Porsche Panamera Estate
As the ‘halfway house’ between pure petrol power and a full EV, is the hybrid Panamera best of both worlds?
THE Platinum Edition is set apart from the rest of the Panamera range through subtle cosmetic and spec details (see Through the Range, right). However, as on the Taycan, there are a few choice options added here, including adaptive cruise control (£1,455), and Isofix child seat mounts on the front passenger seat (£134). The extras lift the £97,770 starting price to £105,309.
Design & engineering
BEFORE we dive into the technical details, there’s one thing that sets the Panamera apart from its all-electric range mate: the cabin.
While there’s no questioning the flawless build quality in any Porsche – and especially these two – it’s the Panamera that seems the more luxurious car inside. The dashboard layout feels more substantial, and the level of finish seems the higher of the pair. It truly is a gorgeous place to sit.
Like the Taycan, the Panamera relies on platform sharing within the wider Volkswagen Group. But don’t think that this means there’s any cutting back on the sophistication, because it uses the MSB architecture, which also forms the basis of the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur.
That brings with it a number of key technological talking points; the optional rear-axle steering fitted to this test car helps to decrease its turning circle by 0.6 metres over the standard car, while the adaptive air suspension varies both ride height and responsiveness of the chassis.
The MSB platform also allows for the provision of electrified powertrains. The Panamera 4 E-hybrid is the first of three plug-in hybrid powertrains available to Panamera buyers, combining a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and a 134bhp electric motor. The total outputs of 456bhp and 700Nm should be more than enough for most, but those looking for even more urgency can turn to the S E-hybrid with 552bhp, or the Turbo S E-hybrid. The range-topper uses the same electric motor, but is boosted by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The result is a whopping 690bhp, a 0-62mph time of a scant 3. 2 seconds and a 196mph top speed.
Driving
ONE of the biggest influences on how differently these two cars on a challenging road is the tyres. While the Taycan rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, the Panamera uses the stickier 4S tyres. This can be felt through the steering, which is more keen to turn in, while the car offers a more neutral balance when loaded up in the corner and, ultimately, more grip.
For a car that weighs 2. 2 tonnes, the Panamera is deeply impressive to drive. It’s not sharp in the mould of some high-performance German saloons, but the responses to inputs are so good (the steering in particular is fantastic), the body is so well controlled, and the traction is so strong that it’s an incredibly satisfying car to drive whatever the speed. Yet it also delivers a soft, relaxing ride that’s not far off what you’d hope for from a luxury limousine, and its breadth of abilities is staggering. Indeed, they’re even wider than the impressive Taycan’s. However, there are areas where the 4S shows just a little bit of