Despite the onslaught of the SUV and subsequent success of both Macan and Cayenne, Porsche reckons there’s still a market for the sedan. For the 2021 model year, Porsche has overhauled its Panamera range.
This is a facelift so the design has been given the subtlest of updates. There are new larger side air intakes as well as changes to the headand tail lights. There are new colours and 3 new 20- and 21-inch alloy wheel designs to choose from.
Inside and in terms of digital connectivity, thePorsche Communication Management (PCM) now features additional functions. The online voice control has been improved, Risk Radar forup-to-date road sign info and wireless Apple CarPlay has been introduced.
In terms of safety tech, Lane Keeping Assist with road sign recognition is standard, as well as Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control, Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, LED matrix headlights including PDLS Plus, Park Assist including Surround View and a heads-up display.
For the performance fanatics, the flagship model is the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S, which comes to market with a 463 kW and 820 Nm from an updated 4.0-litre biturbo V8. An 8-speed PDK is offered.0-100 kph is dispatched in just 3.1 seconds and it will hit a top speed of 315 kph. It was this model that blitzed the 20.832 km Nurburgring lap in 7:29.81 minutes.
Other models on offer are thePanamera 4S E-Hybrid with 412 kW and 750 Nm, with the pure electric range boosted by 30% to a range of 54 km.Despite being a hybrid, there’s no compromise when it comes performance and it’ll hit 100 kph in 3.7 seconds. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 mated to a 17.9 kWh battery.
The Porsche Panamera GTS has also been updated and features a V8 biturbo motor with 353 kW and 620 Nm, which is 15 kW more than the predecessor. Also available is the Panamera and Panamera 4, both of which feature the 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with 243 kW and 450 Nm.
Porsche says its new Panamera will be hitting German showrooms by October 2020. South African availability is yet to be confirmed.
Facelifted Porsche Panamera Claims ‘Ring Record
Porsche Panamera 4S (2017) Video Review
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo (2017) International Launch Review
Porsche Taycan Turbo S (2020) Launch Review