The Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo at a glance
Subtle facelift
Porsche is sending the Panamera II into the second half of its life. Visually, little has changed, the Sport Design front is now standard, two new colors and three new wheel designs are available. The real innovations, however, come under the sheet metal dress.
Regardless of which Panamera plug-in hybrid you would choose, all three part-time electricity providers get a larger battery. The lithium-ion battery in the rear of the Panamera now holds 17.9 kWh (gross) and allows for more electric range depending on the driving style.
Panamera with three plug-in hybrids
Meanwhile, I took a seat in the also new Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. In addition to the weaker Panamera 4 E-Hybrid (462 PS) * and the top model Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (700 PS) *, it now forms the golden or green middle. Its system output is 412 kW / 560 PS * and a maximum torque of 750 Newton meters can be called up. With that power, the all-wheel-drive 4S E-Hybrid marches more than properly forward and so I have little doubt about the factory specification, which records 3.7 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 kilometers per hour.
Now with E-license
The sports suit rushes on up to 293 km / h, which takes the environmentally conscious idea behind the hybrid a little ad absurdum. But that’s the way it is with the turnaround. Not everything that is technically feasible also makes sense. Those entitled to company cars can look forward to this: all Porsche Panamera hybrid models will henceforth receive the coveted E license plate and at the same time qualify for tax breaks.
7.2 kW charger costs extra
When asked about the price, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo costs at least 129,625 euros (incl. 16% VAT), our test car even rolls into the yard for a hefty 190,496 euros (incl. 16% VAT). This already includes the surcharge for the faster 7.2 kW on-board charger – but the mode 3 cable for the public AC charging station is also included.
Both components should already be, so that the part-time streamers are fully in the juice again within 2.5-3.5 hours. Otherwise, charging processes via a 3.6 kW charger on (hopefully secured) household electricity take a good six to eight hours. When recharging your batteries in public spaces, it is also noticeable that the charging socket on the rear of the driver’s side is not ideally placed and that you are often forced to park against the direction of travel. Other manufacturers now solve this better.
Consumption of less than 10 liters is possible
After all, Porsche promises a range of 49 to 53 kilometers, depending on the equipment, after charging. During my test week it was more like 35 to 40 kilometers, which should be enough for commuting. If the battery is fully charged when starting out on longer trips, the electric motor and 2.9-liter V6 work together in intimate togetherness. Consumption of seven to nine liters of Super Plus and 25-30 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometers are then realistic.
Full attack in sport mode
If the electricity runs low, the electric motor still supports the combustion engine and enables longer sailing stages as well as some electric locomotion. You won’t notice anything from the switching process between the two motors, except that the speed needle sinks into the basement.
If, on the other hand, you set the mode button to Sport or Sport Plus, the drive train is brushed for maximum riot. Then the 136 electric horsepower no longer serve to save fuel, but boost the already not exactly weak 440 horsepower turbo engine.
Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is too heavy
In the usual Porsche manner, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid then clicks forward, the sometimes pronounced starting weakness in pure E-mode is forgotten. With people and fuel, the upper-class Elimo weighs a good 2.5 tons, which you notice when you want to move the hybrid really quickly around the corner. Despite the excellent coordination of the chassis, transmission, steering and brakes, the Panamera, rolling off the assembly line in Leipzig, surrenders to the too briskly approached corners.
Then push the load over the front wheels to let the long tail hang out in the next moment. All-wheel drive attitudes that even numerous (and with the facelift improved) little electric helpers cannot completely prevent. Consumption in sport mode? By 15 liters per 100 kilometers according to the on-board computer.
It’s comfortable in the back
The Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is more suitable for longer journeys, which the rear passengers can confirm. If getting in and out of the second row of seats is still a bit difficult, four giant seats can still find their place in the Sport Turismo kommod. There is plenty of head and knee room, and the optional electric seats allow the backrest to be adjusted extensively.
However, the fixed headrests noticeably limit the freedom of movement in the first row when the rear seat bench is folded down. The trunk, which is easy to load, can hold between 418 and 1,287 liters of luggage.
Interior with usual strengths and weaknesses
Otherwise, the Stuttgart-based Panamera usually delivers the usual high-quality materials and custom-fit workmanship. You’ve probably got used to the cheap plastic switches for the window regulators. The Porsche Communication Management System (PCM) has been expanded to include additional online services, Apple CarPlay now works wirelessly and the smartphone can be charged inductively in the center armrest.
In terms of ease of use, the PCM still does not play a pioneering role, but it is not particularly bad in view of the new VW systems (e.g. in the Golf 8).
Conclusion
The external facelift of the Porsche Panamera is only noticed by connoisseurs. The real changes can only be seen in the hybrid models and the greater electric range. 35 to 40 kilometers are now possible in everyday life, more would have been desirable. The pure driving performance of the Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is convincing, but the pricing is not. It is incomprehensible that a faster on-board charger costs extra. Those who really want to be sporty on the road with the Panamera are better off opting for the more emotional (and lighter) GTS models. (Text and image: Thomas Vogelhuber)
* Consumption data
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid: Combined fuel consumption: 2.8 l / 100 km; Combined power consumption: 22.8 kWh / 100 km; Combined CO2 emissions: 63 g / km²
Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid: Combined fuel consumption: 2.2-2.0 l / 100 km; Combined power consumption: 18.1-17.4 kWh / 100 km; Combined CO2 emissions: 51-47 g / km²
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid: Combined fuel consumption: 2.2-2.1 l / 100 km; Combined power consumption: 17.5-17.0 kWh / 100 km; Combined CO2 emissions: 49-47 g / km²
