Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid First Look

Here’s what you need to know about Porsche’s Panamera plug-in hybrid: It has a total system output of 462 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.6 seconds, has a top speed of 173 mph, and will travel up to 30 miles on pure electric power at speeds of up to 87 mph. Oh, and it looks gorgeous. A Prius, it ain’t.

The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is the newest addition to the recently launched, all-new Panamera lineup, and is arguably the most significant of the lot. It confirms Porsche’s intention to deliver an impressive combination of performance and efficiency via electrification of vehicle powertrains.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid’s powertrain consists of a 326-hp version of the 2.9-liter V-6 engine that powers the entry-level Panamera 4S, combined with an electric motor that develops 134 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. As with the 918 Spyder, the power and torque of the electric motor is available as soon as the driver touches the accelerator pedal—with the previous model, the pedal needed to be depressed at least 80 percent to unleash the additional power of the electric drive. The power is transmitted to all four wheels via Porsche’s new eight-speed PDK transmission, which delivers faster, smoother shifts and better efficiency than the eight-speed automatic used in the last-generation Panamera hybrid.

Powering the electric motor is a liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery situated under the luggage compartment floor. Compared with the previous Panamera hybrid, the energy content of the battery has been increased from 9.4 to 14.1 kilowatt-hours, but it weighs the same.

Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package, which includes the mode switch integrated into the steering wheel, is standard equipment on the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. Modes include the familiar “Sport” and “Sport Plus,” as well as hybrid-specific modes: “E-Power,” “Hybrid Auto,” “E-Hold,” and “E-Charge.”

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid always starts in the purely electric “E-Power” mode. Select “Hybrid Auto” mode, and the Panamera automatically combines internal combustion and electric drive for ultimate efficiency. The “E-Hold” mode allows drivers to conserve the current state of charge to enable them to switch to electric mode at their destination. In “E-Charge” mode, the battery is charged by the V-6, the internal combustion engine generating a higher level of power than is actually needed for driving.

The highest level of performance is available in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes, in which the twin-turbo V-6 engine is continuously operating. In “Sport” mode, the battery charge is always maintained at a minimum level to ensure there is sufficient e-boost capacity in reserve, while “Sport Plus” mode allows the Panamera to reach its top speed of 173 mph. This mode also recharges the battery as quickly as possible with the help of the internal combustion engine.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is distinguished externally by special badging and lime-green colored brake calipers. Inside, the digital display on the instrument panel features a power meter tailored to hybrid operation. The meter provides data such as the amount of electrical energy currently being used as well as that recovered through regenerative braking.

The driver can also access various items of hybrid-specific information on the 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash, as well as the instrument cluster. The boost assistant display shows the energy available for boosting performance, while the hybrid assistant provides information monitoring the use of electric drive.

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