2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Provides Big Power in Luxury Sedan Form

Porsche’s high-powered super-sedan roster has never been stronger. The addition of their Panamera 4S E-Hybrid lineup brings 552-horsepower sedan options into the mix and the new 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S variants, which replace the Turbo models from last year, provide a stout 620-horsepower. For even more madness, the Turbo S E-Hybrid trim puts out a spectacular 689 horsepower. These new Panamera versions are all available in standard, Executive and Sport Turismo forms.

The new Turbo S gets an upgraded version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 found in the previous Turbo model. Performance enhancements to the powerplant include new turbos, pistons, connecting rods and fuel injectors. The crankshaft is also new. These improvements result in 620 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 604 lb-ft of torque between 2,300 and 4,500 rpm. That is a 70 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque increase over its predecessor. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drivetrain make good use of the power. The extra thrust is enough to propel the four-door Porsche to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 196 mph.

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There are plenty of other performance additions that the Turbo S benefits from aside from the boost in power. The suspension and steering systems have been retuned, which should result in more comfort and improved feedback. Included at no additional cost is Porsche’s roll-stabilization system, which includes electromechanical anti-roll bars. Coupled with a torque vectoring system, the features help provide more stability. Rear-wheel steering, carbon-ceramic brakes and 21-inch wheels are also standard.

The added power and chassis upgrades result in significant performance improvements on the track. In fact, the changes helped the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S lap the full 12.94-mile Nürburgring in 7:29.81 minutes. That is currently good enough for 2nd place in the Executive car class, behind the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S. In 2016, the old Panamera Turbo lapped the once common 12.8-mile section of the circuit in 7:38.46 minutes. For comparison, the new Turbo S clocked a 7:25.04 time for that same segment, beating the former model by over 13 seconds. The record-setting car wore sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which will be a factory option. Aside from a racing seat and safety cage for protection, the Turbo S was completely stock.

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There are a few exterior changes to the new car, including a restyled front fascia that will also feature a design exclusive to the Turbo S trim. Porsche also redesigned the rear diffuser and added a center light strip between the two taillights. Typical Porsche luxury can be found on the inside with high-end materials and all the comfort features expected with a premium car. Other than an updated steering wheel, the cabin design remains the same. A 12.3-inch center touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi hotspot, 710-watt Bose audio system, head-up display, Lane Keep Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition and 14-way adjustable seats are all standard. Optional 18-way adjustable seats and a 1,455-watt Burmester 3D sound system are available.

Porsche hasn’t officially released pricing yet, but based on the new upgrades and the cost of the previous model, we expect a base price of around $180,000. The Turbo S is expected to reach dealers next spring.

2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

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