Porsche may launch a Panamera EV after all, but there’s a caveat

Porsche is considering introducing the next-generation Panamera with EV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and ICE powertrains, but it may take the name of another model in its lineup.

Is Porsche launching a Panamera EV?

There’s been talk of an all-electric Panamera for years, but Porsche already has the similarly sized Taycan, its first EV.

Porsche is scrambling to cut costs after a sudden reversal in its shift to EVs last year. According to Autocar, the luxury sports car maker could merge the gas-powered Panamera and the electric Taycan into a single model under the same name.

Sources familiar with the matter hinted that Porsche is exploring sharing parts between the two sports sedans and possibly selling them under a single name.

The Panamera is based on the MSB platform, the same as the Bentley Continental GT, while the Taycan EV is underpinned by the J1 platform, shared with the Audi E-tron GT. Even if the two use different platforms, they could still share the same identity, the sources said.

Porsche already sells the Macan EV and gas-powered Macan, which are based on different platforms, so it could take a similar approach with the Panamera and Taycan.

The new model would be sold with EV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains. It’s yet to be confirmed which name it would retain: the Taycan or the Panamera.

By merging the two, Porsche would not only save costs but also potentially avoid cutting one from its lineup altogether.

Electrek’s Take

The report comes after Kevin Giek, head of the Taycan line, told Autocar in 2024 that “We want to keep the Taycan as an innovator, to show what is possible and what is our definition of a BEV sports car.”

“They are obviously different,” he said, adding, “Both make sense, and we are sure we have the customers.” Meanwhile, Porsche announced it will take a €1.8 billion write-down after delaying the SSP platform and reworking its EV plans in September.

On a separate note, Porsche Cars Australia Managing Director and CEO Daniel Schmollinger denied recent rumors that the company had canceled the next-gen 718 Boxster and Cayman EVs.

Schmollinger said the electric sports cars are still in development, claiming they are “amazing” to drive, according to Carsales AU.