The Porsche Panamera is a front engine, four door fastback produced since 2009 in gasoline, diesel, and plug in hybrid variants across two generations (970 and 971/G2). Using the correct engine oil capacity, viscosity, and Porsche approved oil type is critical to protect the engine and maintain performance over high mileage.
This guide focuses on the most common Panamera engines in each generation and summarizes engine oil capacity, oil type, viscosity, and typical oil change intervals. Always confirm final fill volumes and specifications in the owner manual or with a Porsche dealer before service.
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2021–2025 Porsche Panamera Engine Oil Capacity
These years cover the facelifted second generation (971, also called G2 II), including 2.9L V6 turbo, 4.0L V8 turbo, and updated plug in hybrid variants. The tables below focus on the common 2.9L V6 petrol and its E-Hybrid version, which share similar architecture but have different oil capacities.
2021–2025 Panamera 2.9L V6 turbo (petrol)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9L twin turbo V6, EA839 (Panamera Base / 4 / 4S, 971) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 7.6 qt (7.2 L) engine oil change capacity |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Service data is published for change with filter; actual fill without filter is slightly lower and should be set using the level display or dipstick. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic oil meeting Porsche C30 or equivalent approval |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W‑30 for C30 approved synthetic oil in these engines |
| Oil Change Interval | Typically 10,000 miles or 12 months with correct Porsche C30 oil, per many service schedules and oil kit data. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | About 22 lb‑ft (30 N·m) for typical 971 drain plugs; always confirm for your exact engine. |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche cartridge filter for EA839 V6, or equivalent OEM quality elements from Mahle, Mann, or Hengst supplied in many professional oil change kits. |
The 2021–2025 Porsche Panamera with the 2.9L V6 turbo typically takes about 7.6 qt (7.2 L) of full synthetic C30 approved oil when the filter is replaced. Using an SAE 0W‑30 viscosity provides good cold start flow while meeting Porsche’s requirements for protection and efficiency in this generation.
2021–2025 Panamera 2.9L V6 E‑Hybrid
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9L twin turbo V6 plug in hybrid, EA839 / MDG.PA (4 E‑Hybrid, 4S E‑Hybrid) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 7.19 qt (6.8 L) engine oil capacity |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Manufacturer data lists service fill; actual no‑filter capacity is slightly lower and should be set via electronic level measurement. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic low SAPS oil meeting Porsche C30 or equivalent approval suitable for hybrid operation |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W‑30 commonly specified for these hybrid V6 engines |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 10,000 miles or 12 months in many maintenance schedules when correct C30 oil is used. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Typical 971 drain plug torque is about 22 lb‑ft (30 N·m); verify for the hybrid application. |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche hybrid specific cartridge filter, or equivalent OEM quality element as supplied in specialist hybrid oil kits. |
The 2021–2025 Porsche Panamera 4 E‑Hybrid and 4S E‑Hybrid use a 2.9L V6 that holds about 7.19 qt (6.8 L) of full synthetic low SAPS oil with the filter. A 0W‑30 Porsche C30 approved oil supports efficient hybrid operation while maintaining the required engine protection.
High performance 4.0L V8 petrol and 4.0L V8 diesel engines from this period generally use about 9.0–9.5 L of oil with viscosities such as 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 that meet Porsche C40 or C30 approvals, depending on the exact model.
2017–2020 Porsche Panamera Engine Oil Capacity
The 2017 model year introduced the second generation Panamera (971 or G2) with new 3.0L and 2.9L V6 engines, 4.0L V8 petrol and diesel options, and the first G2 E‑Hybrid variants. Oil specifications in this period moved from A40 to newer C20, C30, and C40 approvals, with lower viscosity synthetic oils for efficiency.
