Porsche announced two new plug-in hybrid Panamera as the German automaker looks to hedge its chances by offering a wider range of electrified options.
Late last year, Porsche introduced the third generation of the Panamera, which included the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid as the first of four Panamera E-Hybrid models that will eventually be offered. Today, the automaker is adding two more: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. The fourth model will be announced at a later date.
With the release of these two new variants, Porsche is responding to the “significant demand for efficient and dynamic E-hybrid drives”. In fact, hybrid vehicles are increasingly in demand in a variety of markets, even as sales growth for purely battery-electric vehicles is slowing.
But it's Porsche, so it won't be cheap. The 4 E-Hybrid starts at $117,495, while the 4S E-Hybrid starts at $128,795 (both including destination charges). Pre-orders can be placed from the end of March, with delivery expected to begin in the fall.
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid offers better acceleration and torque by combining a new hybrid system with a “significantly redesigned” 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine producing 224 kW or 300 hp. The combined system produces 346 kW or 463 hp, with a maximum torque of 479 lb.-ft., acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top track speed of 174 mph.
Meanwhile, the 4S E-Hybrid will also have a 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine with a slightly higher output of 260 kW or 348 hp. The entire system produces 400 kW or 536 hp and a maximum torque of 553 lb.-ft. This allows the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 miles per hour.
These two new models have even more to offer, including faster charging speed and better throttle response. The new battery is also larger and, with a gross capacity of 25.9 kWh, is in the top class of plug-in hybrids. According to Porsche, it offers around 45 percent more capacity than its predecessors.
An 11kW onboard AC charger can charge the battery in just two hours under the right conditions. And a completely new electric motor that complements the gasoline engine is said to produce 140 kW or 187 hp and 331 lb.-ft alone. torque and is therefore more powerful than the previous generation.
Both the 4 and 4S start in all-electric E-Power mode when switched on. According to Porsche, as soon as the battery charge level falls below a certain minimum value, the system automatically switches to hybrid car mode, which controls the powertrain according to the current driving situation. And an intelligent navigation system sends information about the route to the vehicle, which is processed by the hybrid car mode to “optimize the drive strategy”. For example, the driving mode can be optimized to use less energy when driving in the city with many stops and starts.
Two additional driving modes, E-Hold and E-Charge, also offer unique advantages. In E-Hold mode, the current battery charge level is retained. In E-Charge mode, the battery is charged to 80 percent by the combustion engine at a speed of 55 km/h.
In Sport and Sport Plus mode, the target battery charge level is reduced to 20 and 30 percent respectively (previously 30 percent and 80 percent). This aims to hopefully provide better battery life without sacrificing performance.
Porsche has been in a bit of a ruckus lately, announcing an all-electric Macan and a refreshed Taycan with ultra-fast charging capabilities. However, as electric vehicle sales stabilize again, the automaker is hedging its bet by expanding the number of hybrid models available.
Porsche has been in the hybrid business for over 10 years, offering plug-in hybrid versions of the Cayenne and Panamera as well as non-plug-in hybrid models of the Panamera and Cayenne.