Porsche Panamera 2021 review

It's good that the Porsche Panamera does not experience emotions. Otherwise, he may feel like a forgotten member of the Porsche family.

While the 911 remains a perpetual hero, the Cayenne and Macan are popular selling favorites, and the new Taycan is an exciting newcomer, the Panamera is just playing its part. 

It plays an important but small role for the brand, giving Porsche an executive sedan (and station wagon) to compete with big players from other German brands - the Audi A7 Sportback, BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLS. 

However, while it may have been overshadowed recently, that doesn't mean Porsche has forgotten about it. For 2021, the Panamera received a mid-life update after this current generation was released back in 2017. 

The changes are minor on their own, but overall they result in some significant improvements across the range, most notably thanks to the extra power from the previous range leader, the Panamera Turbo, became the Turbo S. 

There's also a new hybrid model and tweaks to the air suspension and related systems to improve handling (but more on that later).

Porsche Panamera 2021: (base)
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.9 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	8.8l / 100km
Landing	4 Places
Price from	$158,800

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

The biggest news in terms of pricing for this updated model is Porsche's decision to significantly cut entry costs. 

The entry-level Panamera now starts at $199,500 (excluding travel expenses), more than $19,000 less than before. Even the next Panamera 4 model costs less than the previous cheapest model starting at $ 209,700 XNUMX.

There is also the Panamera 4 Executive (long wheelbase) and the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo (station wagon), which are priced at $219,200 and $217,000 respectively. 

All four models are powered by the same twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine, but as the names suggest, the standard Panamera is rear-wheel drive only, while the Panamera 4 models are all-wheel drive.

Next up is the hybrid lineup, which combines a 2.9-liter V6 with an electric motor for more performance and greater fuel efficiency. 

The Panamera 245,900 E-Hybrid starts at $4, the stretched Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive is $255,400 and the Panamera E-Hybrid Sport Turismo will set you back $4. 

There's also a new addition to the hybrid group, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, which starts at $292,300 and gets an "S" thanks to a more powerful battery that extends range.

The rest of the extensive lineup includes the Panamera GTS (starting at $309,500) and the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo ($316,800-4.0). They are powered by a 8-litre, twin-turbocharged VXNUMX engine, befitting the GTS's role as the "driver-centric" member of the lineup.

Then there's the range's new flagship, the Panamera Turbo S, which starts at an impressive $409,500 but gets an even more powerful version of the V4.0 8-litre twin-turbo. 

And, in case none of those options appeal to you, there's another option, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which adds an electric motor to a twin-turbo V8 to deliver the most power and torque in the lineup. It is also the most expensive at $420,800.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

When the second generation of the Panamera arrived in 2017, its design was widely recognized. The new model allowed Porsche's stylists to tweak the original's somewhat curvaceous design while retaining a clear family connection to the 911.

For this mid-life update, Porsche only made a few minor tweaks rather than a major facelift. Changes are centered around the front end, where the "Sporty Design" package, which was optional, is now standard across the range. It has different air intakes and large side cooling vents, giving it a more dynamic look.

Over time, people began to like the shape of the Panamera.

At the rear, there is a new light bar that runs through the trunk lid and connects to the LED taillights, creating a smoother look. 

The Turbo S also gets a unique front end treatment that further differentiates it from the previous Turbo. It received even larger side air intakes, connected by a body-colored horizontal element, which distinguishes it from the rest of the lineup.

At the rear, there is a new light stripe that runs through the trunk lid.

Overall, it's hard to blame Porsche's decision not to meddle too much in design. The stretched-out 911 shape of the Panamera has stuck with people over time, and the changes they made to the second generation to make it fitter and sportier looking didn't need change for the sake of change. 

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

As a limousine of the Porsche family, the Panamera pays great attention to space and practicality. But there's a big difference between the Porsche limousine and the rest of the German Big Three, so the Panamera's closest rivals are the sportier A7/8 Series/CLS rather than the bigger A8/7 Series/S-Class. 

The Panamera is not small, at over 5.0m long, but due to its 911-inspired sloping roofline, rear headroom is limited. Adults under 180cm (5ft 11in) will be comfortable, but those taller may hit their heads on the roof.

The Panamera pays great attention to space and practicality.

The Panamera is available in both four-seat and five-seat versions, but from a practical standpoint it would be difficult to carry five. The rear middle seat is technically available with a seatbelt, but is heavily compromised by the rear vents and tray, which are located on the transmission tunnel and are effectively removed anywhere to put your feet up.

On a positive note, the outboard rear seats are great sports buckets, so they provide great support when the driver is using the Panamera sports chassis.

The Panamera is available as a XNUMX-seater or a XNUMX-seater.

This only applies to the standard wheelbase model, while the Executive model has a 150mm longer wheelbase to help create more legroom for rear passengers in the first place. But we didn't get a chance to test it on that first run, so we can't verify Porsche's claims.

Those in front get great sports seats across the range, offering lateral support while still being comfortable.

The sport bucket seats are excellent.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

As mentioned earlier, the Panamera range offers a powertrain smorgasbord with various V6 turbo, V8 turbo and hybrid variants of both to choose from.

The entry-level model, simply known as the Panamera, is powered by a 2.9kW/6Nm 243-litre twin-turbo V450 engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with rear-wheel drive. 

Step up to the Panamera 4, 4 Executive and 4 Sport Turismo and you get the same engine and transmission but with all-wheel drive.

The base model of the Panamera is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 243 kW/450 Nm.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid range (which includes the Executive and Sport Turismo) is powered by the same 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, but supplemented by a 100kW electric motor. 

