2023 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
Overview
When Porsche plasters the word “Turbo” on a vehicle, it’s company code for “high-performance model.” In the case of the firm’s sleek four-door hatchback Panamera sedan there are two Turbo models that punch the performance into apex-predator territory: the Panamera Turbo S and Turbo S E-Hybrid (we review Panamera Sport Turismo wagon separately). The Turbo S is propelled by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 pumping out 620 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque; the Turbo S E-Hybrid also uses a twin-turbo V-8 of 4.0 liters that’s been strapped to an electric motor yielding a combined 689 ponies and 641 pounds of twist. Both powertrains are mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, and both can rocket the sedan to 60 miles per hour in under 3 seconds. Buyers can also have either configuration in Executive guise, which stretches the wheelbase by six inches, giving rear passengers limo-like space. The Panamera Turbo twins are up against some feisty competitors that offer similar day-to-day usability and similar adrenaline spikes: the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, which offers a manual transmission and is nearly half the price; and the Audi RS7, which can still snap off sprints to 60 mph in 3 seconds yet costs significantly less.
What’s New for 2023?
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S model sees a single change for the 2023 model year: adaptive cruise control is now standard on all trim levels. Notably, the Panamera received a refresh in 2021, so it’s become familiar but is by no means stale.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Although the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is exceedingly impressive, with even more power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency than the Panamera Turbo S, it’s also more expensive. If its price jump doesn’t make you twitch, by all means, go for it. However, the 620-hp Turbo S, which can hit 60 mph in less than three seconds, offers a greater balance between price and performance. We’d go with the Executive model—which has a six-inch-longer wheelbase and considerably more rear-seat legroom—and spring for the Sport Chrono Package, which adds a Sport Plus Mode for additional performance.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the Panamera Turbo S’s long hood is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 620 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. In our testing, a Turbo S hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The longer Executive models are a bit heavier and need another tenth of a second to reach the same speed. With its adjustable air suspension, huge brakes, and massive tires, the Panamera Turbo S also delivers supercar handling, precise steering, and a smooth, refined ride. With a mind-boggling 689 horsepower, the power and performance of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is even more extreme. It uses the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the Panamera Turbo S, but Porsche adds an electric motor for the additional power. It’s also capable of speeds as high as 83 mph without its gas engine turning on, and it has a pure-electric range of more than 20 miles. The hybrid system can also operate in a battery-saving mode that only burns gas, or the two systems can work together. Operation is exceedingly smooth, and its battery pack can recharge in about 2.5 hours when plugged into a 240-volt source. Buyers in this class looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the Taycan.
More on the Panamera Turbo S Sedan
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Although it’s a hybrid and a hatchback, you’ll never confuse the fuel efficiency of the 2023 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid for that of a Toyota Prius. The Turbo S’s big twin-turbo V-8 drinks fuel rapidly; however, the E-Hybrid version provides its best fuel economy when driving around town. The EPA estimates that the nonhybrid model should deliver 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The Turbo S E-Hybrid, by comparison, is rated at 19 mpg combined. For more information about the Panamera Turbo’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
You sit low in the Panamera Turbo S’s driver-focused cabin, just like you should in a true sports sedan; and in the grand Porsche tradition, the ignition is to the left of the steering wheel. It’s spacious inside, even for taller drivers. Rear-seat space is also generous, especially in the six-inch-longer Executive models, which offer limo-like legroom. With 18 cubic feet of cargo space, the Turbo S also offers a large trunk for this class. Open the door, and everything inside the Porsche looks and feels every bit of its steep price tag. Its list of standard features is also long and appropriate for the class, but as with any Porsche, the pricey options are quite extensive. Available upgrades include everything from leather-covered climate-control vents to a fire extinguisher. More practical options include massaging seats, ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power rear sunshade. We especially like its optional sport seats, which are shaped to perfection and have 18-way adjustability. With touch-sensitive controls for functions such as the climate control, the Panamera’s clean and minimalistic center console looks like something from Apple. The all-touch system can be fussy and difficult to use while driving, but you get used to it quickly.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Also, quite Apple-esque is the large and attractive 12.3-inch touchscreen sitting in the center of the Turbo S’s dash. Unfortunately, its infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as it should be. Although the system has standard features such as Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, its menus are overcomplicated. Many of its functions could be more intuitive, making it distracting to use while driving. On the upside, the Panamera’s digital gauge cluster can sync with the CarPlay system, which allows it to put navigation maps and other information ahead of the driver. Pretty slick.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Panamera Turbo offers numerous driver-assistance technologies, including features such as lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, and adaptive cruise control. Porsche even offers a night-vision system. However, despite the Panamera Turbo S’s considerable asking price, not all these tech-based driver aids and active safety systems are standard. For more information about the Panamera Turbo’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard adaptive cruise control Available lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Porsche’s limited warranty and its powertrain warranty are competitive in this class. Spanning the same amount of time, its 24-hour roadside-assistance program is also similar to what rivals offer. However, Porsche only includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for a short time. BMW’s complimentary scheduled maintenance program is considerably longer.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door hatchback
BASE PRICE (C/D EST)
$175,000
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
244 in3, 3996 cm3
Power
620 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
604 lb-ft @ 2300 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.1 in
Length: 198.8 in
Width: 78.2 in
Height: 56.2 in
Passenger volume: 96 ft3
Cargo volume: 18 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 4700 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 2.6 sec
100 mph: 7.2 sec
1/4 mile: 10.9 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 196 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 20/17/24 mpg
More Features and Specs
