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2nd Generation Porsche Panamera (971) - The Story

The second generation Panamera was revealed on 28 June 2016 at a special event in Berlin, Germany. It was codenamed 971 and was longer and wider and way better looking than the first generation Panamera. The interior was redesigned, the was way more technology across the board. A big update.

Porsche Panamera 971.1 Model Guides (2017-2020)

All the usual variants made an appearance for the second generation Panamera. The Panamera 4S, 4S Diesel and flagship Panamera Turbo were available from launch. In March 2017, Porsche unveiled the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid for the 2018 model year. It got the 4.0 L V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo, paired with an electric motor, combining for 671 bhp, becoming the official top dog in Panamera pecking order. The Panamera Sport Turismo debuted in March 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show and is instantly popular, being offered in a few models. The Panamera lineup also has several variants available in the longer wheelbase Executive body.

For the 2019 model year, the second-gen Panamera is now a beneficiary of the badge - which actually stands for ‘Gran Turismo Sport’ - that has come to represent the pragmatist’s choice of Porsche automobile. The Panamera GTS is also now available in a long-roof wagon body style, dubbed the Sport Turismo. In totality, this is the vehicle I will be writing about - the 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo. Traditionally speaking, the GTS version of any Porsche has typified a “sport-plus” version of a mid-level trim within the model range.
Porsche launched the second generation Panamera for the 2017 model year. The updates were meaningful. The Panamera finally looked great, with a wider, lower, sleeker design that fixed all the hunchback look of the old design. Complementing the fresh threads is a completely reimagined interior, replete with touch-capacitive surfaces and massive display screens. The base Panamera got a 3.0-liter, turbo V-6 with 325 bhp and 332 ft lbs. Takes only 5.6 seconds to hit 60 mph and has a respectable 163 mph top speed. 
The Panamera finally looked great, with a wider, lower, sleeker design that fixed all the hunchback look of the old design. Porsche launched the second generation Panamera for the 2017 model year. Complementing the fresh threads is a completely reimagined interior, replete with touch-capacitive surfaces and massive display screens. The Panamera 4 got a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 with 325 bhp @ 5400 rpm and 332 ft lbs @ 1800 rpm. Performance was impressive, taking only 5.6 seconds to hit 60 mph and a respectable 163 mph top speed. 
Porsche expanded the Panamera family with the addition of a new body version: The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. The Panamera 4 got the Sport Turismo treatment. The Panamera 4 Sport Turismos gets the same all-wheel drive system and underlying mechanicals. That means, it gets the base Panamera's 330-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. Porsche doesn't call the Sport Turismo a station wagon, but that's kinda sorta what it is.
The fourth model of the Panamera was introduced at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. It was the enhanced plug-in hybrid version, named 4 E-Hybrid. It was the first all-wheel-drive Panamera hybrid. It was fitted with a more powerful electric motor and a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 gasoline engine. The powerplant was fitted to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Its predecessors were fitted with rear-wheel-drive only. The Panamera 4 E-hybrid always started in electric mode and turned on its gasoline unit later.
This is one practical family car with very green credentials and incredible performance. The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid was the first all-wheel-drive Panamera hybrid and in Sport Turismo body style it is more practical and dare we say it looks better too. Just like the coupé-style Porsche Panamera sports saloon, the Sport Turismo is characterized by its very dynamic proportions, which also allow it to feature three full rear seats.
The second generation of the Panamera was introduced as a 2017 model year car and the full suite of variants was available straight out of the gates. They all got a visual update and lots of improvements across the board. The Panamera 4S featured 19” light-alloy wheels and only two colors as standard: black and white as standard. The engine was a new 2.9 L twin-turbo V6 which was good for 434 bhp @ 5650 rpm and 406 ft lbs @ 1750 rpm of torque.
The 2017 Panamera 4S Sport Tourismo was more like a shooting-brake than a station-wagon. More like a lowered Macan than a station-wagon Panamera. Its raked rear looked like it was there to enhance the aerodynamic rather than increase the cargo area. For the powertrain, the 4s Sport Tourismo featured a twin-turbo V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.
In the Panamera 4S Diesel, a V8 with 310 kW/422 hp generates powerful thrust and a maximum torque of 850 Nm. And our friends in Europe love that kind of power in a sports sedan, which is why Porsche built this car for them. Add some all-wheel-drive security and Diesel mileage, and the Panamera 4S Diesel may be the ultimate cross-continent cruiser.
In 2017, at the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche introduced the Sport Tourismo version. It is like a station wagon but has the look of a Shooting Brake. With this design, the Panamera is further away from the 911 rear design. A larger trunk means more space for luggage and golf bags. If the rear seats are folded, the total trunk space can reach 1390 liters (49 cu-ft). In 2017, Porsche installed a V8-diesel engine in the Panamera Sport Tourismo.
The Panamera Turbo was the best balance between performance, luxury, and comfort. The new, 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine offered 30 hp more than its predecessor, despite having a smaller displacement. The PASM (Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management) was fitted as an option and so was the Porsche Chrono Package. It was fitted as standard with a 7-speed (PDK – dual-clutch) automatic transmission which sent its torque in all corners via PTM (Porsche Traction Management) system.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo also got the Sport Turismo body option in 2018. It is a practical five-seater with lots of room, a great design and stonking performance.It got all the same powerful petrol engine as the sedan version of the Panamera Turbo. Its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 develops 404 kW / 550 hp (at 5,750 rpm) and a maximum torque of 770 Nm (between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm). It has 30 hp more power than the previous model and accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.
By combining a Porsche Panamera Turbo with the hybrid system already developed for the 4 E-Hybrid, the result is pretty epic. The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid sees the sportscar manufacturer launch a plug-in hybrid model as the flagship of a model line for the first time. The four-litre V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo is combined with an electric motor, resulting in 500 kW/680 hp of system power and outstanding power delivery: Even when just above idle speed, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid offers an 850 Nm of torque. How about 3.4 seconds 0 - 60 mph time???
By combining a Porsche Panamera Turbo with the hybrid system already developed for the 4 E-Hybrid, the result is pretty epic. The new Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid sees the sportscar manufacturer launch a plug-in hybrid model as the flagship of a model line for the first time. The four-litre V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo is combined with an electric motor, resulting in 500 kW/680 hp of system power and outstanding power delivery: Even when just above idle speed, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid offers an 850 Nm of torque. How about 3.4 seconds 0 - 60 mph time???
The current 971 generation Porsche Panamera is the latest model from the German marque to receive their always much anticipated, GTS treatment. For the 2019 model year, the second-gen Panamera is now a beneficiary of the badge - which actually stands for ‘Gran Turismo Sport’ - that has come to represent the pragmatist’s choice of Porsche automobile. The Panamera GTS is also now available in a long-roof wagon body style, dubbed the Sport Turismo. The Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo does not have its own unique power plant, but is the beneficiary of a detuned Panamera Turbo engine instead.

