The current Porsche Panamera sedan is far from new, and an updated model has finally been spotted undergoing cold-weather testing on public roads. The refreshed 2028 Porsche Panamera is set to adopt design elements, particularly in the lighting department, from the German automaker’s latest electric cars including the upcoming electric Cayenne.
The Panamera we see here is not new and will not mark the fourth generation, if such a thing even comes to fruition. Porsche itself is in turmoil with collapsing sales in China, its EV plans being torn up with a pivot back to hybrids and gas-powered models, and now a change in leadership with a new CEO stepping into the room this month.
The refreshed 2028 Panamera spotted sports updated lighting elements both front and back, including the rear taillight which has tape on certain parts on this prototype, seems to crib elements of the new electric Cayenne. Up front, the Matrix LED headlights have small changes to their design details, with the illuminated Porsche logo relocated to the inner tip of the headlight lens.
The model tested features quad exhaust, huge carbon ceramic brake rotors, a deployable rear spoiler, and might be hiding a plug-in hybrid powertrain as there’s both a fuel filler door on the driver-side and passenger-side rear fenders. Expect the 2028 Panamera to debut late this year or early next, but with the automaker’s plans fully in flux today’s plans might not happen tomorrow.
This EV-inspired makeover for the Porsche Panamera is a significant departure from its traditional design language, and it will be interesting to see how the updated model balances its performance capabilities with its new electric elements. With Porsche's current turmoil, there are also questions about the long-term viability of this new direction.
