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The Porsche Panamera Turbo S e- hybrid represents the best of both worlds

Last year Porsche introduced the second generation Panamera which was longer, wider and with more spacious interiors, courtesy a 30mm longer wheelbase. Along with the change in its dimensions, the insipid styling was also redone and the car in its second generation is much more attractive. With touch- sensitive surfaces, the complex and befuddling cockpit has morphed into a simple and elegant one. What appealed to me most is the 12.3in touchscreen that transitions into the black- panel concept of the centre console. But we have had to wait until now for the range topper of the flagship sedan, which in all the Porsche portfolio, has been the Turbo S and for the first time it is the Turbo S e- hybrid. For the performance of the range topper, Porsche has used hybrid boost strategy and drive concept, longitudinally mounted engine with an electric motor to get a car with a combined maximum power of 680bhp and 850Nm of peak torque.

The Turbo S e- hybrid seems to be a masterstroke from Porsche, endowing what would have been its most fuel guzzling car with eco traits to boost performance to insane sportscar levels and giving the purists a delightful V8 engine under the hood as well. The second gen Panamera was already a big technological leap both in terms of engineering, features and aesthetics but the range topping Turbo S e- hybrid takes that leap further. This is no doubt a great illustration of a Jekyl and Hyde personality split and a delightful one at that for the future of hybrid technology. The class- leading sound insulation cocoons the occupants in a sumptuous space of hand- stitched leather and soft cushions. And while the world outside honks and loses its composure, inside the RX’s parallel universe, soft music emanate from the fantastic Mark Levinson stereo’s 15- speakers.