for the Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, which is the GT Sport steering wheel in the Panamera Turbo S. Features such as the 12.3-inch central touchscreen with sat-nav and Wi-Fi hotspot are part of the range, in addition to a Bose premium sound system and electrically adjustable seats, among others.
All Panamera 2021 models feature 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 US early next year, with prices to be announced.
In Europe it is already on sale, although it does not 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.
