Panamera Turbo S E-hybrid
FIRST DRIVE V8-based plug-in hybrid is most potent Porsche saloon ever
V8-based plug-in hybrid is most potent Porsche saloon ever
WE’RE used to thinking about plug-in hybrid cars as fuel-saving commuters, but the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-hybrid is actually the most powerful saloon car the brand has ever built.
The range already features electric power in the Panamera 4 E-hybrid, but that uses a V6 engine; this new version is built around the Turbo model’s muscular V8.
The electric motor is the same as the one in the 4 E-hybrid, offering a 31-mile electric range, and adds an extra 134bhp to the Turbo’s already-potent 542bhp. Even with an extra 130kg of batteries, the S E-hybrid is two-tenths faster than the petrol Turbo from 0-62mph, taking just 3.4 seconds.
While it feels predictably rapid from launch, it’s actually in gear where the plug-in really impresses. It has 850Nm of torque available from 1,400rpm to 5,500rpm, which is most of the rev range – so this Panamera feels more muscular than any other version. Four-wheel drive means there’s huge grip, while the eightspeed PDK box is super-responsive.
Because the Panamera is such a big car (it weighs 2,310kg), performance in the EV mode is rather underwhelming, however. The big Porsche can feel lethargic if you try to speed up without the petrol engine. Of course, that’s easily sorted by switching to one of the other driving modes, but the electric-only Tesla Model S P100D is much faster without an engine at all. It’s hard to beat a roaring V8 while accelerating, though.
Luckily, the Panamera S E-hybrid remains as good to drive as the other models in the range. Although the Tesla is incredibly fast in a straight line, the Porsche leaves the Model S for dust through corners. It feels so much more agile.
All S E-hybrids come with adaptive air suspension, which can be stiffened in two stages. The harsher setting is best suited to track use, but soften it off and the car rides smoothly.
On motorways it’s as well behaved as the petrol-only Turbo. Unfortunately, the standard ceramic composite brakes are a little too grabby and make it harder to drive smoothly at low speeds. The regular brakes on lesser Panameras offer more feel on the road.
The S E-hybrid is expensive and it’s hard to justify the extra £22,040 it costs over the excellent Turbo version. If you’re after an electric Panamera, the 4 E-hybrid model is still great to drive and has the same allelectric range. It also offers similarly low emissions for cheaper company car tax.