Porsche has confirmed that the updated Panamera range will shortly by joined by two new plug-in "E-Hybrid" models, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and the 4S E-Hybrid. They will sit below the range-topping Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid and will be sold alongside the purely-petrol Panamera and Panamera 4.
Lots of power, and range
The new E-Hybrid models share the same basic layout, including a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine, 140kW electric motor integrated within the housing of the PDK automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive. The difference between them boils down to the tune of the petrol engine. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid's maximum outputs - when both engine and motor are working together - are 470hp and 650Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds. The 4S E-Hybrid's equivalent figures are 544hp and 750Nm, meaning 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds.
Porsche quotes an electric-only range of up to 96 kilometres on a charge of the 25.9kWh high-voltage battery pack (that's the gross energy capacity). This is a new unit said to provide 45 per cent more capacity than that in the previous Panamera PHEV without taking up any more space. It also now comes with 11kW AC charging capability for a recharge in as low as two hours and 39 minutes. In terms of drivability, the motor is new, too, with a redesign to enhance throttle response and recuperation at up to 88kW.
There are loads of driving modes to get the hang of, as well as improvements to the hybrid strategy in the Sport and Sport Plus settings. The hybrid Panameras always start off in all-electric E-Power mode (if there's enough charge in the battery) before defaulting to Hybrid Auto, while the driver can choose to preserve the current state of charge using the E-Hold mode, or actively charge up the battery using E-Charge.
Slight specification differences
As with all other versions of the new Panamera, the E-Hybrids get adaptive two-chamber air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with two-valve dampers as standard. The new Porsche Active Ride system is optional.
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid comes with 19-inch alloys, Park Assist and a cooled wireless charging pad, while the S model can be distinguished by its 20-inch rims and red brake callipers (these are upgraded items, too). The acid-green callipers shown in the images here are optional items.
Likely to be most affordable models
As witnessed with the pricing of the hybrid Cayennes, it's highly likely that the E-Hybrid Panameras will undercut their non-hybrid equivalents in the range. The regular Panamera costs from €155,384 in Ireland, while the Panamera 4 is priced from €161,292. We'd estimate somewhere in the region of €120,000 for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and under €130,000 for the S model.