[UPDATE: SA pricing has been released. Find the details here...]

Porsche has taken the wraps off its facelifted Panamera, with the updated range gaining a new flagship 463 kW Turbo S variant.

In addition, the Zuffenhausen-based firm has added a fresh 4S E-Hybrid derivative to the mix, offering what it describes as a “completely new drive system” with 412 kW and an all-electric range some 30 percent higher than before.

Of course, the variant we’re most interested in is the new Panamera Turbo S, which Porsche says has already grabbed the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for “executive cars”.

Delivering a heady 463 kW (at 6 000 r/min) and 820 N.m (between 2 300 and 4 500 r/min) from a twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 petrol engine, the Panamera Turbo S offers 59 kW and 50 N.m more than the previous Turbo-badged flagship. Porsche says that’s enough for a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3,1 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h.

So, what about the rest of the line-up? Well, the V8 in the Panamera GTS now makes 353 kW (up 15 kW) and 620 N.m, and gains a new sports exhaust system featuring asymmetrically positioned rear silencers.

The base Panamera and Panamera 4, meanwhile, are now equipped with Porsche’s twin-turbo 2,9-litre V6 petrol engine, here offering 243 kW and 450 N.m. The firm claims the “revamped” active suspension management system in these variants results in a “noticeable improvement in damping comfort”.

Then there’s the aforementioned 412 kW/750 N.m 4S E-Hybrid, boasting a 17,9 kWh battery and a claimed electric range of up to 54 km on the WLTP cycle. This plug-in hybrid model has a 100 kW electric motor integrated into its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the 2,9-litre V6 contributing 324 kW. The result is a dash from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 3,7 seconds and a top speed of 298 km/h.

The refreshed Panamera line-up includes the standard sedan body style as well as the Sport Turismo configuration plus “Executive” models with extended wheelbases.

Updates to the exterior design include the standard fitment of the (previously optional) Sport Design package. The front end of the Turbo S, meanwhile, is differentiated from those of its lesser siblings thanks to its larger side air intakes and newly designed, horizontally connected elements in body colour.

The headlamps have been revised, too, as has the rear light strip, while GTS models gain new darkened “Exclusive Design” taillamp clusters as standard. Three fresh 20- and 21-inch wheel options have been added to the range, taking the total to 10 choices.

Inside, the Porsche Communication Management system gains additional digital functions and services (such as the “improved” voice control function and wireless Apple CarPlay).

Original article from Car