Porsche Panamera EV Electric Power and Luxury in a Grand Tourer

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Porsche Panamera EV confirmed, could rival the Mercedes EQS [Update]

Update: Platform section updated and TopElectricSUV says section added.

Having successfully launched the Taycan, Porsche has lined up six new EV launches. One of the new battery-powered Porsche models will be a Porsche Panamera EV. This doesnt mean that Porsche is planning to discontinue the Taycan, though. In fact, the company has confirmed the next-gen Taycan launch as well.

Positioning

The Porsche Panamera EV will likely slot above the Taycan and compete with the Mercedes EQS. The company confirmed the electric variant (circled) during the Capital Markets Day on July 18, 2022. Image Source: Porsche

Porsche offers the gas-powered, second-gen Panamera in two different wheelbase versions. The standard-wheelbase version is comparable to the executive (E-segment) Taycan, while the long-wheelbase version, ironically called Executive, challenges full-size (F-segment) cars.

We think that Porsche would launch the all-electric, third-gen Panamera (the first-ever Panamera EV) in a single body length that measures similar to the long-wheelbase version. This way, the Panamera would become a proper Mercedes EQS rival, without risking internal competition with the Taycan. Where the Taycan is a sports car, the Panamera EV should consolidate its role as a grand tourer. The second-gen Taycan is due in 2027, as per a report Autocar published on September 2, 2022.

Design

According to the Autocar report, the Panamera EVs styling will be similar to the Panamera Mk2 thats available in gasoline and plug-in hybrid variants. A high-level company source has revealed to the British publication that while the core design will be the same, unique design elements would be observed at the front and rear. In other words, you can expect an evolutionary design for the all-electric, third-gen Panamera.

As for dimensions, the Autocar report suggests that, just as we originally speculated, the Panamera EV will come in a single wheelbase and that the distance between the axles will be similar to the current models long-wheelbase version (3,100 mm/122.0 in.). The next-gen Porsche electric cars length could be similar to the current models Executive version (5,199 mm/204.7 in.), as per the report.

Platform

SSP is the successor of MQB, MSB, MLB, as well as MEB and PPE. Image Source: Volkswagen AG

Porsche will develop the Panamera EV on the same platform as the next-gen Taycan SSP Sport. SSP, short for Scalable Systems Platform, is not a conventional vehicle platform. Its a mechatronics platform that integrates electronics and software as well. There will be various versions of the SSP, one of which will be Sport. Porsche will develop the Sport version, Michael Steiner, Member of the companys Executive Board with the responsibility for R&D, confirmed on July 18, 2022.

The SSP that we will use, this is SSP for the sports cars, (and it) will be developed by Porsche due to Porsche and Porsche customer demands. So, whether this will be used by other brands has to be decided by other brands in the Volkswagen Group, but it will be dedicated for Porsche cars. It will be (a) really performance-oriented luxury platform.
Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, R&D, Porsche (Capital Markets Day on July 18, 2022)

On December 5, 2022, Automobilwoche reported that Audi and Porsche will jointly develop an SSP61 platform, which will underpin two Audi Artemis models (Landjet and Landyacht) as well. The report said the SSP61 platform will underpin an Audi A8 Electric, a model no other reports have spoken of until now. We think SSP61 could be the same, Sport version of SSP that Steiner confirmed on July 18, 2022. If the info is accurate, Volkswagen Group would have two technically related electric full-size sedans in its line-up in the future.

SSP Sport underpinning the Panamera EV will consist of Porsche-specific modules, suggests the Autocar report. Zuffenhausen wants a low cabin floor, which would be possible with a slimmer battery pack, and foot garages (footwells) for the rear passengers, which will be essential in ensuring that the packaging is comparable with the current Panamera and the center of gravity is low.

Production & Release Date

The Porsche Panamera EV will likely be a full-size electric sedan positioned above the Taycan (pictured). Image: Porsche

The Porsche Panamera EV could hit the first markets in 2026 or 2027. Expect production to take place at the Porsche Leipzig plant in Germany.

