2021 Porsche Panamera

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

Porsche Panamera
Pictured: Porsche 972 Turbo E-Hybrid IMG 0445. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine325 hp2.9L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic

Trims

4SPanamera / Panamera 4

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 / 4s 4dr Sedan198.8 in76.4 in55.9 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,123 lb52/48
4 / 4s Executive 4dr Sedan204.7 in76.4 in55.9 in122 in65 / 64.2 in4,365 lb52/48
4 E-Hybrid 4dr Sedan198.8 in76.4 in55.9 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,784 lb48/52
4 E-Hybrid Executive 4dr Sedan204.7 in76.4 in55.9 in122 in65 / 64.2 in4,960 lb
4 Sport Turismo 4dr Wagon198.8 in76.4 in56.3 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,145 lb53/47
4 Sport Turismo E-Hybrid 4dr Wagon198.8 in76.4 in56.3 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,828 lb48/52

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Panamera 4 e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 24 / 22-9%$3,750232
Panamera 4 e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 24 / 22-9%$3,750232
Panamera 4 e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 24 / 22-9%$3,750232
Panamera 4S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 23 / 22-9%$3,750236
Panamera 4S e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 23 / 22-9%$3,750236
Panamera 4S e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 23 / 22-9%$3,750236
Panamera2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-17%$4,100441
Panamera 42.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-17%$4,100441
Panamera 4 ST2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-17%$4,100441
Panamera 4S2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-17%$4,100445
Panamera 4 Executive2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-21%$4,350465
Panamera 4S Executive2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-21%$4,350469
Panamera 4S ST2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-21%$4,350469
Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 19-21%$4,350274
Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 19-21%$4,350274
Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 19-21%$4,350274
Panamera GTS4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-29%$4,850520
Panamera GTS ST4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-29%$4,850520
Panamera Turbo S Executive4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-29%$4,850525
Panamera Turbo S ST4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-29%$4,850525
Panamera Turbo S4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-29%$4,850525
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.1 MPG2021 Large Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Porsche Panamera (this car)22 MPGNot rated4
2021 BMW 5 Series28 MPGNot rated0
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class24 MPGNot rated0
2021 BMW 7 Series25 MPGNot rated0
2021 Audi A626 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Lexus LS28 MPGNot rated2

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Porsche Panamera is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

2Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
Unknown Or Other1
Power Train1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/04: 123/03: 122/0423/03max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Porsche Panamera buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  4. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated21
2025 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated32
2024 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated22
2023 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated12
2022 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated11
2020 Panamera23198.8 inNot rated25
2019 Panamera23198.8 inNot rated20
2018 Panamera24198.8 inNot rated812
2017 Panamera24198.8 inNot rated61
2016 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated43
2015 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated36
2014 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated314

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →