As with the conventionally-powered Panamera models, the design of the E-Hybrid Panamera clearly shows its Porsche DNA; from many angles it looks like a four-door 911, with the same absence of front grille, curved front wings and tail treatment. It’s available in standard and long wheelbase Executive versions as well as the handsome Sport Turismo, which offers a longer, straighter and higher roofline, for slightly larger rear passenger door and boot openings. This makes it a 4+1-seater as opposed to the normal Panamera layout of four seats. Distinguishing features of the E-Hybrid include exterior badging and unique lime green brake callipers.
PERFORMANCE
There are two routes to Panamera Plug-in Hybrid performance. The Turbo S takes its cue from the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid – performance is everything. The electric motor is primarily there to add instant torque to the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, as well as eliminating even the tiniest trace of lag; the result is a combined system power output of 680hp, with 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 192mph. Route two – the Panamera E-Hybrid – is still immensely impressive on the performance front, but combines that with a combined fuel consumption figure of 113mpg. It’s powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that delivers 330bhp on its own, and a maximum of 462hp when combined with the electric motor. 0-62mph takes 4.6 seconds. It’s a business express with tax advantages due to the 56g/km CO2 emissions and city EV mode capability. All Panamera models are all-wheel drive, and all offer a choice of electric-only E-Power, Hybrid Auto, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes.
TECHNOLOGY
Whatever your Panamera, you’ll enjoy the benefits of the Porsche Advanced Cockpit – their name for the instrument cluster, 12-inch touchscreen display and centre console with Direct Touch Control. The instrument cluster includes a central power meter showing real-time power demand, with separate arcs for boost and power recovery under braking. As well as the usual rev counter and speedometer you’ll also have screens for electric range and rate of charge. The 12-inch touchscreen supports multi-touch gesture control. From this you can access Porsche Connect services, call up information and select various control functions.
SAFETY
Porsches are as good at slowing down as they are at speeding up, and the Panamera comes as standard with six-piston monobloc calipers at the front and four-piston equivalents at the rear. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are an option. The Panamera E-Hybrid Turbo comes as standard with LED main headlights and the Porsche Dynamic Light System including directional lighting on corners, and this is optional on other models. The Matrix Beam option is even smarter – it avoids dazzling oncoming cars while intelligently flooding the areas to either side with light.
