Only a Porsche enthusiast will notice the changes that the facelift brings.
Although the Panamera feels fresh, the second generation Porsche liftback was revealed more than three years ago. So it’s no surprise that the Stuttgarters are planning a mid-cycle overhaul. The cosmetic changes will be minimal in Porsche style, with the prototype only showing the new graphics for the taillights and headlights.
On closer inspection, we notice a piece of black tape stuck to the front bumper. This is where the Panamera could receive styling cues from the new-generation 911. A spy shot of the interior shows the steering wheel, which appears to be a Turbo S E-Hybrid. The 992 has borrowed the prototype (although it is missing the green brake levers)
The most important news about the Panamera facelift could be the rumored flagship model codenamed “Lion”. First reported by Auto Motor und Sportnearly one month ago, this possible top-of-the-line Panamera will have as much 820 horsepower and feature a beefier powertrain that was installed in the Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Porsche told that a Panamera with four doors was being tested at Nurburgring to set a record, but it is not a priority. The company declined to comment on whether such an edition would be released commercially. The Panamera, which is the most powerful version of the Panamera, will be competing against the Mercedes-AMG GT 73 that will see production in 2020. It will also have around 800 electrified horses. Audi is also considering combining the RS6 with the RS7 in order to unlock more power than the 591 hp available in the Sportback and super wagon.
The revised Panamera is expected to be available next year, and it will be followed soon by the more practical Sports Turismo wagon.