The Porsche Panamera 4S is the all-wheel-drive fast Panamera. The original car used a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8. The second generation changed to a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, and the current car is the 536 hp Panamera 4S E-Hybrid.
In this article, we’ll explain the Porsche Panamera 4S, from its V8 start to its current hybrid setup. We’ll cover each generation, the important specs, and what to check before buying.
Contents
Quick Summary
- What it is: the quick, all-wheel-drive Panamera below the GTS and Turbo models.
- Original 970: a 4.8-liter V8 with 400 hp and a seven-speed PDK.
- Second-generation 971: a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 440 hp and an eight-speed PDK.
- Current 972: a 536 hp plug-in hybrid called the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid.
- Body styles: the 971 came as a hatchback, Executive, or Sport Turismo wagon.
- Buying tip: use the VIN and service records, not just the badge, to identify the car.
What the 4S Badge Means
On a Panamera, 4S means all-wheel drive and a stronger engine than the regular 4. It is the middle ground in the fast end of the range. The GTS and Turbo cars sit above it.
That basic job has stayed the same, but the hardware changed a lot. The first car had a naturally aspirated V8. The next car used a smaller twin-turbo V6. The current 4S adds an electric motor and a charging port.
For the whole family tree, see our Porsche Panamera guide. If you want the big V8 version, our Panamera GTS guide explains where that car fits.
The Original Panamera 4S
Porsche launched the Panamera in 2009, and the 4S arrived as the V8 all-wheel-drive choice. Porsche’s 2014 technical data sheet lists a 4.8-liter V8, 400 hp, 369 lb-ft, and a seven-speed PDK for the Panamera 4S.
That first car is now the affordable way into a V8 Panamera, but it is also the oldest. A neglected example can turn into a long repair list. The air suspension, cooling system, drivetrain, and electronics all need a proper inspection.
Its shape still divides people, but the cabin has a clear purpose. It carries four adults in real comfort and covers distance easily. The original 4S is the one to choose if you want the old-school V8 response.
The Second-Generation Panamera 4S
The 2017 Panamera changed the look and the engine. Porsche replaced the old V8 with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. The company rated it at 440 hp and 405 lb-ft, with an eight-speed PDK and all-wheel drive.
Porsche quoted 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with Sport Chrono and a 179 mph top track speed. That makes the 971 quick enough for nearly anyone, without the fuel use and extra complexity of the V8 Turbo.
The 971 is also the flexible one. Porsche sold it as the regular hatchback, the longer Executive, and the Sport Turismo wagon. The Sport Turismo gives you the same engine with a longer roof and a more useful rear opening.
Later versions can have rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and plenty of driver-assistance hardware. Nice options are not a substitute for records. Make sure every system works before you buy.
The Current Panamera 4S E-Hybrid
The current third-generation car arrived for 2024. It is not a gas-only 4S. Porsche calls it the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, and its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 makes 348 hp before the electric motor joins in.
Combined output is 536 hp and 553 lb-ft. Porsche quotes 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a 180 mph top track speed. It uses a 25.9 kWh battery, so home charging is part of ownership now.
The hybrid system brings real shove, but it brings more equipment to check. If you are shopping used later on, confirm that it charges normally and that the seller can show battery and service records.
Specs Side by Side
These are Porsche’s quoted US figures for the original V8, the 971, and the current hybrid.
| Version | Engine | Power | 0 to 60 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 970 Panamera 4S | 4.8-liter V8 | 400 hp, 369 lb-ft | Check model-year data | Check model-year data |
| 971 Panamera 4S | 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 | 440 hp, 405 lb-ft | 3.8 seconds with Sport Chrono | 179 mph |
| 972 Panamera 4S E-Hybrid | 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 plus electric motor | 536 hp, 553 lb-ft | 3.5 seconds | 180 mph |
The simple version is this. The 970 gives you a V8. The 971 gives you a modern gas car and the Sport Turismo option. The 972 is quickest, but it makes the most sense when you can charge at home.
Buying a Used Panamera 4S
Start with the VIN and records
Get the VIN, factory option list, and dated service invoices. They tell you which engine, body, and equipment the car actually has. Our Porsche VIN decoder guide explains how to read the basics.
Pay for a specialist inspection
Have a Porsche specialist scan every control module and road-test the car. Check cold starting, PDK shifts, air-suspension height, coolant leaks, and every screen and switch. On a hybrid, test the charging hardware too.
Buy the condition, not the badge
A clean 971 with full records is usually a safer first Panamera 4S than a cheap car with unknown history. For US cars, also run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup. A pre-purchase inspection is cheap insurance on any Panamera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Porsche Panamera 4S all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every Panamera 4S uses Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive. The engine and hybrid system changed over time, but the 4S badge has always meant four driven wheels.
How much horsepower does a Porsche Panamera 4S have?
It depends on the year. The original 2010 Panamera 4S had 400 hp. The 2017 second-generation 4S had 440 hp. The current Panamera 4S E-Hybrid has 536 hp combined.
Is the current Panamera 4S a hybrid?
Yes. The current third-generation car is called the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. It pairs a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and a 25.9 kWh battery.
What engine does the 2017 Panamera 4S have?
The 2017 Panamera 4S has a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. Porsche rated it at 440 hp and 405 lb-ft, sent through an eight-speed PDK and all-wheel drive.
Should I buy a used Panamera 4S?
A documented, inspected car can be a good buy. Get the VIN, full service records, and a Porsche specialist inspection. Check the air suspension, PDK shifts, cooling system, and every electronic function.
Images: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S by IFCAR, public domain. Porsche Panamera 971 4S, Sapphire Blue Metallic by Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0. Porsche Panamera 4S 972, Washington DC by OWS Photography, CC BY 4.0. Porsche Panamera 4S 972, rear view by OWS Photography, CC BY 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
