Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Discontinued Due to Poor Sales

Porsche has announced that the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo wagon is being discontinued with the launch of the new 2024 Panamera. The decision to discontinue the variant is a result of slow sales, particularly in the main markets of China and the US. This move comes as a disappointment to fans who were drawn to the model for its practicality and unique design.

The Sport Turismo variant, introduced in 2018, was intended to provide a more practical option for luxury sedan customers. However, it only offered a meagre 1.7 cubic feet more trunk space than the sedan. Dr. Thomas Friemuth, Vice President of the Panamera Line, confirmed that the practicality of the Sport Turismo did not differ significantly from the standard Panamera, as both models feature a large hatch.

The decision to discontinue the Sport Turismo variant was further justified by the fact that it represented less than 10% of total Panamera sales worldwide. The sales figures for the Panamera as a whole have also been underwhelming, with just 34,142 units sold globally in 2022. This low demand has resulted in the discontinuation of the Sport Turismo model, despite its appeal to a niche market.

While the Sport Turismo brought a unique offering to the Panamera lineup, the brand’s decision to discontinue the model has left some enthusiasts wishing for more differentiation between the wagon and sedan body styles. It is suggested that a similar approach to the Taycan, which offers a Cross Turismo version, could have helped to boost interest in the Sport Turismo.

The discontinuation of the Sport Turismo comes at a time when Panamera sales have been struggling, with only 3,483 units sold in 2022. This is a sharp contrast to the sales figures of other Porsche models such as the 911, Macan, and Cayenne, all of which have consistently outperformed the Panamera in terms of sales.

Despite the challenges faced by the Panamera, Porsche remains optimistic about the future of the model. The upcoming refresh of the Panamera is expected to revitalize interest in the lineup and appeal to a broader audience. However, the discontinuation of the Sport Turismo variant serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the automotive industry, where market demand ultimately determines the success of a model.