This means a combined system output of 340kW/700Nm, using the same eight-speed dual-clutch system with all-wheel drive as the non-hybrid variants.

The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid gets an upgraded 17.9 kWh battery, replacing the 14.1 kWh version of the old model. It also gets a more powerful version of the 2.9kW 6-litre V324 engine, boosting the overall output to 412kW/750Nm; again with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel drive. 

The Panamera GTS is equipped with a proprietary 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 353kW/620Nm, an eight-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive. 

The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the GTS delivers 353 kW/620 Nm.

The Turbo S uses the same engine but has been retuned to increase power to 463kW/820Nm; that's 59kW/50Nm more than the old model's Turbo, which is why Porsche justifies adding the "S" to this new version.

And if that's still not enough, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid adds a 100kW electric motor to a 4.0-litre V8 and the combination produces 515kW/870Nm.

Turbo S increases power to 463 kW/820 Nm.

Interestingly, despite the extra power and torque, the Turbo S E-Hybrid is not the fastest accelerating Panamera. The lighter Turbo S accelerates to 0 km/h in 100 seconds, while the hybrid takes 3.1 seconds. 

However, the 4S E-Hybrid manages to get ahead of the GTS despite using a V6 engine, taking just 3.7 seconds compared to the 3.9 seconds it takes for a V8-powered GTS.

But even the entry-level Panamera still hits 5.6 km/h in 0 seconds, so none of the ranges are slow.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

We didn't have a chance to test all the options and compare the numbers to Porsche's claims. Again, it's not surprising that the extremely diverse range of powertrains results in a wide spread in fuel economy figures. 

The leader is the 4 E-Hybrid, which consumes just 2.6 liters per 100 km, according to the company, slightly ahead of the 4S E-Hybrid with a consumption of 2.7 l/100 km. For all its performance, the Turbo S E-Hybrid still manages to return its claimed 3.2L/100km.

The entry-level Panamera we spent most of our time in has a claimed 9.2L/100km. The Panamera GTS is the least efficient, with a claimed return of 11.7L/100km, putting it ahead of the Turbo S at 11.6L/100km.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

ANCAP didn't test the Panamera, most likely because of the significant costs associated with crashing half a dozen sports sedans, but its limited market is likely taken into account as well, so there are no crash tests.

Autonomous emergency braking is standard, as part of what the brand calls its "Warn and Brake Assist" system. It can not only detect potential collisions with cars using the front camera, but also mitigate the impact on cyclists and pedestrians.

Porsche includes many other standard safety features including Lane Keep Assist, adaptive cruise control, Park Assist with surround view cameras and a head-up display. 

Notably, Porsche doesn't offer its soft offline "Traffic Assist" feature as standard; instead, it's an $830 option across the range. 

Another important extra safety feature is night vision - or "Night View Assist" as Porsche calls it - which will add $5370 to the price.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10

Service intervals are annually or every 15,000 km (whichever comes first) for scheduled oil changes, with a more serious inspection every two years. 

Prices vary from state to state due to varying labor costs, but Victorians have been known to pay $695 for an annual oil change, while an inspection costs $995. 

The Panamera is covered by a three-year Porsche unlimited mileage warranty.

There are other notable costs you have to consider, including brake fluid every two years for $270, and every four years you need to change your spark plugs, transmission oil, and air filters, which add up to an additional $2129 on top of $995.

The Panamera is covered by the typical Porsche three-year warranty/unlimited mileage that used to be the industry standard but is becoming less and less typical.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

This is where the Panamera really stands out. With every car created, Porsche aims to make it as close to a sports car as possible, even if it's an SUV or, in this case, a large luxury sedan.

Even though Porsche has an extensive lineup, our test drive was mostly focused on the entry-level model. There's nothing wrong with that, as it's likely to be the best-selling in the lineup, and also because it's a great example of a well-made sports sedan.

In corners, the Panamera really shines.

It may be the first rung on the ladder, but the Panamera doesn't feel simple or missing anything important. The engine is a gem, the chassis is well sorted and the standard equipment level of Australian models is above average.

The 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 makes a pleasant noise, a melodious V6 purr and, when needed, delivers plenty of power. Even though it weighs over 1800kg, the V6 with its 450Nm of torque helps you get out of corners with confidence.

Porsche is working hard to make the Panamera handle like a sports car.

In corners, the Panamera really shines. Even by the highest standards of sports sedans, the Panamera is class-leading thanks to years of Porsche know-how invested in its development.

Point the Panamera into a turn and the front end responds with the precision you expect from a sports car. 

The Panamera rides with superb poise.

The steering provides precision and feedback so you can position your vehicle precisely despite its size. 

You notice its size and weight when you hit the middle of a turn, but it's no different from any of its rivals as you can't fight the physics. But for a luxury sports sedan, the Panamera is a star.

The Panamera is the leader in its class.

To add another layer to its appeal, the Panamera rides with superb poise and comfort despite its sporty nature. 

Often sports sedans tend to put too much emphasis on handling and stiffer suspension settings at the expense of ride comfort, but Porsche has managed to find a great balance between two seemingly opposing characteristics.

Verdict

While we didn't get to try the full breadth of the range, our time in the base Panamera showed that while it's the most underrated member of the Porsche family, it can also be the most underrated.

While it may not be the most spacious luxury sedan, it offers plenty of room and a combination of performance and handling that's hard to beat. The price cut should help make it more attractive, although at nearly $200,000 it's still clearly a premium prospect for the lucky few.