Gas-powered Panamera to drive alongside the EV

Porsche does not intend to discontinue the current Panamera with the launch of the electric model. As reported by Autocar, the company will give the gas model a facelift in 2023. Porsche plans to extend the current generation Panamera until 2030, according to company sources. We feel that for the car to reach the end of the decade meaningfully, a second elaborate facelift would be needed around 2026.

TopElectricSUV says

The Taycan should continue as the sports car, but the Panamera EV should be a grand tourer at heart. It should continue to excel in this role, offering comfort and luxury for those who enjoy the open road. It also could be the most spacious and comfortable Porsche with a low roof.

We will update this page as we get more information.

Porsche Panamera EV FAQs

What is the Porsche Panamera EV release date?

The Porsche Panamera EV could arrive in 2026 or 2027.

What will be the Porsche Panamera EV price?

The base Porsche Panamera EV may cost over USD 100,000.

Which models will be Porsche Panamera EV rivals?

The Porsche Panamera EV will compete with the Mercedes EQS and an Audi A8 Electric.

Featured image: Porsche

I got my Masters in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. Ive traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.

Top 10 best grand tourers 2024

The regular four-door, four-seat version has a 495-litre boot, with 1263 litres of storage if you fold the rear seats down, and impressive in-car tech and infotainment. However, we prefer the five-door Sport Turismo shooting brake bodystyle, which includes a fifth passenger seat, adds useful boot space and puts a littlemore notional fresh air between the cars exterior styling and that of a current Porsche 911,which is no bad thing.

Save money with new Panamera deals from What Car?

You might look at an Alpina B3 and simply see just a BMW 3 Series. And to some owners, that will be exactly the point of an Alpina. Its a personal pleasure, one to be enjoyed by theowner and driver, a car that is less showy than BMW's own take on a fast 3 Series, the BMW M3.

Alpina takes a BMW M340i (saloon or Touring estate), complete with its four-wheel drive system, and inserts an Alpina-specific version of the M3s S58 3.0-litre straight-six turbo engine and installs its own suspension. That includes a wider track, a number of unique components, different geometry settings and bespoke Eibach springs. The dampers and steering are standard M340i, but with Alpinas own settings.

The result is something that is slightly softer and less immediate than an M3 but surpasses it as a GTbecause, in broad terms, the B3 Touring is easily one of the most capable cars ever made. Day in, day out, whatever the weather, there's almost no question to which it doesn't provide an enthusiastic, convincing answer.

Porsche Active Ride.

Equipped with the further developed adaptive air suspension as standard, the Panamera E-Hybrid models can also be fitted with the high-end Porsche Active Ride suspension, an active suspension system on all four wheels to increase both comfort and performance. In the shock absorbers on the air-spring suspension, wheel-specific tensile and compression forces can be generated as required, generating more support, compensating for any jolts that occur or increasing the sportiness. The result: an even greater balance between comfortable travel and sporty driving dynamics. Compensating for surface irregularities reduces vehicle body noise. If the active cornering dynamics function is activated, the vehicle leans towards the inside of the turn and reduces the lateral forces for the occupants. Acceleration and braking comfort can also be increased via a selection function which lowers or raises the vehicle on the front and rear axles during the respective driving situation, in order to reduce the longitudinal forces for the occupants. When driving dynamically, the wheel load transfer is offset by rolling and pitching movement compensation when braking, thereby enhancing performance. In the Sport Plus driving mode, the body is even lower than the level of the air springs during dynamic cornering and heavy braking, which means that wheel load changes are significantly reduced and the performance of the vehicle is further enhanced. The height adjustment increases ease of entry and exit by quickly raising and lowering the entire body when opening and closing the doors.

Porsche Active Ride.

