2017 Porsche Panamera 4S, 4S Diesel, and Turbo Review and Test Drive – Video

 

The Panamera is the first model built off the Volkswagen Group’s MSB architecture (Modularer Standard-Baukasten, or modular standard architecture—with “standard” here indicating a front-engine, rear- or four-wheel-drive layout). The powertrains are new. At launch, there will be a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 in the Panamera 4S, rated at 440 horsepower, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 in the Panamera Turbo, good for 550 horsepower. Europe also gets a 422-hp 4.0-liter V-8 turbo diesel; we don’t, but down the road, we will get an entry-level 3.0-liter turbo gasoline V-6 with around 350 horsepower, as well as a hybrid. A 3.0-liter V-6 TDI, which is the only carryover engine, will remain absent from the U.S. Expect a Turbo S again, this time with at least 600 horsepower, and a further entry-level model—designed for maximum efficiency but not hybridized—could come with rear-wheel drive. Initially, all Panameras will feature all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.