The Porsche MAB.04 is a 3,996 cc, twin‑turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It featured direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and an aluminum block with integrated dry‑sump lubrication. In standard form it delivered 338 kW (460 PS) and 620 Nm of torque, with explosive low‑end thrust and refined high‑RPM response ideal for grand touring and track use.
Fitted to the 928‑inspired Panamera (G2) and Cayenne (E3) platforms, th…
Production years 2016–2021 meet Euro 6d‑TEMP standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/16/MAB/09).
The Porsche MAB.04 is a 3,996 cc twin‑turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for longitudinal front‑mounted applications in the second‑generation Panamera and third‑generation Cayenne (2016–2021). It combines direct injection with twin parallel turbochargers mounted within the V‑bank to deliver immediate torque and sustained power. Designed to meet Euro 6d‑TEMP emissions standards, it integrates gasoline particulate filters and precise thermal management for both performance and compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,996 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32‑valve | |
Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
Power output | 338 kW (460 PS) @ 5,750–6,500 rpm | |
Torque | 620 Nm @ 1,900–4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch ME17.9 direct injection (250 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6d‑TEMP | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Twin parallel VTG turbochargers (BorgWarner, mounted in V‑bank) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus | |
Oil type | Porsche C4 0W‑40 (API SP/ACEA C5) | |
Dry weight | 218 kg |
The Porsche MAB.04 was used exclusively in Porsche's G2 and E3 platforms with front-mounted, longitudinal V8 mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific cooling upgrades in the 2019 Panamera GTS and revised exhaust manifolding in 2020 Cayenne Coupe—and from 2021 was succeeded by the MAH.03 with mild-hybrid integration, creating clear generational boundaries. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The MAB.04's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft in early production units (2016–mid-2019), with elevated incidence in track or hot-climate use. Porsche internal durability data (2020) indicated a 7% premature failure rate in pre-upgrade engines before 80,000 km, while TÜV Germany MOT records show elevated GPF regeneration faults in high-mileage examples driven predominantly in urban conditions. Sustained high-load operation without cooldown periods accelerates thermal stress, making cam inspection and post-drive idle critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2016–2021) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (2018–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The MAB.04 offers exceptional V8 performance but early units (2016–mid-2019) are prone to HPFP cam lobe wear under track use. Post-07/2019 engines with hardened camshafts are significantly more robust. With RON 98 fuel, regular oil changes, and cooldown discipline, well-maintained examples can exceed 160,000 km reliably.
Top issues include HPFP drive camshaft wear (early engines), GPF clogging from short trips, valve cover oil leaks, and VarioCam solenoid failure. These are documented in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/G2/18 and TIS G2-series service manuals.
Exclusively fitted to the 2016–2021 Porsche Panamera (G2) 4S/GTS and 2017–2021 Cayenne (E3) S/GTS. No other Porsche or external brands used this specific engine code.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps reliably yield +40–60 kW by optimizing boost and timing. The hot-vee V8 architecture supports up to 600 PS with upgraded intercoolers, fuel system, and downpipes. HPFP camshaft should be inspected or upgraded before aggressive tuning.
Poor by modern standards: ~13.5 L/100km (20.9 mpg UK) combined, rising to ~16.5 L/100km in city driving and dropping to ~10.8 L/100km on highway. Aggressive driving can exceed 20 L/100km. GPF regeneration cycles further impact real-world consumption.
Yes. The MAB.04 is an interference engine with tight piston-to-valve clearance. Timing chain failure or jump can result in catastrophic valve/piston collision. However, the chain system is robust when maintained properly.
Porsche specifies C4 0W‑40 synthetic oil meeting ACEA C5 and API SP standards (e.g., Porsche C4 or Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40). Oil must be changed every 10,000 km to protect cam lobes, turbo bearings, and GPFs. Extended intervals increase wear and deposit risk.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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