2021 Porsche Panamera

Pros: High performance; sophisticated suspension

Cons: Prices start in the stratosphere and go up; big car seats only four

CG Says: The 2021 Porsche Panamera has revised styling and more horsepower for some models. The topline Turbo S E-Hybrid now has 689 horsepower—an increase of 12 hp. A new 4S E-Hybrid has 552 hp. The conventional gas-engine of the GTS gains 20 hp for 473 and the Turbo becomes Turbo S with horsepower increasing from 550 to 620. Panamera is a premium large 4-door hatchback or 4-door wagon (Sport Turismo) with seating for four that was redesigned for 2017. In addition to the standard-length Panamera 4-door hatchback, there is an extended-wheelbase Executive version with more rear-passenger room. The base engine is a 325-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6; the three step-up non-hybrid engine options are a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 that makes 443 hp in the 4S, a 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine in the GTS, and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that puts out 620 hp in the Turbo S. There are three plug-in Hybrids. The base plug-in E-Hybrid has a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 paired with an electric motor for a combined 455 hp. The 4S E-hybrid has a 552-hp version of that powertrain. The high-performance Turbo S E-Hybrid combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor for a combined 689 hp and is said to be capable of 196 mph and accelerating 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds. The plug-in hybrids can travel up to 31 miles on electric power alone. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automated-manual transmission. The base V6 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the other engines come standard with AWD. Rear-wheel steering for sharper turn-in and high-speed stability is available. Available features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, night vision, lane-keep assist, LED headlights, heated/ventilated/massaging front and rear seats, and adaptive suspension. Although prices are steep, the Porsche Panamera has a high level of performance and precise suspension control.