Porsche Panamera 971.2 Model Guides (2021+)

For the 2021 model year, the Panamera featured a redesigned front fascia, with a different bumper and lower apron. The previously optional Sport Design front end was featured as standard on the facelifted version. In the back, the revamped light strip ran seamlessly over the trunk lid, with an adapted contour and new LED taillights were installed. The three-piece retractable wing was kept. Models stayed the same, but now all variants are available as regular, Executive or Sport Turismo body styles. If you are keeping count, that means you can currently choose from 21 unique Porsche Panamera models in a dealership.

This family car seats five, boasts generous cargo space, and will top out at an incredible 196 mph if the highway is long enough sans speed limits - think the German autobahn! For 2021, Porsche replaced the Panamera Turbo with the Turbo S variant with new design cues like the LED light strip between the taillights alongside some minor interior tweaks.
For the 2021 model year, the Panamera featured a redesigned front fascia, with a different bumper and lower apron. The previously optional Sport Design front end was featured as standard on the facelifted version. In the back, the revamped light strip ran seamlessly over the trunk lid, with an adapted contour and new LED taillights were installed. The three-piece retractable wing was kept.
Under the hood, the Porsche Panamera 4 featured a twin-turbo V6 engine, good for 330 hp. It was carried-over from the non-facelifted version. The 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch) automatic transmission was fitted as standard. For the 2021 model year, the Panamera 4 featured a redesigned front fascia, with a different bumper and lower apron. The previously optional Sport Design front end was featured as standard on the facelifted version.
The Executive version of the Porsche Panamera 4 gives you all the extra space with all the same goodness of the twin-turbo V6 engine and its 330 hp of performance. The 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch) automatic transmission was fitted as standard. For the 2021 model year, the Panamera 4 featured a redesigned front fascia, with a different bumper and lower apron. The previously optional Sport Design front end was featured as standard on the facelifted version.
Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Executive
As implied by the 'Executive' designation, this Panamera is tailored to those who love spending time in the rear compartment. It is about 15 cm longer than the standard Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, with most of the extra length dedicated to giving rear passengers more room. Asides from the elongated wheelbase, there's not much to distinguish between the two Panamera 4S E-hybrid models.
The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo favours a 'Shooting Brake' style rather than being a pure wagon. This is evidenced by its sloping roofline towards the rear, sacrificing cargo space for a more stealthy profile. In addition, there's the pronounced shoulder and elongated window line, which lend the vehicle its striking appearance. The car slots in just above the base Panamera in a lineup that includes up to twenty-five different variants. The '4' references the standard all-wheel-drive, while the 'Sport Turismo' badging hints at more power and agile handling compared to the base trims.
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid still gets the 2.9-litre V6 - from the non-hybrid variant - that's good for 325 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. In addition to that, there's an electric motor and battery combo that supply an extra 134 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In all, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid boasts a maximum combined output of 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, pushing the car well into sports car territory. The car weighs almost 5,000 lbs but will still accelerate to 60 mph in an impressive 4.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package.
The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive is specially tailored for those who enjoy spending time in the back seat. The body has been lengthened by 15cm, creating valuable space for rear passengers in particular. It's essentially a long-wheelbase version of the Panamera, with enhancements like eight-way power adjustment for the rear seats, heated rear seats, and power sunblinds for passengers in the back.
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo
The single most important distinction between this model and the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is the 'E-Hybrid' badging. With the E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, Porsche has been able to combine performance, ample space and fuel economy into one family-friendly package. Like the sedan variant, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is driven by a hybrid powertrain featuring technology from the 918 Spyder.
