Porsche Panamera Hybrid Is Go

Porsche’s Panamera S E-hybrid is more efficient than a VW Polo BlueMotion, but even faster than a V8-engined Panamera, so Auto Express jumped at the chance to have a ride in the new model.

The E-Hybrid gets unique badges on the wings and across the boot

The E-Hybrid gets unique badges on the wings and across the boot, as well as a striking acid-green finish on its brake calipers. But those are the only touches to set it apart from the rest of the face-lifted Panamera range.

Porsche’s claimed economy figure for this luxurious two-ton saloon is a scarcely believable 91 mpg, while CO₂ emissions are an extremely low 71g/km.

Porsche’s Panamera S E-hybrid interior

Those figures have been achieved by fitting lithium-ion batteries that hold five times more energy than the old Panamera Hybrid’s, boosting the electric motor’s power from 47bhp to 95bhp.

The effect of these changes is dramatic. As our driver sets off, the Panamera pulls away in full electric mode. Building up speed, he changes through the eight-speed auto’s gears and shows us a screen displaying how much energy is being used and how fast you can go before the engine will switch on.

Porsche’s Panamera S E-hybrid seats

Pure electric range has shot up from just a few hundred meters to 22 miles, and as we join the Autobahn and accelerate up to 84mph, the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine up front stays silent.

At higher speeds, the ride is comfortable and a whirr from the motor and roar from the tires are the only sounds. Then, our driver floors the throttle and the E-Hybrid delivers its full 416bhp output.

At higher speeds, the ride is comfortable and a whirr from the motor and roar from the tires are the only sounds.

The engine sounds muted, but the battery-boosted acceleration pins us into the seat. The 0-62mph time is 5.5 seconds – half a second quicker than the old Hybrid’s.

The car returned 60.1mpg over our 20-mile route, and spent over half the time in EV mode. Once the battery’s depleted, the hybrid can recharge the battery on the move, taking roughly half an hour to get it to 80 per cent. A full recharge while plugged in takes longer – around four hours in total.

Porsche’s Panamera S E-hybrid back