2017–2020 Panamera 3.0L V6 turbo (petrol)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L single turbo V6, EA839 (Panamera Base, 4, 4 Executive) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 7.6 qt (7.2 L) engine oil change capacity |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Manufacturer data focuses on service fill with filter; actual no‑filter capacity is slightly lower and should be set using the level system. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic oil with Porsche C20 approval (for these 3.0L turbo V6 engines) |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W‑20 for C20 approved synthetic oil in these applications |
| Oil Change Interval | Commonly 10,000 miles or once per year with correct C20 oil. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | About 22 lb‑ft (30 N·m) is specified for many 971 drain plugs in DIY procedures. |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche V6 cartridge filter, or OEM quality element from Mahle, Mann, or Hengst included in professional 3.0T oil change kits. |
The 2017–2020 Porsche Panamera with the 3.0L turbo V6 usually takes around 7.6 qt (7.2 L) of full synthetic C20 approved oil during an oil change with filter replacement. A 0W‑20 viscosity supports efficiency and meets Porsche’s requirements for these downsized turbocharged V6 engines.
2017–2020 Panamera 2.9L V6 and hybrids
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9L twin turbo V6 petrol and E‑Hybrid variants (Panamera 4S, 4 E‑Hybrid, 4S E‑Hybrid) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | About 7.6 qt (7.2 L) for non‑hybrid 2.9L V6, around 7.19 qt (6.8 L) for the 2.9L E‑Hybrid. |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Service data is for oil changes with filter; smaller no‑filter volumes are set by monitoring the level system. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic oils with Porsche C30 approval for 2.9L petrol and hybrid engines |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W‑30 is a common C30 compliant viscosity for these engines. |
| Oil Change Interval | Around 10,000 miles or 12 months when using C30 approved oil, according to many maintenance schedules and kit recommendations. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Typical 971 drain plug torque is about 22–25 lb‑ft (30–34 N·m) in DIY procedures; confirm for your specific model. |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche EA839 filter element, or equivalent OEM units from Mahle, Mann, or Hengst used in specialist 2.9T and E‑Hybrid oil kits. |
The 2017–2020 Porsche Panamera 4S and hybrid models with the 2.9L V6 use about 6.8–7.2 L of full synthetic C30 approved oil with the filter. A 0W‑30 viscosity provides suitable cold start behavior while meeting Porsche’s low SAPS and efficiency targets for these engines.
High performance 4.0L V8 petrol versions such as the Panamera Turbo and GTS typically hold about 9.0–9.5 L of oil and use C40 approved 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 synthetic oil, while the 4.0L V8 diesel uses about 9.0 L of C30 compliant 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 oil.
2014–2016 Porsche Panamera Engine Oil Capacity
Late first generation Panamera models (970 facelift) introduced new 3.0L twin turbo V6 engines and updated hybrid systems while retaining the 4.8L V8 in many S, GTS, and Turbo models. Oil capacities and viscosities remained similar to earlier 970 cars but with extended service intervals in many markets.
2014–2016 Panamera 3.0L V6 twin turbo (petrol)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L twin turbo V6, M46.60 (Panamera S, Panamera 4S facelift) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Around 9.0 qt (8.5 L) engine oil capacity listed for these engines. |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Manufacturer data is for oil change with filter; final no‑filter level is set based on the electronic level system. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 approval |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W‑40, 5W‑40, or 5W‑50 are commonly approved viscosities for A40 Panamera petrol engines. |
| Oil Change Interval | Up to 30,000 km or 24 months in some markets, though many owners and workshops use shorter 10,000 mile or annual intervals. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | DIY procedures for 970 V6 engines specify about 22 ft‑lb (30 N·m). |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche cartridge filter for M46.60, or OEM quality elements from Mahle, Mann, or Hengst sold by European parts suppliers. |
The 2014–2016 Porsche Panamera S and 4S with the 3.0L twin turbo V6 use roughly 8.5 L, or about 9.0 qt, of full synthetic A40 approved oil with the filter replaced. A 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 viscosity is typically specified and balances high temperature protection with reliable cold start performance.
