Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid gets GT2 RS power

The upgraded 2021 Porsche Panamera line-up was revealed in August with more performance, technology and standard equipment, for less money.

Now, Porsche has revealed full specs and pricing for entry-level and top-shelf hybrid versions of the facelifted German sports sedan and wagon range, including the range-topping 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Both new plug-in hybrid models are due to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2021, following the release of other upgraded Panamera variants in December.

The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid tops the refreshed limousine line-up in terms of power output and price – but not performance.

Priced at $420,800 plus on-road costs, the latest Panamera flagship is around $11,000 more expensive than the new non-hybrid Turbo S but almost $40,000 cheaper than the model it replaces.

It combines an upgraded 420kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (up from 404kW in its predecessor) with the same 100kW/400Nm electric motor integrated into its eight-speed dual-clutch automatic PDK transmission, plus a higher-capacity 17.9kWh battery (up from 14.1kWh).

The result is not only an increased all-electric driving range to 50km (WLPT) but a total power output of around 514kW, which is just short of the 515kW offered by the 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat six in the previous-generation 911 GT2 RS.

What’s more, its 850Nm of peak torque is more than the GT2 (750Nm) and the non-turbo Panamera Turbo S (820Nm).

With the standard Sport Chrono pack’s launch control, the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is claimed to hit 100kmh in 3.2 seconds (0.2sec sooner than before but 0.1sec later than the Turbo S due to its extra weight) on its way to a 315km/h top speed – up 5km/h and the same as the Turbo S.

Meantime, the new entry-level Panamera 4 E-Hybrid combines a 243kW 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with the same electric motor and upgraded battery to produce 340kW of total power and hit 100km/h in a claimed 4.4sec (down 0.2sec) and a top speed of 280km/h (up 2km/h).

The latest Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will be available in Australia in standard sedan, long-wheelbase Executive sedan and Sport Turismo wagon form, all fitted as standard with all-wheel drive and positioned above the non-hybrid Panamera 4 models.

Including the new 4S E-Hybrid, which boosts system power output to 412kW but is not yet confirmed for Australia, Porsche now offers three plug-in hybrid powertrains in the Panamera, across three body styles.

As with all 2021 Panamera models, the two newly announced hybrids score a lightly revised front-end design differentiated by dual C-shaped Turbo light modules and larger side air intakes, plus a revamped rear light bar.

New options include darkened Exclusive Design tail-light modules with dynamic Coming/Leaving Home animation, three new 20- and 21-inch wheels and two new exterior colours (Cherry Metallic and Truffle Brown Metallic).

Inside, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system gains higher display resolution and additional digital functions and services such as improved Voice Control, real-time traffic information and satellite maps, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and other Connect services.

Chassis performance has also been upgraded via a new generation of steering control system and new tyres with improved lateral dynamics and greater precision, says Porsche.

Naturally, the flagship Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid comes as standard with all of Porsche’s existing chassis and control systems, including Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), Power Steering Plus with rear axle steering and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) electric anti-roll system including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus).

For Australia, a number of new standard equipment items have now also been added, including soft-close doors, lane change assist and LED matrix headlights with PDLS Plus for the 4 E-Hybrid (all of which were already standard in the Australian Turbo S E-Hybrid model).

Already standard in the Turbo S E-Hybrid but now also in Australia’s Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is Power Steering Plus, front seat ventilation and head-up display.

Other extra standard features for locally-delivered Porsche Turbo S E-Hybrid models includes an air ioniser and 18-way Adaptive sport front seats with memory package.

How much does the 2021 Porsche Panamera cost?
Panamera – $199,500 (-$19,100)
Panamera 4 – $209,700 (-$19,300)
Panamera 4 Executive – $219,200 (new)
Panamera 4 Sport Turismo – $217,000 (-$19,300)
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid – $245,900 (new)
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive – $255,400 (new)
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo – $253,200 (new)
Panamera 4 Panamera 4S E-Hybrid – $292,500 (new)
Panamera GTS – $309,500 (-$57,200)
Panamera GTS Sport Turismo – $316,800 (-$57,200)
Panamera Turbo S – $409,500 (new)
Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid – $420,800 (-$39,300)
* Prices exclude on-road costs