The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is due to receive the same incoming mid-life update as its hatchback sibling, refreshing its unique combination of a sleek low-slung estate body with supercar-rivalling performance.
The updates are expected to align Porsche’s flagship family friendly model with new design elements borrowed from the 911, while interior updates and technological changes will likely be of a light touch, given the current model was such a stepchange within the Porsche range.
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Changes obvious on this Sport Turismo model mimic those seen on prototype versions of the standard hatch, and in this occasion show off a new front bumper and rear lighting units. Although we cannot tell for certain what engine this mule includes, the large green calipers suggest this is likely a top-tier Turbo S e-Hybrid, a model that combined both a four-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and an electric motor with a small lithium ion battery pack.
Another sign this is of a tastier nature is the new twin-bar daytime running lights, a design signature that has spread across the range to signify top-level Turbo models (except that of the new Taycan Turbo and Turbo S).
At the rear, the bumper looks unchanged compared to the optional Sport Design unit, albeit with some wobbly exhaust outlets. The lights above are new though, with a new design that more closely mimics that of the current 911. Look closely and you’ll also pick out a piece of black tape at the centre of the rear light bar – signalling the use of an unbroken unit linking the new Panamera to the single-pane light bars seen on the 911, Macan and Cayenne.
We’ll have to wait and see whether Porsche intends to update the Panamera’s oily bits, but with new rivals to contend with – like the forthcoming hybridised Mercedes-AMG GT73, which rumour has it will close in on 800bhp – Porsche is unlikely to have this little high-end corner of the market to itself for much longer.