2014–2016 Panamera 4.8L V8 petrol and hybrids
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.8L V8 petrol (S, 4S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S) and 3.0L V6 hybrid systems |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Many 4.8L V8 engines list about 9.0 L (9.5 qt), while hybrid 3.0L V6 engines use around 6.75 L. |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Capacities are quoted for changes with filter; final no‑filter level is set via the electronic gauge. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic Porsche A40 oils for V8 petrol engines; low SAPS synthetic oils are used for hybrid engines. |
| Viscosity | 0W‑40, 5W‑40, and 5W‑50 for many 4.8L V8 petrol engines; 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 for diesel and some hybrid versions. |
| Oil Change Interval | Similar to other late 970 models, with up to 30,000 km or 24 month intervals in some regions. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Around 22 ft‑lb (30 N·m) is typical for 970 drain plugs in professional DIY instructions. |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche V8 filter elements, plus OEM equivalents from major European filter manufacturers sold through specialists. |
Early 4.8L V8 Panamera models generally take about 9.0 L, or 9.5 qt, of A40 approved synthetic oil during a service with filter. Diesel and hybrid Panamera variants of this era have smaller capacities in the 6.75–7.3 L range and require low SAPS oils that match Porsche’s diesel and hybrid approvals.
2010–2013 Porsche Panamera Engine Oil Capacity
Early first generation Panamera models (970 pre‑facelift) introduced the 3.6L V6, 4.8L V8, Turbo, Turbo S, and the first hybrid and diesel variants. Engine oil specifications for these cars rely on high quality full synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 or related approvals.
2010–2013 Panamera 3.6L V6 (petrol)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 (Panamera, Panamera 4), often coded M46.20 / M46.40 |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Around 8.5 L, which is about 9.0 US qt, for service fill with filter. |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Manufacturer data provides the service fill volume; final no‑filter level is set using the electronic level display. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 approval |
| Viscosity | 0W‑40, 5W‑40, or 5W‑50 are commonly listed for these V6 engines. |
| Oil Change Interval | Some references list up to 30,000 km or 24 months, though many owners prefer shorter 10,000 mile or annual intervals. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | DIY guides for the 2010–2016 Panamera V6 specify about 22 ft‑lb (30 N·m). |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche V6 cartridge filter, or equivalent OEM filter elements commonly supplied in European parts kits. |
The 2010–2013 Porsche Panamera 3.6L V6 typically takes about 8.5 L, or 9.0 qt, of Porsche A40 approved full synthetic oil with the filter replaced. Using a 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 viscosity supports proper lubrication during cold starts while providing stable protection at high operating temperatures.
2010–2013 Panamera 4.8L V8, Turbo, hybrid, and diesel
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.8L V8 petrol (S, 4S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S), early hybrid systems, and 3.0L V6 diesel variants. |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | Many 4.8L V8 engines use about 9.0 L (9.5 qt), while hybrids typically use around 6.75 L and diesels roughly 7.0–7.3 L. |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | Capacities are quoted for changes with filter; no‑filter fills are lower and should be corrected based on the level display. |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full synthetic A40 oils for petrol V8 engines; diesel and hybrid engines use low SAPS synthetic oils with appropriate approvals. |
| Viscosity | 0W‑40, 5W‑40, and 5W‑50 for many 4.8L V8 petrol engines; 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 for diesel and some hybrid versions. |
| Oil Change Interval | Similar to other 970 models, with up to 30,000 km or 24 months listed in some data tables, but many workshops use shorter intervals. |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | Typical 970 torque for the drain plug is around 22 ft‑lb (30 N·m) in professional DIY instructions. |
| Recommended Filters | Genuine Porsche V8 filter elements, plus OEM equivalents from major European filter manufacturers sold through specialists. |
Early 4.8L V8 Panamera models generally take about 9.0 L, or 9.5 qt, of A40 approved synthetic oil during a service with filter. Hybrid Panamera models from this period generally require about 6.75 L of suitable low SAPS synthetic oil that matches Porsche’s hybrid specifications.
