Spy shots have revealed Porsche is planning a series of updates for the Panamera, but the future may have something bigger for the sporty liftback. New report from Autocar claims an electric version is in the works on the same Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) that will underpin Zuffenhausen’s recently announced seven-seater SUV. The dedicated EV platform will also be put to good use for the second-generation Taycan coming later this decade.
It is believed the Panamera without the combustion engine will be placed above the Taycan by having a larger body with an extended wheelbase. The British magazine claims it will be similar in size to the currently available elongated model, which stretches at 5,199 millimeters (204.7 inches) and measures 3,100 mm (122 inches) between the axles. By driving a bespoke electric car platform, it means the space available inside will be superior to that of the gasoline-fueled Panamera LWB.
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The alleged Panamera EV is reportedly in the early stages of development and is therefore unlikely to come out before the middle of the decade when the big SUV is slated to launch. The next Taycan is earmarked for a 2027 release, according to Autocar. Porsche is said to be working on a more advanced 800V battery technology with greater energy density to achieve greater range while single and dual motor derivatives are coming soon.
The electric Panamera won’t end the combustion engine as Porsche intends to facelift the ICE-powered model in 2023 and keep it in production until the end of the decade. That would translate into an overlap of several years, which would also be the case with the Tigers. The sporty crossover will get an EV variant next year which will be sold alongside a gas derivative for the time being. It’s likely the larger Cayenne would follow a similar strategy, with Autocar states it will get a zero-emissions flavor by 2025.
The only Porsche that won’t be getting a pure electric drivetrain anytime soon is the 911 as the German brand has ruled out EV models of the decade. Meanwhile, hybrid powertrains will come in mid-decade when 718 smaller sports cars will drop their ICEs altogether.
