When a lot of people think about a Porsche, they think about power, speed, and a driving experience that you won’t find anywhere else. With the Panamera, Porsche has proven it can also tackle luxury, creating a sophisticated and incredible vehicle that surrounds you with lavish details while also delivering tremendous power. The 2021 Porsche Panamera looks to continue this trend while also going further than ever before, with more power to offer and some of the most impressive engines and features I’ve ever seen.
Whether you’re considering buying the stunning new Panamera, or you’re simply an avid Porsche fan interested in what’s next, this is definitely a model worth keeping your eye on. Today, I’m going to go over some of the most remarkable features that Porsche has announced for this model – you know we’re going to take a good look at the engines and the kind of performance it will deliver. Maybe you’ll learn something new or see something that convinces you the Panamera is an investment you’re looking to make – either way, we’re going to check out one of the most impressive and luxurious cars on the road.
#1 – The Improved Turbo S Engine
We’re talking about a Porsche here, so of course, I’m going to start off by taking a good look at the engines on this thing and the kind of power it has to offer. While the engine in the Turbo S trim is really amazing, let’s first take a quick look at the standard option so we can really see the triumph of the Turbo S by comparison. The standard 2021 Porsche Panamera comes with a 2.9L twin-turbo engine that offers 325 hp, which replaces the 3.0L single-turbo engine that was previously the standard. That’s all well and good, but we really need to look at what you can get in the Turbo S trim. If you go with the Panamera Turbo S, then you get a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers an amazing 620 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. The previous model had a Turbo trim that topped out at 550 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque, which is certainly no slouch, but you can see that the 2021 Turbo S really blows that away.
If you don’t quite need that Turbo S level of power, then there’s a GTS trim available that gives you better-than-standard performance without quite reaching the Turbo S level. The GTS engine is a twin-turbo V8 that delivers up to 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. You can see this is a great middle-ground between the standard and Turbo S levels of performance, plus it’s a solid 20 hp boost over last year’s GTS model.
#2 – The Turbo S E-Hybrid Engine
While the GTS and Turbo S engines are marked improvements over what you could get on the 2020 model, perhaps the most exciting new option for the 2021 Porsche Panamera is the plug-in hybrid model. The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid features an electric motor paired with a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine, which results in 552 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque plus fantastic fuel economy. While not everyone is going to go rushing out to get a hybrid Porsche, this is a really great option for anyone interested in luxury, power, and fuel efficiency.
However, the real star will be the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which combines the best of both options, delivering some 680 hp with its incredible powerplant. Sadly, this one isn’t ready yet and is slated to become available a little later. Still, the 4S E-Hybrid model is able to go from 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds, while the standard Turbo S can make it in 2.9 seconds. I can’t wait to see what the Turbo S E-Hybrid will be able to do once Porsche is ready to really show it off.
#3 – Active Suspension Management and More
Part of the incredible performance of the 2021 Porsche Panamera comes from its powerful engines, of course, but there are also a number of mechanical upgrades beyond the engine that help provide an unmatched driving experience. For example, the 2021 model features an adjustable Porsche Active Suspension Management system, which is standard. This features updated calibration for its dampers, compared to previous years, which improves ride quality – after all, this is a luxury sedan first and foremost.
In addition to the improved suspension, the 2021 Panamera also features a Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport roll-stabilizing system on the Turbo S model, ensuring you remain safe and in all kinds of conditions. The running gear also features 21-inch 911 turbo design wheels and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, so that you are always in control, no matter how fast you go. And if you want to take things a step further, Ultra High Performance Summer tires will be available on the 2021 Porsche Panamera, marking the first time they are offered on this model
and providing you with racetrack-worthy performance and handling.
#4 – Bold New Exterior Details
The Porsche Panamera was already gorgeous, so it’s not like it needed a full redesign from the ground up, but the updates for the 2021 model are subtle improvements. These include the previously optional SportDesign front fascia now being standard on all models, giving the lineup a more comprehensive overall look and style. In addition to this, there is now a continuous light strip across the rear of the Panamera, connecting the two tail lights for a slick look that adds a little something extra.
With the GTS trim, you get updated front and rear fascia details including Satin Black touches that make it more unique, with Satin Black 20-inch wheels that bring the whole look together. The GTS also has exclusive tinted taillights and a sport exhaust system that makes the rumble of its V8 engine more pronounced. The Turbo S trim has a unique front fascia that sets it apart, featuring larger air intakes to support its powerful engine and Turbo S-specific front lighting that lets it stand out among the crowd. The Executive body style is still available from previous years,
with a longer wheelbase that provides more rear-seat room than the sedan and Sport Turismo body styles.
#5 – Luxurious Interior Features
Since the 2021 Porsche Panamera is a luxury sedan with incredible power, you’d expect it to have a refined and sophisticated interior, which it does. The interior has been updated for the 2021 model with a newly designed Sport steering wheel offering mounted controls and paddle shifter. A GT Sport steering wheel is also available, which has leather-wrapped shift paddles. The standard 8-way power-adjustable seats feature driver memory settings, while the Turbo S comes with 14-way power-adjustable seats, and the GTS trim gives you 18-way power- adjustable adaptive sport seats. If you’re interested in this more refined seating on a standard model, then it’s an available option.
A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on every model, with all of the connectivity features you’d expect. There’s a 14-speaker Bose surround sound system with a separate subwoofer available on all models. However, it comes standard on the Turbo S – which also has a 21-speaker Burmester 3D High-End surround system available if you want to upgrade the sound system even more. In general, the interior is absolutely gorgeous and reminds you that you’re in a luxury sedan with the power and performance of a Porsche.
