Update: ‘Platform’ section updated and ‘TopElectricSUV says’ section added.
Having successfully launched the Taycan, Porsche has lined up six new EV launches. One of the new battery-powered Porsche models will be a Porsche Panamera EV. This doesn’t mean that Porsche is planning to discontinue the Taycan, though. In fact, the company has confirmed the next-gen Taycan launch as well.
Positioning
Porsche offers the gas-powered, second-gen Panamera in two different wheelbase versions. The standard-wheelbase version is comparable to the executive (E-segment) Taycan, while the long-wheelbase version, ironically called ‘Executive,’ challenges full-size (F-segment) cars.
We think that Porsche would launch the first-ever Panamera EV in a single body length that measures similar to the long-wheelbase version. This way, the Panamera would become a proper Mercedes EQS rival, without risking internal competition with the Taycan. Where the Taycan is a sports car, the Panamera EV should consolidate its role as a grand tourer. The second-gen Taycan is due in 2027, as per a report Autocar published on September 2, 2022.
Design
According to the Autocar report, the Panamera EV’s styling will be similar to the Panamera Mk2 that’s available in gasoline and plug-in hybrid variants. A high-level company source has revealed to the British publication that while the core design will be the same, unique design elements would be observed at the front and rear. In other words, you can expect an evolutionary design for the all-electric Panamera.
As for dimensions, the Autocar report suggests that just as we originally speculated, the Panamera EV will come in a single wheelbase and that the distance between the axles will be similar to the current model’s long-wheelbase version (3,100 mm/122.0 in.). The next-gen Porsche electric car’s length could be similar to the current model’s Executive version (5,199 mm/204.7 in.), as per the report.
Platform
Porsche will develop the Panamera EV on the same platform as the next-gen Taycan – SSP Sport. SSP, short for Scalable Systems Platform, is not a conventional vehicle platform. It’s a mechatronics platform that integrates electronics and software as well. There will be various versions of the SSP, one of which will be Sport. Porsche will develop the Sport version, Michael Steiner, Member of the company’s Executive Board with the responsibility for R&D, confirmed on July 18, 2022.
The SSP that we will use, this is SSP for the sports cars, (and it) will be developed by Porsche due to Porsche and Porsche customer demands. So, whether this will be used by other brands has to be decided by other brands in the Volkswagen Group, but it will be dedicated for Porsche cars. It will be (a) really performance-oriented luxury platform.
Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, R&D, Porsche (Capital Markets Day on July 18, 2022)
On December 5, 2022, Automobilwoche reported that Audi and Porsche will jointly develop an ‘SSP61’ platform, which will underpin two Audi Artemis models (Landjet and Landyacht) as well. The report said the SSP61 platform will underpin an Audi A8 Electric, a model no other reports have spoken of until now. We think SSP61 could be the same, Sport version of SSP that Steiner confirmed on July 18, 2022. If the info is accurate, Volkswagen Group would have two technically related electric full-size sedans in its line-up in the future.
SSP Sport underpinning the Panamera EV will consist of Porsche-specific modules, suggests the Autocar report. Zuffenhausen wants a low cabin floor, which would be possible with a slimmer battery pack, and foot garages (footwells) for the rear passengers, which will be essential in ensuring that the packaging is comparable with the current Panamera and the center of gravity is low.
Production & Release Date
The Porsche Panamera EV could hit the first markets in 2026 or 2027. Expect production to take place at the Porsche Leipzig plant in Germany.
Gas-powered Panamera to drive alongside the EV
Porsche does not intend to discontinue the current Panamera with the launch of the electric model. As reported by Autocar, the company will give the gas model a facelift in 2023. Porsche plans to extend the current generation Panamera until 2030, according to company sources. We feel that for the car to reach the end of the decade meaningfully, a second elaborate facelift would be needed around 2026.
TopElectricSUV says
The Taycan should continue as the sports car, but the Panamera EV should be a grand tourer at heart. It should continue to excel in this role, offering comfort and luxury for those who enjoy the open road. It also could be the most spacious and comfortable Porsche with a low roof.
We will update this page as we get more information.
Porsche Panamera EV FAQs
What is the Porsche Panamera EV release date?
The Porsche Panamera EV could arrive in 2026 or 2027.
What will be the Porsche Panamera EV price?
The base Porsche Panamera EV may cost over USD 100,000.
Which models will be Porsche Panamera EV rivals?
The Porsche Panamera EV will compete with the Mercedes EQS and an Audi A8 Electric.
Featured image: Porsche
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
