The Porsche MA1.21 is a 2,995 cc, water-cooled V6 twin-turbo petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It features a 90° V-angle, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and Bosch MEVD17.8 electronic direct fuel injection. In standard Cayenne and Panamera form it delivered 250–324 kW (340–440 PS) and 450–550 Nm of torque, with strong low-end thrust and smooth high-revving character ideal for grand touring and dynamic driving.
Fitted to the Porsche Cayenne (E3) and Panamera (G2) from 2016 to 2021—including S, 4S, and GTS variants—the MA1.21 replaced the naturally aspirated 3.6L and marked Porsche’s shift to downsized turbocharged V6 architecture. Emissions compliance was achieved through twin turbochargers with electronic wastegates, particulate filters (OPF), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 6b standards across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive mechanism, referenced in Porsche Technical Bulletin 911/610/18. This stems from marginal lubrication at the cam follower interface under high-load conditions. In 2019, Porsche revised HPFP drive components and updated camshaft surface treatment to mitigate failure risk.
Production years 2016–2021 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9601). No Euro 6d variants were produced for this engine family.
The Porsche MA1.21 is a 2,995 cc water-cooled V6 twin-turbo petrol engine engineered for the Cayenne (E3) and Panamera (G2) (2016–2021). It combines DOHC architecture with direct injection and twin-turbocharging to deliver responsive torque and refined performance. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions standards, it integrates gasoline particulate filters (OPF) and cooled EGR for full regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve (90° V-angle) | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 250–324 kW (340–440 PS) | |
| Torque | 450–550 Nm @ 1,750–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MEVD17.8 direct injection (up to 250 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled (dual-circuit) | |
| Turbocharger | Twin variable-vane turbochargers (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | Porsche-approved 0W-40 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 192 kg |
The MA1.21 delivers strong low-end torque and smooth high-rpm power but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals every 15,000 km or annually to protect the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive mechanism. Use of RON 98 fuel is essential to prevent knock under boost. Bosch MEVD17.8 direct injection demands ultra-clean fuel; poor-quality fuel causes injector coking and HPFP wear. Pre-2019 engines should be monitored for HPFP drive wear per Porsche SIB 911/610/18. Gasoline particulate filters (OPF) require occasional spirited driving to maintain regeneration cycles.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA C3–compliant 0W-40 low-SAPS synthetic oil (Porsche Lubricants Guide Rev.3).
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2016–2021 MA1.21 units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9601). No Euro 6d compliance was implemented for this variant.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Higher outputs require RON 98 fuel and intact boost control (Porsche TIS Doc. MA1-02-17).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MA1-01-16, MA1-02-17, SIB 911/610/18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9601)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Porsche MA1.21 was used in Porsche's Cayenne (E3) and Panamera (G2) platforms with front-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine featured platform-specific adaptations—revised oil cooler integration in the Cayenne and unique accessory drives in the Panamera—and from 2021 the MA2.21 with mild hybrid support replaced it, creating a hard interchange limit. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine type stamped on the rear valley cover near the intake manifold (Porsche TIS MA1-01-16). The engine code "MA1.21" appears on a foil label attached to the cylinder head cover. All units feature black twin-turbo V6 valve covers with “V6” script. Critical differentiation from MA2.21: MA1.21 lacks 48V mild hybrid belt alternator and uses mechanical HPFP drive; MA2.21 integrates hybrid components. HPFP drive wear is internal—requires oil analysis or HPFP pressure test per Porsche SIB 911/610/18.
The MA1.21's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive wear, with elevated incidence in pre-2019 engines subjected to frequent high-load driving or poor fuel quality. Porsche internal service data from 2019 noted HPFP-related fault codes in ~7% of early Cayenne S units before 80,000 km under performance conditions, while UK DVSA records show strong overall reliability in standard use. Extended high-load operation without premium fuel increases cam follower stress, making fuel and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2016-2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MA1-21.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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