like it or not, electrification is the way of the future. But it’s not just about soul suction hybrids like Toyota Prius, or EVs that can only go that far. Many automakers use electricity to provide extra power, making cars quicker and faster. Funny supercars like the Acura NSX, LaFerrari and McLaren P1 all use electric assistance, not to mention Porsche’s own 919 Spyder. In fact, the hybrid technology found in the 918 is what brings me to the car you see here, the incredibly powerful Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.
For the first time, Porsche positions a hybrid model as the flagship of its range; No other Panamera is the best on the Turbo S-Hybrid in terms of power or price. With 680 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque, this is definitely not your traditional hybrid car. But if it is the image of the Porsche vision of the future electrified, then, on the one hand, I love our new hybrid summits.
Wait, what power? The batteries themselves are good for as much juice. And while most manufacturers combine this electrical energy with a small and efficient engine, Porsche goes the other way. By itself, the 4.0 liter V8 biturbo – that of the Panamera Turbo – makes 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft. For this, Porsche adds a 14.1 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a good engine for 136 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. So yes, it is a hybrid with Hellcat production levels, capable of traveling 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds and reaching a maximum speed of 192 mph. Screw your Prius, it’s an electric thrust that I can do behind me.
The best of both worlds. The Turbo S E-Hybrid is not a monster always on. Dial the drive setting on E-Power and you can only run electricity for up to 31 miles. Leave it in the hybrid setting by default, and the engine will mix the turbo-gas power and EV thrust as needed, effortlessly and effortlessly. Or in hell with all this, click on the Sport Plus mode and has maximum power available at all times. Mash the throttle and this thing is a rocket: it’s not just the initial acceleration that is impressive, the 50-80-mph race is quickly sucked into the seat.
Works like a Porsche. If you’ve read my recent reviews of the Turbo Hatchback and Sport Turismo, you know I love the way the Panamera handles its business. None of this is lost in the Turbo S E-Hybrid, with excellent steering, eggs and a wonderful balance, even in this heavier example (5,093 pounds) of the Panamera. After a long training on both the road and the track, it is clear that the Turbo S-Hybrid is a true interpreter. It seizes days, roars like the non-hybrid Turbo, and goes like hell.
Comes with everything. Certainly it should, given the starting price of $ 184,400. But it is nice to see Porsche treat his Panamera as such. Porsche, the king of a la carte options, throws everything on the Turbo S E-Hybrid: carbon ceramic brakes, rear axle steering, Sport Chrono kit, 21-inch wheels, leather interior Full, enhanced sound system and Plus are all standard. You will not have to go beyond the list of options to get a well-equipped example of this Panamera.
The inconvenients
Strange brakes. This is the only issue I have with driving experience. In all driving modes, there is a strange quiver for the brake pedal with a gentle initial mouthful, as if you have to push a sponge to get to the carbon meat. This is largely because of the braking to recovery, I know, but it is a notable notable in another machine.
Choose your painting wisely. This is a nitpick, but it should be mentioned: these neon green accents come on every Turbo S-Hybrid, regardless of the exterior color. It’s good if you get a white, a black or a bright blue as you see here. But on a beige-ish color – like this shade “Chalk” – these colors can really compete.
For whom is this? I understand that many people will buy this car simply because it is the best, the Panamera reach. But honestly, it’s good to drive, but I prefer to have the Turbo most of the time. It is barely slower, offers all the same performance and luxury amenities, and it’s so good to drive. Even if you like the idea of a hybrid, try the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which accumulates the same battery and the same engine to a 2.9-liter Vur biturbo. It’s always fun, with 462 horsepower, and eighty-five thousand dollars cheaper. Plus, you can get the Turbo and the 4 E-Hybrid in an ultra cool sports sport. For now, anyway, the Turbo S E-Hybrid can not be used as a wagon.