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2021 Porsche Panamera revealed: More power, less money

The 2021 Porsche Panamera has been officially unveiled, with the model line-up receiving a big shake-up.


  • 2021 Porsche Panamera prices slashed across the range
  • Range-topping Turbo S replaces Turbo S E-Hybrid
  • V6 models swap 3.0-litre for 2.9-litre
  • New mid-range Panamera 4 E-Hybrid now the only electrified option

Prices across the range have been slashed, with the entry-level Panamera now $19,100 cheaper than the outgoing model, while the new range-topping Turbo S is cheaper than the previous Turbo S E-Hybrid – by a whopping $63,400.

If Turbo S buyers are missing the benefits of the plug-in hybrid powertrain of the previous flagship model, they could purchase a Mini Electric with the savings and still walk away with change in their pocket.

But it's under the bonnet where the most attention has been given to the Panamera range, with V8 and hybrid models enjoying healthy power upgrades.

The Turbo S doesn't quite match the previous Turbo S E-Hybrid it replaces, with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 delivering 463kW and 820Nm, compared with the 500kW/850Nm of the previous flagship. However, it is quicker in a straight line.

 

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The 0-100km/h time for the Turbo S comes in at a claimed 3.1 seconds, and as reported earlier this month, broke its class lap record at the iconic Nurburgring racing circuit.

Sitting below the Turbo S is the GTS, using a detuned version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Its 353kW/620Nm gets the car from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds – 0.2 seconds slower than the 4S E-Hybrid, despite sitting above it in the model range.

The spring cleaning continues, with both the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid having been dropped from the line-up, replaced by a single electrified option: the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid.

The new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid puts out a total of 412kW from its 2.9-litre twin-turbo hybrid V6.

The V6 itself produces 331kW, while the electric motor adds up to 100kW – powered by a 17.9kWh battery pack. Using all-wheel-drive traction, the 4S E-Hybrid reaches 100km/h from a standstill in a claimed 3.7 seconds.

 

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Porsche says this plug-in hybrid system is completely new, and provides 30 per cent more driving range than the outgoing models.

The base Panamera and Panamera 4 models change from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 to a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 – all while maintaining the same 243kW/450Nm as the previous engines.

The rear-wheel-drive Panamera does the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.6 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 does it in a claimed 5.3 seconds.

The Panamera 4 can also be optioned in a long-wheelbase Executive spec, which adds 15cm to the body length, and 0.1 second to the claimed acceleration time.

Those needing more practicality can choose a Sport Turismo – a svelte wagon version of the Panamera – in either Panamera 4 or GTS specifications.

 

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All Panamera models are fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The hybrid and V8 models come standard with the Sport Chrono package, while V6 models can option this for $3950. The chronograph clock fitted to the centre of the dash matches a new range of wristwatches from Porsche Design.

Though standard on the Turbo S, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid and GTS can be optioned with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport with Torque Vectoring Plus for an additional $9870.

Also standard on the Turbo S is rear-axle steering, but can be optioned across the range for $3750.

The Turbo S is fitted with ceramic brake discs coupled with 10-piston calipers in the front, while the rest of the Panamera line-up just gets six-piston calipers up front. All models have four-piston calipers in the rear.

 

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Inside, and the 2021 range benefits from an updated infotainment system with live traffic information and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The GTS gets an Alcantara interior as standard (unavailable in other models), while V6 models get embossed leather in black or grey. Smooth leather, while standard on the Turbo S, can be optioned on V6 models in an additional two colours for $7470.

All Australian models come standard with lane keep assist, radar cruise control, and park assist with 360-degree camera.

While standard on higher-end models previously, all Panamera variants now also gain speed-sensitive steering, front ventilated seats, lane change assist, adaptive LED headlights, head-up display, and soft-close doors.

The 4S E-Hybrid and variants above gain an air purifier, and the Turbo S gets 18-way electric sports seats – an extra $2950 to option in other trim levels.

 

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Styling has been subtly tweaked, with a revised front bumper, side cooling openings, and lights – but few will notice the differences in the real world.

Three new 20- and 21-inch wheels have been added to the Panamera's option catalogue, making a total of ten wheel designs available to buyers.

All Panamera models come with a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and the 4S E-Hybrid gets an additional eight-year battery warranty.

The 2021 Porsche Panamera is available to order now, with deliveries to commence in December 2020.

 

2021 Porsche Panamera pricing

Panamera (no badge) RWD – $199,500 (down $19,200)

Panamera 4 AWD – $209,700 (down $19,300)

Panamera 4 Sport Turismo AWD – $217,000 (down $19,300)

Panamera 4 Executive AWD – $219,200

Panamera 4S E-Hybrid AWD – $292,300

Panamera GTS AWD – $309,500 (down $57,200)

Panamera GTS Sport Turismo AWD – $316,800 (down $57,200)

Panamera Turbo S AWD – $409,500

Note: all prices exclude on-road costs.

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Ben Zachariah

Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.

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