Facing stiff competition recently with challengers such as the BMW M8 Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door in the niche four-door executive super coupe segment, Porsche has now unveiled the 2020 update to the second-generation Panamera with more power, new hybrid variants, and a mild cosmetic touch-up.
The 2020 Porsche Panamera range is now topped by a new Turbo S variant, replacing the Turbo from the outgoing model. The new “fastest executive car” around the Ring is powered by a “comprehensively reengineered” 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, with its power output bumped up by a whopping 80 hp and 50 Nm compared to the old Turbo model to produce 630 hp and 820 Nm of torque.
As a result, 0-100 km/h is done in just 3.1 seconds, and 0-200 km/h in 11.2 seconds, onward to a top speed of 315 km/h. Scary stuff this, in a car that seats four no less! For context, the old Panamera Turbo with the Sport Chrono package does the century sprint in 3.6 seconds.
Bridging the gap between itself and the new ridiculous Turbo S variant, the enthusiast-focused Panamera GTS also received 20 hp power bump, now making 480 hp and 620 Nm, which equates to a century sprint time of 3.9 seconds.
Porsche says that particular attention has been given to the power delivery of the GTS variant, which now continuously increases all the way up to the rev limit, just like what you’d from a naturally-aspirated engine. The sport exhaust system is now fitted as standard onto the GTS for a more traditional V8 burble, and is also available as an option for the Turbo S.
The 2020 update also introduced a new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid variant, which replaces the ICE-only Panamera 4S from the pre-facelift model. The 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine is now paired to an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, resulting in a combined system output of 560 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
With the electric boost, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid does naught to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (with the Sport Chrono package), onward to a top speed of 298 km/h. Battery capacity has also increased to 17.9 kWh as compared to 14.1 kWh from the pre-facelift hybrid variants, resulting in an electric-only range of 54 km on the WLTP test cycle.
As reported by Autocar UK, Porsche intends to provide more hybrid options for the Panamera, as almost 60% from the total sales of the model in Europe are of the electrified versions. The new 4S E-Hybrid will slot nicely between the base E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid, with the specifications for both to be introduced at a latter date.
Other performance improvements made to the 2020 Panamera include a standard-fit Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) on all models, along with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) with variant-specific enhancements made to improve damping comfort and sportiness.
As for styling, revisions made to all three body styles – the standard fastback, long wheelbase Executive, and Sport Turismo wagon – are minor. Changes include the standard fitment on all variants of the previously-optional Sport Design front end, which features larger air intakes, reworked front grille, and a single-bar daytime-running light signature.
The Turbo S however gets a variant-exclusive design, with even larger side air intakes with body-coloured accents and twin-bar daytime-running lights.
At the rear, the 2020 Porsche Panamera’s fullwidth lightbar taillights have been reworked, with a new light signature that runs seamlessly across the bootlid, along with a dynamic coming/leaving home function.
Changes inside are even more subtle, save for a new steering wheel that was introduced in the 992-generation Porsche 911. The infotainment system has been updated to now include the Risk Radar live road signs and hazards warning system, along with improved voice command and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Type A USB ports have also been replaced by new Type C connectors.
As for safety, the 2020 Porsche Panamera now comes with lane keeping assist and road sign recognition as standard, along with adaptive cruise control, night vision assist, lane change assist, and Park Assist with Surround View.
