2021 Porsche Panamera: Powertrain Shakeup And New Record Lap Time For Executive Express

Porsche hinted at the increased performance capability of its refreshed 2021 Panamera lineup earlier this month when a camouflaged version of the new production car posted a Nürburgring lap time of 7:29.81 minutes, setting a new certified record for the “executive cars” class. That’s about 13 seconds quicker than the fastest Panamera model could muster when it plied the ring four years ago.

The model responsible for the record is the range-topping 2021 Panamera Turbo S. Though its turbocharged V8 engine shares the previous Panamera Turbo’s 4.0-liter displacement, the internals are massaged for more performance.

In addition to revising the crankshaft, connecting rods and fuel injectors, Porsche backed down the compression ratio slightly to allow for extra boost. More boost means more power, in this case, a total of 620 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, increases of 70 horsepower and 37 pound-feet. Porsche, an automaker historically conservative with estimates, is claiming a zero to 60 time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph for both the Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo shooting brake (the version with the extended wagon-style posterior).

As for the rest of the 2021 lineup, the gang mostly returns. The new Panamera Turbo S replaces the Panamera Turbo in the lineup, and several other variants get powertrain changes. The Panamera GTS’s 453-horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 gets a 20-horsepower boost for a total of 473. Its throttle calibration also is now tuned for more linear and progressive responsiveness. Porsche also replaced the base Panamera’s 330-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo V6 with a 325-horsepower version of its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6.

On the hybrid front, Porsche is adding a new plug-in hybrid model dubbed the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. Utilizing a version of the corporate 2.9-liter V6 mated with a single electric motor, it produces 552 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid sedan is equipped with launch control and can leap to 60 mph in a claimed 3.5 seconds. Its top speed is 185 mph, a figure similar to those of the outgoing Panamera Turbo, which fortifies Porsche’s reasoning for killing it.

The 2021 model year also marks the arrival of a larger hybrid battery for all three Panamera hybrid models. Featuring a 27-percent larger capacity (up to 17.9 kWh from 14.1 kWh previously), it works with recalibrated drive modes to maximize the performance and efficiency. Official MPGe, range and charge times are forthcoming.

Style-wise, the changes are minimal. The entire lineup now features the previously optional SportDesign fascia, except for the new Panamera Turbo S models, which get larger air intakes and a unique headlamp signature. A subtle distinct illuminated style strip runs across the rear joining the taillamps and an updated diffuser. Available add-ons include a SportDesign package, either with or without carbon fiber, and a choice of 20- or 21-inch wheels (the larger wheels offer two different designs).

As before, the GTS models get a number of satin black accents, including 20-inch wheels, tinted taillamps, an updated front and rear SportDesign fascia and a sport exhaust. (The sport exhaust also can be ordered on the new Panamera Turbo S.)  

Ultimately, the 2021 Porsche Panamera lineup remains a pinnacle of four-door performance. Available as a sedan, extended-wheelbase executive sedan and wagon-back Sport Turismo combined with numerous powertrain options, it’s also one of the most versatile.

Ordering for the new Panamera opens at the start of 2021 with prices starting just under the $90k mark. Deliveries will begin in the spring.