When it made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2009, many were critical of the Porsche Panamera’s looks. It continues to have its detractors, but most have come to realise just how impressive the Panamera is in terms of performance, luxury, and utility – see our review here. Soon, however, Porsche’s only sedan will be getting a mid-life update, and these are the first spy shots of the changes.

These fresh spy pictures show an early development prototype with only the front end covered, suggesting some minor changes to the bumper and the headlamps. It goes without saying that the redesign will be in line with what we saw on the latest 911 introduced in Frankfurt last week.

Despite the fact that there are no alterations to the rear end on this test model, knowing Porsche, the final production version may feature some ‘evolutionary’ touches to the tail lamps and the bumper designs. With the relative lack of exterior updates, Porsche may instead be focusing on changes to the equipment and upholstery inside the car. Upgrading electronics, offering new materials and/or colour combinations, is likely to win more new buyers than a major redesign would.

For the most part, we expect the current engine lineup in the Panamera range to remain unchanged.