Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera Facelift May Ditch Physical Switches for Screens

Porsche’s updated Panamera has been spotted lapping the Nürburgring again, and this time the cabin is giving up its secrets. When we last saw the facelifted model testing in Sweden earlier this year, the focus was on exterior tweaks—revised lights, bumpers, and radar hardware hidden under camouflage.

The interior stayed covered. Not anymore.

The latest prototype shows a redesigned center console, and it looks like Porsche may be ready to drop the physical toggle switches that currently control the climate system. Those switches have been a signature Panamera feature, setting it apart from rivals that have moved everything to touchscreens.

Based on the shape of the concealed area, the automaker appears to be replacing them with another display. If so, the Panamera’s screen count could hit four when you add the optional passenger display above the glovebox.

At first glance, the layout seemed borrowed from the upcoming Cayenne Electric, which pairs a central infotainment screen with a lower touchscreen for climate and vehicle functions. But there’s a catch. Unlike the Cayenne Electric prototypes, this Panamera doesn’t have air vents above the central display.

The vents still sit below the infotainment screen, just like in the current car. That suggests Porsche developed a different solution entirely.

Outside, the camouflage is similar to earlier test cars, but our photographers spotted two different Panameras this time, both with a charging flap on the left side—meaning they’re plug-in hybrids. One car has square exhaust tips, likely a Turbo E-Hybrid or Turbo S E-Hybrid. The other has four round pipes, which on today’s lineup points to a 4S E-Hybrid.

But the front bumper, DRL positioning, and covered rear diffuser area have our sources wondering if it’s actually a GTS. The current GTS runs a V8 without hybrid assist, but that may be changing.

Porsche hasn’t commented on powertrain updates, so this remains speculation. The current Panamera range starts with a turbocharged V6 at 348 hp, steps up to a 493 hp V8 in the GTS, and tops out with the 771 hp Turbo S E-Hybrid. Prices start around $113,000 and climb past $240,000, with the facelifted models likely starting closer to $120,000.

The spy photos come from our partners at CarSpyMedia, who captured the prototypes during testing at the Nürburgring last week.