2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

What’s new?

The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S replaces the Turbo trim from the 2022 model year. It brings a more powerful 620-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, promising 70 ponies more than the outgoing model. With the Sport Chrono package, this enables a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds.

Its exterior features a revised front fascia with larger air intakes, revised Matrix LED PDLS+ headlamps, a new LED light strip at the rear, and new wheel designs. Its luxurious cabin gains a new GT steering wheel design, updated infotainment software, and additional customization options.

Replaces the "Turbo" from 2020 with a more potent powertrain

Porsche introduces significant changes to the refreshed Panamera for its 2021 model year. For starters, the "Turbo" trim is gone. Instead, the luxury sedan gets a performance upgrade with a new "Turbo S" variant, which was earlier available with a hybrid powertrain.

Lurking underneath the sleek grille of this luxury sedan is an updated 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, plucked from the Audi SQ8 and the Bentley Bentayga. The guise in the Porsche makes 620 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. If you do the math, the Turbo S brings 70 horses and 37 pound-feet more than the retired Turbo trim. Power is delivered to four wheels via an eight-speed PDK DCT automatic gearbox.

Given the output increase, it’s no surprise that the newly added trim is faster than the one axed. Porsche claims a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package, which is impressive for a performance sedan. However, its more reckless in reality, taking a mere 2.6 seconds to gallop to sixty and 10.9 seconds for a quarter-mile. The Executive models are little heavier, needing a tenth of a second to reach sixty. Its top speed is an equally impressive at 196 mph.

While the engine gains more power and promises improved performance, it’s all at the cost of efficiency. The Turbo S manages only 15 mpg (city) and 21 mpg (highway), which is less than the 2020 Panamera Turbo with 18 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway) ratings. A 23.7-gallon fuel tank provides 497.7 miles on the highway.

On the bright side, rivals like the Audi RS7 bring hybrid setups, which are less powerful but similar in economy. If you need more power, the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing plonks a massive 668-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged eight-banger!

Buyers looking for more power without worrying about the economy can toss extra money for the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid for a 689-horsepower plug-in hybrid engine that can drive on electricity alone for 17 miles.

Evolutionary exterior design with minor changes for improved aerodynamics

The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S receives subtle yet effective exterior updates, refining its already appealing presence. Its front end is redesigned with larger side air intakes and newly designed elements, lending a more imposing stance. The new front LED lights are further apart, enhancing its wide appearance and sporty character. These changes improve the car’s aesthetics and cooling for the powerful V8 engine.

The changes are more pronounced at the rear. Porsche revamped the rear profile with sharper LED taillamps and a new light strip that mimics the look of a continuous light bar to create a more modern and cohesive look, especially at night. The LED tail light clusters are updated with a dynamic coming/leaving home function to add a dramatic touch upon arrival and departure.

The Turbo S model distinguishes itself with a unique front fascia design, featuring more prominent air intakes that hint at the car’s performance capabilities. New wheel designs in 20- and 21-inch sizes are available, allowing for further personalization. The standard LED headlights with four-point LED DRLs add a unique touch to the fascia, but buyers can opt for LED Matrix headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+) for better illumination and distinctive styling. An automatically extending rear spoiler enhances aerodynamics and visual appeal but disrupts the car’s clean lines when deployed.

While Porsche fans will appreciate these updates, given that it incorporates evolutionary design changes in its vehicles, potential buyers may find the updates too minimal, considering rival German marques offer more visible updates. Additionally, the overall silhouette remains unchanged, which may disappoint those hoping for more dramatic changes.

An updated interior with a new steering wheel and material upgrade

The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S’s interior showcases sportiness, comfort, and luxury. While the overall design remains largely unchanged from the 2020 model, Porsche made subtle enhancements to elevate the cabin experience. The most noticeable change is the new GT steering wheel, which now features a simplified button layout and improved grip for high-spirited drivers on the race track.

Porsche’s attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, with impeccable fit and finish and a wide array of customization options. Piano black inlays are standard, but you can option the dashboard with carbon fiber, aluminum, or leather. Should you need an earthier tone, you get a sport steering wheel with a Paldao or dark walnut wooden finish. The four-zone automatic climate control ensures that all occupants can find their ideal temperature, while the optional panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.

The Turbo S trim seats four passengers via a 2+2 layout, but if you want a 2+1 rear seat, Porsche demands $1,000, which is one key disadvantage. Features like leather seats, 14-way power bucket seats with memory and heating, plus heated rear seats are standard. Buyers can opt for club leather; leather seats with contrast stitching are available.