Equipped with the further developed adaptive air suspension as standard, the Panamera E-Hybrid models can be fitted with the high-end Porsche Active Ride suspension, an active suspension system on all four wheels to increase both comfort and performance. In the shock absorbers on the air-spring suspension, wheel-specific tensile and compression forces can be generated as required, generating more support, compensating for any jolts that occur or increasing the sportiness.The result: an even greater balance between comfortable travel and sporty driving dynamics. Compensating for surface irregularities reduces vehicle body noise. If the active cornering dynamics function is activated, the vehicle leans towards the inside of the bend and reduces the lateral forces for the occupants.Acceleration and braking comfort can also be increased via a selection function which lowers or raises the vehicle on the front and rear axles during the respective driving situation, to reduce the longitudinal forces for the occupants. When driving dynamically, the wheel load transfer is offset by rolling and pitching movement compensation when braking, thereby enhancing performance.In the Sport Plus driving mode, the body is even lower than the level of the air springs during dynamic cornering and heavy braking, which means that wheel load changes are significantly reduced, and the performance of the vehicle is further enhanced. The height adjustment increases ease of entry and exit by quickly raising and lowering the entire body when opening and closing the doors.

New Porsche Panamera packs more luxury, power and price

Design

Like the latest Cayenne, the new Panameras design is a case of evolution rather than revolution: there is a new nose and central air intake, a raised front wing to bring it more in line with the 911, frameless rear windows, new wheel options and extra paint colours.

Turbo models will receive a raft of bespoke cues, including centre-lock alloys, Turbo badges and a new bronze colour called Turbonite.

Friemuth said: Were trying to do more with Turbo. We are trying to make it a mini brand. For instance, the car may well be called Turbo E-Hybrid, but it will just have Turbo on the rear. And the Turbo-specific features are not available to buyers of other specs.

The interior mirrors that of the latest Cayenne, with a new 12.6in driver display and 10.9in. infotainment screen, as well as a new dash-mounted gear selector that frees up space on the centre console.

The boot is now large enough for two golf bags, as a result of a direct request from Friemuth.

He said: I gave them the goal to fit two golf bags in the rear, for me and my wife. They both fit without needing to fold the seats down now, so mission accomplished. You always learn from generation to generation in a car, and its the simple things that add up.

CarBuzz

Porsche Taycan to coexist alongside electric Panamera sedan
Taycan will serve as demonstrator for advanced EV technology
Panamera to focus on luxury while Taycan will be sportier

There will be room for the Taycan in Porsche's lineup when the Panamera goes electric, despite the size similarities between the two. This is according to Taycan model line boss Kevin Giek, who told Autocar that Porsche always has a long-term view when launching new models.

"We have a high interest to keep it as a long-lasting car line, like the 911 - like we do with all our car lines," said Giek. "When we decide to have a new model line, we don't think about only having it for three or four years."

So how will the Taycan set itself apart?

How The Taycan And Panamera EV Will Differ

"We want to keep the Taycan as an innovator, to show what is possible and what is our definition of a BEV sports car," said Giek. "We will continue to improve the car all the time." So although the Taycan and the Panamera have very similar dimensions (the latter is slightly larger), each will have a different purpose.

"We think the segment of Panamera is more spacey, more luxury for its customers," said the executive. "It's something totally different from what we see in the Taycan, which is more focused on sportiness - on real sports car behavior. They are obviously different. [...] Both make sense and we are sure we have the customers."

Panamera EV Is Only One Step On A Long Road

This means that the Taycan of tomorrow will likely debut performance-minded technological innovations, while the Panamera is more likely to innovate in the luxury realm.

Porsche's electrification strategy will see the automaker aim for 80% of all its vehicles to be electric by 2030. This transformative process has already led to the total electrification of the Macan crossover and will imminently result in the 718 range going electric, too. This is a gamble in some ways, but it appears that Porsche is confident that each of its electric products will be distinctive enough to stand alone and advanced enough to convince combustion lovers to venture out of their comfort zone.