The Porsche 
faithful had pitchforks and torches in hand when the Panamera debuted, but after six model years they have come to realize that it is a necessary evil to keep awesome cars like the 911 GT3 and the 918 Spyder in production. As the Panamera approaches its first major redesign for the 2017 model year, our spy photographers were in full force to snap some pictures while the S E-Hybrid version of the redesigned model was out testing.
While the images don’t seem to show too much on the surface, a close exam reveals that you can actually see through portions of the camo. This allows me to get a nice look at the headlights and a peek at those taillights.
Though there’s not enough detail to really say anything definitive about the 2017 Panamera S E-Hybrid’s design, these shots give us a great preview of what’s in store.
Continue reading my speculative preview of the 2017 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid to see what I think it has in store for us.
Spy Shots
May 8, 2015 – Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid during some hot weather testing in Southern Europe
Exterior
The spy shots that we received of the 2017 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid don’t give us a ton of clues, but the fact that it is under light camo is a sign that the changes won’t be too dramatic. The typical Porsche pasties are present and accounted for over the headlights and taillights, indicating that most of the changes will take place there.
From what I can see, it appears as if the headlights will ditch the current setup for ones more similar to those on the 911, but with the turn signals toward the inner corner of the headlights instead of near the bottom.
In both cases, our spy photographers caught the lights just at the perfect time and at the right angle, allowing us to get a good idea of what the new lights look like under those stickers. From what I can see, it appears as if the headlights will ditch the current setup for ones more similar to those on the 911, but with the turn signals toward the inner corner of the headlights instead of near the bottom. This isn’t a dramatic change, but it will make a difference.
The mirrors of this test vehicle also set on twin posts, as opposed to the single post on the current model.
Around back, Porsche did a better job concealing the taillights. However, it looks as if they are going to the wide and thin units, like on the Macan or the 911. This is evidenced by the way the sticker extends onto the rear hatch in the spy shots. The taillights on the current Panamera S E-Hybrid do not extend to the hatch; the hatch actually molds around the taillights. The hatch on this test model lacks the around-the-taillight curves of the current Panamera.
Also visible on the rear end are the quad exhaust tips. On the 2015 Panamera S E-Hybrid, these hang under the rear bumper, whereas the spy shots show them poking through holes in the bumper.
While many of the differences I’ve noted may make it to the final production model, please keep in mind that this is only a test model, and the 2017 Panamera may not carry all of these changes to the production line.
Interior
The cabin of the Panamera will be just as luxurious as it has ever been. Look for a few updates in ergonomics and button placement, and possibly some technology updates. The S E-Hybrid model will carry a few extra bits when compared to the cabin of the standard Panamera, as the driver needs to be able to monitor the electrical side of things.
Drivetrain
Note: Current Panamera S E-Hybrid engine pictured.
While I know the cabin and the body will receive a nice overhaul, the drivetrain remains a bit of a wildcard. Porsche could simply carry on with the same 333-horsepower V-6 engine and 95-horsepower electric motor that combine to produce 416 ponies. It could also keep the battery the same, and end up with the same 16 miles of electric-only driving and 50 mpg-e rating.
I expect to see the EV range jump to over 20 miles.
But we’re talking about Porsche here, and I can’t see it revamping the Panamera S E-Hybrid without an upgrade to its powertrain too.
I expect to see lighter and higher-capacity batteries powering a revitalized electric motor, while the 3.0-liter V-6 may also undergo a little tweak here and there. Power numbers of 450 horsepower are possible, and the reduced weight will chip in to get the sedan’s 0-to-60 spring closer to the five-second mark. I also expect to see the EV range jump to over 20 miles.
Prices
The 2015 Porsche Panamera starts out at $96,100, and I don’t expect to see the 2017 model jump too much. Look for it to start out just shy of $100,000.
Competition
2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 7
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 doesn’t have the performance credentials nor does it have the fuel efficiency to legitimately give the Panamera S E-Hybrid a run, but there aren’t many that can. Therefore, the ActiveHybrid 7 is slotted in here by default.
Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine and electric motor produce 350 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. This power heads through an eight-speed auto transmission and helps deliver a 0-to-60 sprint of 5.6 seconds – 0.4 seconds slower than the 2015 Panamera S E-Hybrid. On top of being slower, the Bimmer’s 25 mpg combined just doesn’t cut it.
The ActiveHybrid 7 does have a slight price advantage, as it starts out at $84,300.
Read our full review here.
2015 Tesla Model S 85
Like the ActiveHybrid 7, the Tesla Model S isn’t a true competitor to the Panamera S E-Hybrid, but for different reasons. The Model S is full electric, but its performance credentials, seating setup, and even styling better matches that of the Porsche.
The best-suited version of the Model S to go head-to-head with the Panamera S E-Hybrid is the 85 kWh model, which has 362 horsepower at its disposal, sprints to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, tops out at 140 mph, and can travel up to 265 miles on a single charge.
Not only does the Model S run entirely on electricity, but it’s starting price of $80,000 undercuts the Panamera without taking into account the $7,500 tax credit Uncle Sam will pass your way for buying one. What’s more, this model comes with free, unlimited access to Tesla ’s Supercharger Network, so you can (eventually) travel across the country without worrying about running out of juice.
Read our full review here.
Conclusion
The Panamera is due for a nice update, but it typical Porsche fashion, this will not be revolutionary. The updates will be small but welcome, keeping the model very familiar to its loyal fans. We are still a good way away from seeing this revised hybrid makes its debut, so don’t be surprised to see a lot of changes between now and its launch date.