Porsche unveils fuel-sipping Panamera E-Hybrids
Porsche has added two new model derivatives to its third-generation Panamera line-up.
Announced by the German carmaker on Tuesday, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid sports a new e-hybrid system marrying a larger 25.9kWh battery pack to a more potent electric motor making 140kW and 450Nm of torque. Paired to an updated 2.9l V6 biturbo petrol engine developing 224kW, Porsche claims a combined system output of 346kW and 650Nm of torque, figures good enough for 0100km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 280km/h.
On the other end of the spectrum, the luxury sports sedan’s new 11kW on-board AC charger shortens charging time to 159 minutes, while maximum electric driving range increases to 96km. Fuel consumption across the combined cycle (WLTP) can drop as low as 1.0l/100km.
The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid slots in below the flagship Turbo E-Hybrid and features a more piquant version of the 2.9l V6 biturbo engine used in the 4 EHybrid (260kW). Partnered with the same e-hybrid system and offering a combined output of 400kW and 750Nm of torque, it delivers 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h. Maximum electric driving range drops to 92km while fuel consumption remains the same.
In both models power is sent to all four wheels via an eightspeed PDK transmission.
Porsche says four optimised E-Hybrid-specific driving modes are fitted as standard: EPower (pure electric), Hybrid Auto (adapts to current driving conditions), E-Hold (current state of battery charge is preserved) and E-Charge. The latter uses the combustion engine to charge the battery up to 80% out of town and above 55km/h. These model-specific modes are bolstered by Sport and Sport Plus modes designed to optimise performance.
As with the rest of the thirdgeneration Panamera range, both new E-Hybrid models are fitted with adaptive two-chamber air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Porsche Active Ride active suspension is available as a cost option. Acting across all four wheels in real time, the upshot of this cuttingedge suspension technology is improved precision.
While the Panamera 4 EHybrid differentiates itself with 19-inch alloy wheels, black brake calipers and matrix LED headlights, the 4S E-Hybrid gets 20-inch wheels in Panamera AeroDesign, silver exhaust tailpipes and red brake calipers. Brake calipers in Acid Green and Black are optionally available as are high-resolution HD matrix LED headlamps. ParkAssist and a cooled wireless charging tray (15W) are fitted as standard on both models.
Rear-axle steering, remote park assist, active lane keeping, passenger display and air quality system are available as options.
The new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and 4S E-Hybrid models are expected to reach SA later in 2024. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
THE LUXURY SPORTS SEDAN’S NEW 11KW ON-BOARD AC CHARGER SHORTENS CHARGING TIME TO 159 MINUTES