Porsche heavily updates the Panamera, adds Turbo S range-topper

Porsche has heavily updated the Panamera for its mid-cycle refresh. The four-door coupe has got a subtle visual update but more importantly has added a new range-topping Turbo S version. At the other end of the spectrum, the 2020 Panamera also adds a more efficient hybrid option as well.

This new Panamera Turbo S uses the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the earlier flagship Turbo but now makes 630PS and 820 Nm. This is a massive 80PS and 50 Nm more than the erstwhile Turbo. With these outputs, the Turbo S can get from 0 to 100 kmph in a supercar-beating 3.1s. In fact, the Panamera Turbo S is now the fastest executive sedan around the Nurburgring, with a time of 7m 29.81s.

As for the new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, the hybrid version now features a larger 17.9 kWh battery pack up. This replaces the 14.1 kWh unit from earlier. The combined output for this drivetrain is 560PS and 750 Nm, with 440PS coming from the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 and 136PS from the electric motor. The all-electric range for the 4S E-Hybrid is 54 km as per the WLTP cycle. Also updated is the mid-spec Panamera GTS. This is also powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the Turbo S but is detuned to produce 480PS, which is still 20PS more than the outgoing GTS. Here, Porsche has tinkered with the powerband to make it more akin to a naturally aspirated motor. A new sports exhaust system has also been added as standard. The base Panamera and Panamera 4 have now been standardized worldwide with the 330PS and 450 Nm 2.9-litre V6 engines, although power outputs remain unchanged.

In order to match these improvements in engine outputs, Porsche has also tweaked the three-chamber air suspension for better damping and the roll stabilisation system for improved body control. Further, the torque vectoring system has also been optimised. Other enhancements have been made to the steering system and tyres.

Visually, the Panamera now comes with the previously optional Sport Design front end as standard. This includes shaper air intakes at the front, larger side cooling apertures and a single-bar front lighting unit. The Panamera Turbo S is differentiated by larger still side air intakes and new body-coloured inserts. The detailing in the LED headlamps has changed too.  At the rear, the Panamera gets a reworked full-width light strip while the LED tailamps get new detailing too. There are new designs for the  20- and 21-inch wheels, while the GTS gets model-specific dark-themed taillamps. On the inside, more connectivity and driver assistance systems come as standard.

Bookings for the new Panameras have opened internationally with deliveries beginning in October. Expect to see it in India soon after that.