The Panamera 4 is the first model in the Panamera lineup to feature all-wheel-drive (evidenced by the '4' badging). A few steps above sits the Panamera 4S, a sedan that offers more oomph in performance. After all, that is why Porsche added the 'S' for 'Sport' to the name. It all starts with the engine. The twin-turbocharged V6 has been upgraded and now puts out 443 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. That's a significant increase from the 325 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque offered in the base Panamera 4.
The Panamera 4S Executive is just a 'stretched-out' version of the regular Panamera sedan. The wheelbase has been lengthened by as much as 15 centimetres, an increase that mostly benefits the rear passengers. The Panamera 4S Executive sits above the Panamera 4 Executive, and they share several similarities, such as the panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats and power sunblind in the rear. Style-wise, the Panamera 4S Executive also boasts silver accents around the fenders and side skirts.
The Turismo Panamera models offer more practicality than the sedans, with the wagon body style offering valuable additional cargo space. However, there's also plenty of performance on offer. Take the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, for example. It boasts a total of 1,384 litres with the rear seats folded, ideal for a weekend shopping trip. However, under the hood lies a potent engine in the form of a turbocharged V6 unit.
First, there's the extra boot space, courtesy of the wagon body style. It gives the Sport Turismo models more practicality over the sedans. Also, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is no slouch in the power department. It combines a 443-hp V-6 with a hybrid system to crank out 552 hp. That makes it the third-most-powerful Panamera variant, behind the Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Turbo S. In full attack mode, this family hauler can punch its way to 60 mph in less than four seconds
The Panamera Hybrid models have their strengths, but there is still nothing quite like the visceral experience behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle with a formidable internal combustion engine, a formidable unit like the V8 found in the Panamera GTS (short for 'Gran Turismo Sport). It plays a significant role in portraying the character of the sports sedan as a lively performance and yet, family-friendly vehicle.
Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo
The Panamera GTS Sport Turismo costs only $6,900 more than the sedan variant in base trim. With the same powertrain and better practicality, this performance wagon may just be the most significant direct threat to the Panamera GTS sedan. The extra boot space, up to 49 cubic feet, with the rear seats folded down, makes the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo perfectly suited for a weekend trip to the shopping mall.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S is unquestionably a performance beast, with plenty of power and presence to go with its muscular stance. However, the best bit about the Panamera Turbo S may be how it cleverly masks its brute strength and capabilities beneath an elegant layer of the silky-smooth ride and top-class luxury. In that sense, it perfectly fits the bill of a luxury performance sedan - just what Porsche set out to achieve.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive
This 'limousine' performance sedan offers the benefits of the non-executive Panamera Turbo S - plenty of power, athletic handling and overall elegance. However, the 'executive' badging means more space on the interior, especially for the rear passengers, courtesy of a wheelbase that's about six inches longer than the regular Panamera sedan. The powertrain is carried over unchanged from the non-executive version.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
There is nothing pretentious about the formidable Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The big sedan is all about serious power, performance and style. It is currently the second-most-powerful car in Porsche’s entire lineup, only behind the 700-hp 911 GT2 RS. Only a few rivals can match the luxury sedan in terms of raw power.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive
This Porsche limousine boasts impressive performance stats like the other Turbo S E-Hybrid variants. However, a lengthened wheelbase with a bias towards rear-seat luxury is the 'cherry on the cake' that sets this one apart. The car promises a sporty package with the luxury of a limousine, and to be fair; it mostly delivers on both counts.
Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is extreme indulgence at its peak. A family wagon with almost 700 hp on tap and the ability to launch hard enough to strain your back muscles. Porsche claims the car can hit 60 mph in just 3 seconds. It's impressive on its own, but even then, it seems the carmaker was being conservative as some motoring journalists were able to clock a time of 2.7 seconds. That's faster than a Ferrari 488 GTB!

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