Everyone was expecting to see a revised version for the Panamera->ke1840 luxury sedan, but Porsche->ke1 decided to call it "the second generation." The model will make its world debut at the 2013 Auto China in Shanghai and will be put on sale later in July.

The second-generation Panamera adds a new S E-Hybrid model to the lineup, plus two new luxurious Executive versions. Also, 4 and 4S models get an all-new engine to help increase efficiency while not killing its performance.

Updates made to the exterior are inspired by the new-generation Porsche 911. Up front, we will see more prominent lines, larger air intakes and redesigned headlights. For the rear, the model will add a wider spoiler and redesigned rear lights.

Update 04/02/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Update 08/09/2013: Porsche has unveiled a new promo video unveiling the design process behind the new generation Panamera luxury sedan.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Porsche Panamera.

2014 Porsche Panamera

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Porsche Panamera
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 520 @ 6000
  • Torque: 516
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Updates on the exterior are inspired by the new design elements we have seen in the new-generation Porsche 911. The car's front is dominated by tighter and more prominent lines, redesigned headlights and larger air intakes that provide better engine cooling.

On the side, the Panamera received a more swept-back rear window, giving it an extended silhouette, while the rear window has also been widened for a sportier character. For the rear, Porsche has also installed a wider spoiler and redesigned taillights, giving its backside a refreshed look.

An all-new feature for 2014 is the addition of the Panamera 4S Executive and Turbo Executive models, which add an extra 5.9 inches to the performance sedan’s wheelbase. The extra length allows the Executive models to offer rear seating space suitable for a king. Who would have ever thought that Porsche would release a limo? On the Turbo S Executive versions the wheelbase was increased by 15 cm (5.90 inches), so the rear passengers will enjoy some extra room. Also, for the Turbo S version, Porsche is offering a special Palladium metallic paint.

As a standard feature, the Panamera will be offered with bi-xenon headlights, but LED lights can also be ordered.

Interior

Porsche announced no updates for the interior, meaning that customers will enjoy the same level of luxury provided by the previous generation. They can choose between a wide range of leather, carbon fiber or Alcantara.

Standard features will offer elements like a multifunction steering wheel, while the new Executive models will offer two bucket seats in the rear.

Drivetrain

Under the hood is where the majority of the shuffling takes place on the second-gen Panamera.

The base Panamera and Panamera 4 retain the typical 3.6-liter V-6 engine, but it has been tweaked to create a respectable 310 horsepower. With this powerplant under the hood, the Panamera and Panamera 4 hit 60 mph in 6 and 5.8 seconds (5.7 and 5.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Package), respectively. They also boast a track-tested top speed of 160 and 159 mph, respectively. Fuel economy will be announced later.

The huge change for 2014 is what lays under the hood of the Panamera S and 4S models. An all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 sits in the space once occupied by a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8. Though smaller in displacement, the two blowers pump this petite V-6 to 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine helps the Panamera S hit 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds (4.7 with Sport Chrono) and a top speed of 178 mph. In the 4S model, you’ll see 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds (4.3 with Sport Chrono) and a top speed of 177 mph. On top of the extra power, this V-6 is anticipated to show a significant mpg bump over the S and 4S models.

The 4S Executive drops to a 4.8 second (4.5 with Sport Chrono) 0-to-60 mph time and a 177 mph top speed because of the extra weight.

Despite being a smaller engine, the new twin-turbo V-6 is offering an extra 20 horsepower and 14 pound-feet of torque over the previous V-8 engine. This way the S and 4S will deliver a total of 413 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. In the same time fuel consumption has been reduced by 18%.

The Panamera GTS retains the 4.8-liter powerplant, but its power is boosted from 430 horsepower to 440 horsepower. Oddly enough, the 0-to-60 time actually increases to 4.2 seconds, 0.1 seconds slower than 2013. The GTS tops out at 179 mph.

The Turbo model retains the turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 engine from 2013, but with an extra 20 horsepower. This allows it to turn in a 3.9-second (3.7 with Sport Chrono) sprint to 60 mph and a 189 mph top speed. The Turbo Executive model falls to 4 seconds to 60 mph (3.8 with Sport Chrono) but retains the 189 mph top speed.

The top version is of course the Turbo S model. It retains the same V-8 engine from the base Turbo version, but the output was increased to 570 horsepower and the peak torque to 553 pound-feet. This version can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds (3.7 seconds for the Executive version) and hits a top speed of 192 mph.

Most of the Panamera models will be offered with a PDK gearbox, but the Diesel will be offered with a new eight-speed automatic Tiptronic S.

Drivetrain Specifications

Panamera/Panamera 4

Transmission

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Engine

3.6-liter V-6

Horsepower

310 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque

295 lb.-ft.

Compression ratio

12.5 : 1

Panamera S/Panamera 4S

Transmission

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Engine

3.0-Liter V-6 Twin Turbo

Horsepower

420 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

383.5 lb.-ft.

Compression ratio

9.8 : 1

Panamera GTS

Transmission

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Engine

4.8-Liter V-8

Horsepower

440 hp @ 6700 rpm

Torque

384 lb.-ft.

Compression ratio

12.5 : 1

Panamera Turbo

Transmission

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Engine

4.8-Liter V-8 Turbo

Horsepower

520 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

516.3 lb.-ft. (567.9 lb.-ft. with optional Sport Chrono Package)

Compression ratio

10.5 : 1

Panamera Turbo S

Transmission

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Engine

4.8-Liter V-8 Turbo

Horsepower

570 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

553 lbs-ft @ 2250 - 5000 rpm


Prices and Availability

The 2014 Panamera will hit showrooms in late-2013 at a starting price of $78,100. The Executive models won’t show up until 2014.

Model

MSRP

Porsche Panamera

$78,100

Porsche Panamera 4

$82,800

Porsche Panamera S

$93,200

Porsche Panamera 4S

$98,300

Porsche Panamera 4S Executive

$125,600

Porsche Panamera GTS

$113,400

Porsche Panamera Turbo

$141,300

Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive

$161,100

Porsche Panamera Turbo S

$180,300

Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive

$200,500


Competition

BMW 7-Series

The 2013 7-Series will be offered with a range of engines going from a 258-horsepower 3-liter straight-six petrol engine found in the entry-level 730i up to a 544-horsepower V12 engine found in the top version, the 760i. Just like with the Panamera prices will start in the same $74,000 area, but if you ask us, we will always take the Panamera over the 7-Series.There are no updates scheduled for the 7-Series in 2014, so we assume it will carry all of the same specifications.

Audi A8

The Audi A8 is offered with a 4.2 FSI V-8 engine that delivers an impressive 372 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque. The A8 is a little bit more expensive than both the 7-Series and the Panamera, as base price start at about $78,000. Again, there are no updates scheduled for the 2014 A8, so we expect all of the 2013 information to carry over.

Conclusion

If you ask us, the Porsche Panamera is a model that needs no revisions, but Porsche doesn’t agree with us. We were anticipating only a facelift for this year, but Porsche shocked us by classifying this as a whole new generation for the Panamera, despite the rather mild exterior modifications.

Spy Video of the 2014 Porsche Panamera as it fuels up

Spy Shots of the 2014 Porsche Panamera

Spy shots were plentiful for the 2014 Panamera, as our spy photographers caught it on the track and in the snow. Check out the gallery below for all of the spy shots.