The Porsche Panamera was a model that came almost three decades too late, but when it did arrive, it came with a point to prove.

While the Panamera was still a concept breaking creation, by Porsche standards at least, when the base Panamera was first released to the public gaze at the Auto Shanghai show in April of 2009, the idea of a four-door, less sporty and more convenience orientated model had been flirted with by Porsche as early as the 1980s (with the eventually canned 989 project).

Despite this, the Panamera was still a raging juxtaposition to typical 911s that die-hard Porsche devotees had come to worship, just like the 989 seemingly was destined to be. 

Where the standard 911 was lightweight, slim, minimal and unduly powerful, the Panamera was bulky (1,800 kg of bulk in fact), was kitted out with the trendiest bits of tech, bore four doors and, to top it all off, carried the engine at the front of the car as opposed to the rear.

Despite this, when you consider the reaction to the Cayenne and later the Macan SUV ranges from old school Porsche fans, this negative reaction from certain Porsche cliques would’ve come as no surprise to Porsche.

So why on Earth did they do it?

Well, firstly, the Cayenne sold. And when I say sold, I mean it sold and overtook the 911(s) with relative ease; Porsche knew there was a newly found, relatively untapped goldmine in a luxury-based, but also family orientated, automotive market, and they had absolutely no intent on slowing down on their fracking into it.

You see, the Panamera was the perfect mix of family and classic Porsche. 

It was brandished with the singular horse Porsche crest, was powerful enough to overtake most on a school run, stood far truer to the original design of the 911 than the Cayenne (albeit the Panamera has an almost elastically pulled 911 aesthetic), carried enough seats to cram your kids in the back, and, most importantly of all, it wasn’t an excessively lumpy, family-based SUV. 

In short, it doubled up as an impressive car to take to a serious business meeting, while also making fellow unsuspecting parents swoon at school gates.

Even for those without a family to stuff into their gleaming new four-door bison, a 3.6l V6 engine with lavish leather interior, a 162mph speed (based on the initial 2009 specs) and enough room to carry more than one passenger were enough for some to leap on board the Panamera bandwagon without hesitation.

Despite this, the Porsche Panamera remains relatively aloof among Porsche communities – its popularity never overtook the 911, but, the fact remains that it is a great four-door luxury based car and its recent releases like the 2022 Porsche Panamera and even the Panamera 4 E Hybrid rival the best of Porsche models.

So, without further ado, let’s take a stroll down upgrade lane, and learn what areas of your Panamera, or future Panamera, you can upgrade and take up a gear.

KW DLC Air suspension (Dynamic Level Control)

KW DLC Air suspension (Dynamic Level Control) incl. W-LAN / APP-Control.

The KW DLC (Dynamic Level Control) allows visually appealing lowering for many cars and SUVs with standard air suspension. The KW DLC is an electronic lowering module, which connects quick and easy to the standard wiring via an adapter plug. 

It enables a vehicle-specific lowering of up to 50 mm and can be adjusted with our KW DLC App. Of course, the electronic lowering module is compatible with different air suspension systems and driver assistance programs of your vehicle. 

No matter if you have Audi “adaptive air suspension”, Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC, Mercedes-Benz ABC and others – all functions remain completely and do not have to be deactivated for the use of KW DLC. Via the vehicle specific plug connection, the control unit will be connected to the standard wiring. Thanks to a switch at the control unit, you or your installation partner can also adjust the lowering in fixed steps – in this case, you do not need the KW DLC App.

You can find it here.

Akrapovic Slip-On Line Titanium Exhaust System

This stunning system is made completely from high-grade titanium. 

It includes parts cast in the company’s in-house foundry, featuring an additional pair of exhaust valves behind the rear mufflers, designed to provide optimal control of the exhaust sound for the best aural enjoyment. 

The system has been perfectly tuned to deliver the very best sound experience in all modes – enormous effort was invested to give it a rich higher-frequency V6 sound with a sporty racing note while keeping it smooth and eliminating any drone for maximum everyday comfort. By using the optional Akrapovi? Sound Kit, the driver can choose between a loud racy sound or a quieter note for long-distance driving, regardless of the mode chosen for the vehicle. 

The look of the Slip-On system can also be further enhanced by adding four-round titanium or carbon-fibre tailpipes.

An increase in performance and torque through a broad rpm range and significant weight savings makes this a very serious performance upgrade. With optimized gas flow and reduced back pressure, it allows limitless tuning options.

It is a simple plug-and-play installation with no need for remapping. The exquisite Akrapovi? Slip-On Line (Titanium) exhaust system adds performance and style, along with an amazing soundtrack inside and outside the cabin.

You can find it here.

Brembo GT Big brake kit (rear)

This braking system originates from the Racing components, consisting of a ventilated, integral or composite disc, available drilled or slotted, 4, 6 and 8 piston aluminium calipers, a complete set of high-performance brake pads, metal braid tubes and high-quality small parts.

Kit Contains: 

2 x Brake Disc Size: 380×28

Brake Disc Type: 2-Piece SLOTTED

2 x Brake calipers type: S Pistons: 4

1 x Brake pads set 

2 x Stainless steel Brake Hose 

1 x Fitting brackets & bolts

You can find it here.

Front Bonnet Air Outlets PS9 SpeedART

SpeedART PS9 Air outlet engine hood – plastic or carbon.

Set of PS9 air outlet engine hood in PU-RIM or carbon black for an improved heat removal

You can find it here.

Multi-function sports steering in Paldao

Multi-function sports steering wheel in a unique design. Multi-functional buttons and thumb wheels on the steering wheel for convenient operation of audio and communication functions as well as the onboard computer. Also includes gearshift paddles in Paldao incl. steering wheel heater

Activation of steering wheel heating via a button on the steering wheel. The steering wheel is covered with smooth-finish leather in interior colour and finished with Paldao wood trim (without paint blending).

You can find it here.

Bilstein Sports B6 FRONT shock absorber

The shock absorber for those drivers who prefer a sports suspension but are not particularly interested in lowering the body. 

No risk, more fun.

For some people, it’s important to show what they have, for others it’s sufficient to know that they have it. 

The theme of the discussion here is sports suspension. 

The BILSTEIN B6 Sports shock absorber is the ideal solution for drivers revelling in the understatement. The wolf in sheep’s clothing snarls, when necessary, but otherwise goes reliably about its work in daily traffic with no lowering of the body whatsoever. 

Optimum road holding enhanced tracking stabilisation and excellent damping force: the BILSTEIN B6 Sports is not only the first choice as far as sports tuning is concerned but also in the sphere of safety.

You can find it here.

Final Thoughts

The Panamera often sits in the shadows behind the Taycan, 911s, 718s and even the SUVs, however, that does not make it any less of a great model.

Stunting improved cargo space, soft close doors, room in the rear seat, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control with an impressive top speed on the latest models, it is needless to say that this it is a competitor for sports cars and is one of the earnestly unique cars Porsche offers. 

The market for a Panamera is perhaps more specific than the majority of other Porsche models but, if you sit in this market audience, this car is absolutely perfect. 

Blending class, power and usability into one vehicle and even having a range of options like the Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S, plug in hybrid and sport turismo along with the numerous upgrade options available, the choices are almost endless.

Have any queries about parts for your Panamera or need some more information about the part that’s right for you? 

Don’t hesitate to contact us, visit our shop to see items on offer or enquire about our services – we’ll be happy to help with all manners of Porsche!