Buyers looking for a more aggressive sitting posture can opt for the $1,550 18-way adaptive sports seats with memory. Heated and ventilated front/rear seats with massage are available if you want class-leading comfort, but these options will motivate the MSRP to touch new heights.

For infotainment, the driver side carries a semi-digital instrument cluster featuring two seven-inch displays and an analog speedometer. Although all three rivals feature a fully digital instrument cluster, Porsche takes an old-school approach in the Panamera, treating purists with an analog experience. On the upside, the M.I.D.s can display navigation via wireless Apple CarPlay, making it easier to see maps on the go.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest PCM interface offers a responsive and intuitive experience, although some users may initially find the abundance of touch-sensitive controls overwhelming since the front console features haptic buttons instead of physical controls. The updated PCM interface includes wireless Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto yet. Wireless charging, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice assist are standard. A 14-speaker Bose audio system is standard, but if you want an upgrade, there is a Burmester 3D audio set for $5,940.

Being a luxury sedan, the interior offers decent practicality. The rear has 16.5 cubic feet on both the standard and extended wheelbase versions. If you fold the rear seats, the space increases to 46.1 cubic feet on the standard wheelbase and 51.3 cubic feet on the extended wheelbase. In comparison, the Audi RS7 features a more hatchback-ish body to offer roomier cargo space. Elsewhere, the M5 and CT5-V Blackwing are less practical than the Porsche.

Justifies the 178-grand MSRP with mind-blowing handling characteristics

Porsche demonstrated the new Turbo S’s capabilities through impressive lap times, including a 7:29.81 time at the Nürburgring and a record-setting 1:31.51 minutes at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

This trim is only available with an all-wheel-drive system and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) function, which properly distributes the torque across all four wheels to deliver sufficient traction on roads or asphalt. A standard three-chamber air suspension combines with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to provide remarkable support. While ride quality is mostly smooth, you can occasionally feel road imperfections, especially with firmer settings.

The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) roll stabilization system further enhances handling by minimizing body roll during cornering and allowing for flatter, more precise handling. A Power Steering Plus electronic steering rack offers easy maneuverability while maintaining a direct and communicative feel at higher speeds. The accelerator pedal feels firmer than expected from luxury performance sedans, which is one area where the drivetrain can be improved.

An optional rear-axle steering system improves both low-speed agility and high-speed stability by dynamically turning the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels. The Porsche 4D Chassis Control system coordinates all these elements in real time, resulting in a cohesive and responsive driving experience.

Standard 20-inch Panamera Design wheels nicely balance ride comfort and maneuverability, but buyers can select from several 21-inch wheels for customization and improved handling. However, they reduce the economy and translate to firmer ride quality. The Executive variant rides on a larger (122-inch) wheelbase to provide extra interior room and a smoother ride, but its longer body will require more attention while driving or parking in the city.

Porsche pairs the wheels with standard Ceramic Composite Brakes with 16.5-inch front and 16.1-inch rear rotors. The front discs have 10-piston calipers, whereas the rear wheels have four-piston calipers, which work to stop it from sixty miles at 100 feet, which is admirable for the 4,691-pound sedan.

What safety features are there?

Safety is one of the new Panamera Turbo S’s weakest points, as its safety ratings remain undeciphered. Despite costing around $178,000, this car only offers front and rear park assist, lane departure warning, cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Features like Night Vision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, and InnoDrive are options.

BMW and Cadillac, on the other hand, offer more standard features and premium driver-assist technologies like blindspot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, which Porsche doesn’t offer. From a rating perspective, the RS7 (based on the A7) gets a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, whereas BMW bags a Top Safety Pick award.

Options

• Night Vision Assist - $2,410

• Lane Change Assist - $1,060

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Active Safe- $2,250

• Porsche InnoDrive with Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Lane Keep - $3,910

Warranty

Porsche offers the Panamera Turbo S with a four-year basic and powertrain warranty. Complimentary maintenance is included for one year of 10,000 miles. BMW, Audi, and Cadillac offer the same basic warranty, but BMW assures a three-year or 36,000-mile complimentary maintenance. On the other hand, Cadillac promises a six-year or 70,000-mile warranty on the CT5-V Blackwing’s powertrain.

Warranty highlights

• Four years or 50,000 miles basic warranty

• Four years or 50,000 miles powertrain warranty

• Four years or 50,00 miles of roadside assistance

• 12 years or unlimited miles perforation and corrosion warranty

• One year or 10,000 miles complimentary maintenance

How does it stack against competitors?

