Porsche engineers are currently testing a Panamera with an update, suggesting that the current generation of the large hatchback hatch is being updated for the second time.
The current Panamera came onto the market as a 2017 model and received its first update for 2021, although this update focused more on the powertrains and therefore the exterior and interior design has hardly changed since the original market launch.
If we look at the prototype, we can see that the front apron is a new design with larger side inlets and a new shape for the middle inlet. A second center inlet has also been added that sits just above the license plate.
2023 Porsche Panamera second facelift spy shots – Photo credit: S. Baldauf / SB-Medien
The front apron also features the thinly slotted daytime running light design from Porsche, which is already used on the 911, 718 and Cayenne and will soon also be added to the Macan, which will soon receive a second update of its own.
Although not seen in the photos, the dashboard is completely covered, suggesting that tweaks are being made here too.
It’s hard to say when this second update will be introduced, but a strong possibility is the 2023 model year as the Cayenne will get its own update at that time. Both models will likely share powertrain and interior technology. An updated version of the Panamera Sport Turismo car should also arrive at this time.
2021 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
Optimizing the drive train could bring more power to the top model of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The 2021 update saw the power of the 4.0-liter V8 combo with twin turbocharging and electric motor of the plug-in hybrid model at 689 hp and 642 lb-ft of torque. This is not to be despised, but competitors such as the upcoming Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 73e and the recently launched Tesla Model S Plaid Pack 804 or 1,020 PS.
You might be wondering why Porsche is introducing a second update for the Panamera. Porsche plans to extend the lifespan of the current Panamera until a battery-electric successor arrives, similar to what the automaker is doing with the Macan, which will produce an electric successor in 2023.
Remember, Porsche estimates that by 2030 more than 80% of its sales will be electric cars, with the remainder made up of the 911 – which will be Porsche’s final obstacle to the internal combustion engine.