Oil Maintenance & Service Tips
Regular oil level checks and timely oil changes are essential for any Porsche Panamera, especially given the high specific output of modern V6 and V8 engines. Many 970 cars use an electronic gauge, while 971 models may use a dipstick or electronic indication, so always follow the factory procedure when verifying level.
Use only full synthetic oil that carries the correct Porsche approval code (A40, C20, C30, or C40) for your engine, since these oils are tested for thermal stability and compatibility with Porsche engine designs. Replace the oil filter at every oil change, as recommended by professional data sources, and torque the drain plug carefully to about 22–25 lb‑ft to avoid leaks or damage.
For most Panamera models, a 10,000 mile or 12 month oil change interval with the correct synthetic oil and filter aligns with modern maintenance schedules, while shorter intervals can be appropriate for frequent short trips, track use, or very dusty conditions. Always reset the service indicator after an oil and filter replacement to keep your maintenance interval tracking accurate.
When exploring Porsche, don’t miss our detailed guides on popular models like the Porsche 944, Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman, and Porsche 718 Spyder. Understanding engine oil capacity is crucial for proper maintenance, and our expert resources explain the exact oil requirements for these models. You’ll also find insights on recommended oil types, service intervals, and common issues linked to incorrect oil levels, ensuring your Porsche always delivers reliable performance.
FAQs
What kind of oil does a Porsche Panamera use?
Most Porsche Panamera petrol engines from the first generation use full synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 approval, typically in viscosities such as 0W‑40 or 5W‑40. Second generation 971 engines often require newer C20, C30, or C40 approved oils in grades like 0W‑20, 0W‑30, or 0W‑40 depending on the specific V6, V8, diesel, or hybrid engine.
How much oil does a Porsche Panamera take?
Common capacities range from about 6.8 L (7.19 qt) in some 2.9L V6 E‑Hybrid models up to roughly 9.5 L (10.04 qt) in certain 4.0L V8 petrol engines. Many 3.0L and 2.9L V6 petrol engines in the 971 generation use around 7.2 L (7.6 qt) of oil, while 3.6L and 4.8L engines in the first generation typically use about 8.5–9.0 L (9.0–9.5 qt).
What is the recommended oil type and viscosity for a Porsche Panamera?
Early 970 petrol engines usually specify full synthetic A40 approved oil in viscosities like SAE 0W‑40, 5W‑40, or 5W‑50, which offer strong high temperature protection. Later 971 engines may require C20 0W‑20, C30 0W‑30, or C40 0W‑40 synthetic oils that reduce emissions and improve efficiency while still meeting Porsche’s durability standards.
What is the oil change interval for a Porsche Panamera?
European data for many 970 Panamera models lists up to 30,000 km or 24 month oil change intervals under normal conditions, though shorter intervals are often chosen in practice. For 971 models, a 10,000 mile or 12 month interval with correct Porsche approved synthetic oil is commonly specified in modern maintenance schedules and oil change kit information.
Do hybrid and diesel Porsche Panamera models use different oil?
Hybrid and diesel Panamera engines typically require low SAPS synthetic oils that meet specific Porsche approvals to protect exhaust aftertreatment systems. These engines usually run lower viscosity oils such as 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 and have capacities that differ slightly from equivalent petrol engines, so always follow the exact specification for your VIN.
Conclusion
Across all model years, Porsche Panamera engine oil capacity generally ranges from about 6.8 L in some hybrid V6 engines to roughly 9.5 L in high output V8 models, with typical values around 7.2–9.0 L for most petrol engines. Correct Porsche approved full synthetic oil in the specified viscosity (A40, C20, C30, or C40) is essential to maintain lubrication, control deposits, and support the designed oil change interval.
Using manufacturer approved oil, the right viscosity, and accurate fill volumes, together with regular oil filter replacement and correct drain plug torque, helps ensure long term reliability and consistent performance from any Porsche Panamera engine.