2021 Audi RS7

Priced at $114,000, the 2021 Audi RS7 is one of the best alternatives to the Panamera Turbo S. It gets a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid unit, producing 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet with which it takes 3.5 seconds to clock 0-60 mph and deliver a top speed of 155 mph; less powerful and slower than the Porsche.

Styling remains subjective, but the RS7 looks more modern and features a sharper exterior. Its cabin is more tech-focused, with dual touchscreens dominating the center stack. It also comes with a full digital cluster and roomier cargo space. Additionally, the Top Safety Pick+ is another strong point.

2021 BMW M5

A thoroughbred performance sedan, the M5 is famous for its poised handling, power, style, and safety. The 2021 model costs $103,500, $74,200 cheaper than the Panamera Turbo S.

It’s powered by a 600-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that takes just 3.2 seconds to propel it to sixty and provides a top speed of 190 mph. It’s a little slower than the Turbo S but offers a great price-to-power ratio.

The M5’s exterior is more understated than the Panamera’s, with classic BMW proportions. Its Kidney Grille, sharp headlamps, and bulgy rear profile leave a stellar impression. On the inside, the cockpit design is more driver-centric, with a digital cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen.

The M5 may not be as luxurious as the Panamera, but it offers a lot for the price, especially more safety features, complimentary maintenance for three years, and a Top Safety Pick title. However, the Porsche leads in cargo capacity, maneuverability, material quality, customization, and power.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

As American as an atomic bomb, the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the best alternative to the Panamera Turbo S. It’s the most affordable in this segment with a starting MSRP of $83,995, costing half the price of the Panamera Turbo S.

Unlike the twin-turbo V8s inside its rivals, the Blackwing goes for a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, unleashing a staggering 668 ponies and 659 pound-feet; that’s 48 horses and 55 pound-feet more than the Porsche. However, it’s slower, with a 0-60 timing of 3.4 seconds with the automatic. What gives it an edge over the competition is the 200+ mph top speed and the six-speed manual, making it ideal for enthusiasts.

Inside, the Blackwing features a driver-focused cabin with physical buttons and more infotainment features like Android Auto and a digital cluster. Additionally, its powertrain comes with a six-year/70,000-mile warranty, keeping it competitive with the Germans.

Conclusion: Porsche’s new performance sedan thrashes the competition

The Panamera Turbo S is all-new for 2021, promising more power and faster acceleration than the outgoing Turbo model. It impressively blends class-leading luxury, premium looks, and handling, traits rivals have difficulty matching. However, the lack of safety features, unknown safety ratings, and high MSRP make it far from ideal. On the brighter side, Porsche offers the Turbo S with an extended wheelbase and wagon variant for buyers seeking more luxury and practicality.

If you’re on a budget, the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the best choice. It brings a more powerful engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, a killer combination purists love. However, if you seek a cheaper alternative that’s as good on the race track, the RS7 and M5 do just good, albeit slower than the Porsche.

FAQs

How much does the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S cost?

The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S starts at around $177,700 for the standard sedan body style. Opting for the long-wheelbase Executive model will increase the price to approximately $188,100. The Sport Turismo wagon variant costs $181,700.

How powerful is the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S?

The 2021 Panamera Turbo S features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 620 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 70 horsepower and 37 pound-feet over the previous Turbo model. With the Sport Chrono package, the Turbo S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.

How does the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S compare against rivals?

The Panamera Turbo S faces competition from the Audi RS7, BMW M5, and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. While rivals are cheaper, Porsche justifies the higher MSRP with faster performance, best-in-class comfort features, superior aerodynamics, and many options. However, the RS7 shines in terms of practicality, offering a hybrid V8, sharper styling, and cheaper pricing. The BMW M5, on the other hand, includes more standard features, modern styling, and better reliability. The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the cheapest in the segment, but its supercharged V8 is the most powerful, comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, and includes a six-year warranty on the engine.

How does the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S compare against the 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo?

The 2021 Panamera Turbo S replaces the previous Turbo model, offering a significant increase in power (70 hp and 37 lb-ft) and improved performance. The new Turbo S also benefits from updated styling, featuring a more aggressive front fascia and a seamless rear light strip. Inside, the infotainment system has been refined, and new customization options exist. Overall, the Turbo S represents a notable step up from the already impressive Turbo.

What are the disadvantages of the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S?

Some potential drawbacks of the Panamera Turbo S include its high starting price and the cost of options, which can quickly push the total cost over $200,000. The car’s size and weight, while well-managed, can make it feel less nimble than smaller sports sedans in tight urban environments. Additionally, it comes with fewer standard safety features and is less reliable than its rivals.