2021 Porsche Panamera
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4 / 4s 4dr Sedan, 4 / 4s Executive 4dr Sedan, 4 E-Hybrid 4dr Sedan, 4 E-Hybrid Executive 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 325 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 21 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 198.8–204.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,123–4,960 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 325 hp, versus about 416 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Porsche Panamera is a large car offered with 2 engines (2.9L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4 / 4s 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (21 city / 24 highway), 9% worse than the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Panamera →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2021 Panamera configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 / 4s 4dr Sedan | 198.8 in | 76.4 in | 55.9 in | 116.1 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,123 lb | 52/48 |
| 4 / 4s Executive 4dr Sedan | 204.7 in | 76.4 in | 55.9 in | 122 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,365 lb | 52/48 |
| 4 E-Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 198.8 in | 76.4 in | 55.9 in | 116.1 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,784 lb | 48/52 |
| 4 E-Hybrid Executive 4dr Sedan | 204.7 in | 76.4 in | 55.9 in | 122 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,960 lb | |
| 4 Sport Turismo 4dr Wagon | 198.8 in | 76.4 in | 56.3 in | 116.1 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,145 lb | 53/47 |
| 4 Sport Turismo E-Hybrid 4dr Wagon | 198.8 in | 76.4 in | 56.3 in | 116.1 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,828 lb | 48/52 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panamera 4 e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 232 |
| Panamera 4 e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 232 |
| Panamera 4 e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 232 |
| Panamera 4S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 23 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 236 |
| Panamera 4S e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 23 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 236 |
| Panamera 4S e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 23 / 22 | -9% | $3,750 | 236 |
| Panamera | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -17% | $4,100 | 441 |
| Panamera 4 | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -17% | $4,100 | 441 |
| Panamera 4 ST | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -17% | $4,100 | 441 |
| Panamera 4S | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -17% | $4,100 | 445 |
| Panamera 4 Executive | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 465 |
| Panamera 4S Executive | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 469 |
| Panamera 4S ST | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 469 |
| Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 274 |
| Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 274 |
| Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 274 |
| Panamera GTS | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -29% | $4,850 | 520 |
| Panamera GTS ST | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -29% | $4,850 | 520 |
| Panamera Turbo S Executive | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -29% | $4,850 | 525 |
| Panamera Turbo S ST | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -29% | $4,850 | 525 |
| Panamera Turbo S | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -29% | $4,850 | 525 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Porsche Panamera.
Similar 2021 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Porsche Panamera (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 7 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable/Cord › Onboard · Dec 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V841000 · 41,345 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling various models and model years. Please see the recall report for a list of the included vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
- Risk
- An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 24, 2024. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available, anticipated mid-2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB6.
Electrical System · Jan 27, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V033000 · 24,467 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and inspect and replace the plug-in connection, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy becomes available, anticipated July 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA1.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 4, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V608000 · 4,924 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Panamera, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S, Panamera GTS, Panamera Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB6.
Suspension › Front · May 17, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V362000 · 565 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Taycan, Panamera, Panamera Turbo S, Panamera GTS, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid vehicles. The front lower trailing arms were not forged correctly and may break.
- Risk
- A broken front lower trailing arm may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front lower trailing arms, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB2.
Not every 2021 Porsche Panamera is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Porsche Panamera buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche Panamera. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Panamera years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2024 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 Panamera | 23 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2019 Panamera | 23 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 Panamera | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 12 |
| 2017 Panamera | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 1 |
| 2016 Panamera | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 3 |
| 2015 Panamera | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2014 Panamera | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →