New petrol-electric super saloon
combines huge pace with 91mpg economy
With all new Porsches, the most important
thing is what’s happened under the skin because like the new 911, Boxster and
Cayman before it, this Panamera looks pretty much the same as the outgoing car.
New lights (including a full LED option),
large air intakes, smoother lines and a large glass area are about the sum of
it, continuing the evolutionary approach that’s worked so well for Porsche in
the part.
Panmera
has bold new lights, and delivers great performance
The company has had hybrids before, but
this is its first plug-in hybrid, boasting 91mpg, a CO2 emissions
figure of 71g/km and 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds – all for just under $133.
Higher-rate company car tax will be around $222 a month less than for a BMW
320d Efficient Dynamics.
Porsche claims an all-electric range of
between 11 and 22 miles, depending on how heavy your right foot is. But this is
no eco special: the 94bhp electric motor (twice as powerful as the one in the
previous hybrid Panamera) works in tandem with a supercharged 329bhp 3.0-litre
petrol V6 for a combined output of 410bhp, and there are four driving models.
The car will default to E-Power using electric power only assuming sufficient
battery charge. When power is low, or above 84mph, the petrol engine kicks in
for Hybrid mode, where the car switches between both power sources.
Combined
power 410bhp propels new car to 167mph
Then there’s E-Charge, which keeps the
engine turning to power the electric motor, which acts as a generator to
recharge the battery. And Sport uses the full force of both sources to propel
this 2,095kg four-seat at top speed.
The car switches seamlessly between power
sources. You won’t even notice the engine cutting out, which it does at every
opportunity even when cruising.
Put your foot to the floor, and you and up
to three passengers will be forced back into the standard leather sports seats
as the electric and petrol motors work in unison. Electric power sharpens
response, while the eight-speed auto is quick to react.
Hybrid
switches between power sources smoothly; car handles well, too
The brakes take some getting used to,
though – pedal travel is long and then they suddenly grab. Meanwhile, the
suspension has been tweaked to provide more comfort as well as impressive body
control in slow or very fast corners, while the steering feels a tiny bit
sharper than before.
Oozing five-star quality, the cabin is
generously equipped. Tech includes sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth and parking
sensors. There’s also an automatic tailgate, which lifts to reveal a golf bag friendly
boot with 335 to 1,153 liters of space slightly smaller than in non-hybrid
Panameras.
The dashboard dials remind you that there’s
hybrid power under the bonnet, with numerous displays showing power source,
driving efficiency and available battery power. And there are splashes of green
on the dials, matching the bright green brake calipers and badges outside.
Interior
is beautifully built, with lots of kit
Good: Super-advanced hybrid system works
superbly, offering drivers a rare blend of genuine pace and economy.
Not so good: Grabby brakes take some
getting used to, while the bright green badging is a bit much.
Verdict
Porsche’s engineering team has produced a
stunningly effective plug-in hybrid. The Panamera is hugely efficient yet still
has true Porsche DNA – it’s thrilling to drive quickly. Purists will complain
about its bulk and weight, but as luxury GTs go, this is a brilliant machine and
it should cost pennies to run, too.
|
Technical
specifications
§ Price:
$133,486
§ Engine:
3.0-litre supercharged V6, plus 94bhp electric motor
§ Total
power: 410bhp
§ Transmission:
Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
§ 0-62mph:
5.5 seconds
§ Top
speed: 167mph
§ Economy:
91.1mpg
§ CO2:
71g/km
§ Equipment:
18-inch alloys, leather seats, sat-nav, digital radio, parking sensors
|
