The updated 2021 Porsche Panamera has made its official debut, arriving with a multitude of minor changes including subtle styling revisions and powertrain updates.
Porsche may be investing heavily in future electric vehicles, but that doesn't mean the automaker has turned its back on the combustion engine. One of the highlights of the updated 2021 Porsche Panamera is the re-engineered twin-turbocharged V8 engine. With new internals and a beefed-up fuel injection system, the boosted 4.0L V8 makes an additional 70 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque in the Panamera Turbo S model, which replaces the regular Panamera Turbo. That means the Panamera Turbo S is good for 620 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque, enabling a zero-to-100-km/h sprint of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. The engine also makes 20 hp more in the sporty Panamera GTS model for a max output of 473 hp and 457 lb-ft.
Output for the entry-level Panamera and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S models remains the same, with both models retaining Porsche's 325-hp 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine. However, a new sport-focused Panamera 4S E-Hybrid has also been introduced, which pairs the 2.9L V6 with a 134-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. These models produce 552 horsepower and 553 lb-ft and will hustle from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. That's quicker than a 997-generation Porsche 911 Turbo! The top speed for these models is 298 km/h.
Every new Porsche Panamera model variant will receive the previously optional Sport Design front fascia, which integrates a different air intake/grille design and new LED daytime running lights. In the rear, the vehicle gets a revamped rear LED light strip that Porsche says "provides a continuous and flowing connection between the two newly designed LED tail light clusters." New 20- and 21-inch wheels have also been added to the list of available options, making for a total of 10 available designs.
Moving inside, Porsche's infotainment system gets improved voice control functionality, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and a new "Risk Radar" system that provides detailed road sign and road hazard information. Keeping drivers safe is the optional suite of Porsche InnoDrive active safety features, which now includes adaptive cruise control, Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, LED matrix headlights, Park Assist including Surround View and a head-up display.
Just like before the Panamera will continue to be offered either as a sedan or in Sport Turismo wagon guise. Certain models can also still be ordered in long-wheelbase Executive guise.
The 2021 Porsche Panamera is available to order now, with Canadian deliveries expected to commence in Q1 2021. Prices start at $99,300 for the rear-wheel-drive, base-level Panamera model, while the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 will cost $104,600. The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid will start at $128,500, with the GTS ringing in at $147,700. The range-topping Panamera Turbo S (again, the Turbo model has been discontinued in favour of the new Turbo S) will cost $202,400.