2013 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid - Doing A Double Take

The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid evokes two distinctly different impressions – usually from the same tester: it’s a great hybrid, possibly the best in the business, but is it really and truly a Porsche?

2013 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid front

Like the Cayenne Hybrid SUV, the Panamera sedan is marvelously smooth in its transitions between gasoline power, electric power and a combination of the two. The car is deceivingly quick and the powertrain doesn’t miss a beat, even when the gasoline engine shuts down to allow the car to “sail” at freeway speeds. Brake energy regeneration is subtle. There’s also enough electric-drive oomph to run on battery power alone at low speeds, even up hills.

2013 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid side

All this gets you a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg, according to the EPA – 22 in the city and 30 on the highway. Not bad at all for a large, 4,365 pound sedan.

But it is, nevertheless, a Porsche so who really cares about fuel economy? After all, those who can afford our test car’s $33,000 option list no doubt aren’t pinching too many pennies at the gas pump.

2013 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid interior

There’s power, sure, but a diesel will also get you some low-end grunt and good fuel economy,

Then there’s the subjective question of the Panamera’s appearance – either you like it and can live with it, or you can’t. What isn’t subjective is the luxurious interior, with a jet flight-deck command feel as various grouped controls wrap up the center stack and carry through on the headliner. It’s beautifully designed and functional, as well, as key buttons are placed close at hand for easy access on the fly. And the active cruise-control system is without flaw – it is definitely the best in the business for both responsiveness and control.

It’s beautifully designed and functional, as well, as key buttons are placed close at hand for easy access on the fly. And the active cruise-control system is without flaw – it is definitely the best in the business for both responsiveness and control.

This is the perfect car for the buyer, who would love to own a 911, but needs space to carry the family, and wants 30 mpg en route to the weekend destination.

The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid evokes two distinctly different impressions usually from the same tester: it’s a great hybrid, possibly the best in the business, but is it really and truly a Porsche?