On the second generation of Porsche Panamera, the Turbo S version becomes hybrid and relies on its efficiency and versatility to make the difference. With always amazing performance and a generous space.
Hybrid Engine | Power: 680 hp
Launching: December 2017 Starting from € 191,942
How to make a real difference with the competition, when "simple" premium manufacturers now offer sedans exceeding 600 hp and displaying supersports performance? This is undoubtedly the question that Porsche asked itself when it was about to launch the development of this new Panamera Turbo S. And since an indecent cavalry is not enough anymore, as much add to its game the ecology card, as well as that of the kinship with the supercar of the family.
With this Sport Turismo body, the Panamera gains as much in interior volume as in elegance.
Thus, the new flagship of the Panamera range now takes the name Turbo S E-Hybrid and therefore embeds a hybrid system, whose technology is derived from that of the 918 Spyder. The thermal block used is the 2.0 hp 550 hp V8 of the Turbo version, combined with a 136 hp electric motor. As on the supercar, the latter is not only useful for low-speed movements, and obviously also participates in the effort when it solicits all resources at full load. The cumulative power reached 680 hp, for a torque of 850 Nm available from 1400 rpm. Really outstanding numbers for a sedan that comfortably seats four passengers and offers up to 1,295 liters of cargo capacity in the Sport Turismo body of our test model.
Price
Of course, with such an arsenal under the hood, this new TGV of the range of Zuffenhausen does not sell its services, appearing at
€ 191,942, € 30,000 more than the Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo. Its 69 g / km CO2 and 3 l / 100 km announced in mixed consumption allow it however not to be penalized by the ecological penalty. Which is always down € 10,000 the gap with the Turbo!
In view of the already salty addition, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid still has the good taste to add to its standard equipment some equipment such as Sport Chrono pack, PCCB carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension PASM or the Bose sound system with 14 speakers. Nevertheless, like any self-respecting Porsche, it keeps a list of options relatively provided, allowing to debrid a little more the wallet of the customer. For example, the panoramic sunroof (2124 €), the rear steering wheels (1800 €) or the Sport exhaust (3108 €).
Steering Wheel
On a car of 680 hp, the start smoothly and completely silent surprises inevitably a little. The electric motor makes it possible to travel up to 49 km without soliciting the V8, as long as one does not exceed the speed of 150 km / h ... and that one keeps the foot relatively light. The E-Power mode promotes the use of the electric motor, while the Hybrid Auto switches from one to the other mode of propulsion according to the load, in order to offer an optimal operation. Finally, the Sport and Sport Plus modes make it possible to benefit from the maximum performance of the car, the two engines then combining their strengths.
As the toll barrier rises, it is this last mode that we select by the wheel on the steering wheel, before crushing the accelerator pedal. Although we do not doubt the 0 to 100 km / h in 3.4 s announced by Porsche, to feel a vehicle as heavy and cumbersome to run with such speed remains really astonishing. No loss of motricity disrupts the effectiveness of this catapult that sticks to the seat, while the PDK box skews its eight reports to unspeakable speeds.
"To feel such a heavy and bulky vehicle to go off with such speed is really amazing"
We can still be surprised that, despite its 680 hp, this Panamera can not accelerate in acceleration the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 612 hp, or even the new BMW M5 (0 to 100 km / h in 3 , 4 s for both). But it should not be forgotten that the hybrid has made some overweight to the sedan, which accuses 290 kg more on the scale compared to a Turbo version "standard" to peak at 2,325 kg. In addition, this Porsche remains the only one to be able to make this big gap between a demonic efficiency and a zero emission driving.
Moreover, one would have thought that the Panamera ST Turbo S E-Hybrid would be hard on winding roads, which would put forward its colossal mass. Well, it is not so! If you quickly realize that you are not in the presence of a frail berlinetta, the Panamera is surprisingly agile and succeeds in shaping the turns without wallowing in each curve. The presence of four-wheel steering on our test model is certainly not unrelated to this. Just as the adaptive suspension, for its part of series, which manages to provide a good comfort.
The Panamera is not perfect and we can deplore a direction that offers too little feel, as well as accelerator pedals and especially brake that sometimes prevent dosing correctly, because of their very touch artificial. Finally, although the consumption of 3 l / 100 km announced in the combined cycle is necessarily utopian over long distances - having a heavy foot on the secondary network, it is closer to 20 l / 100 km - it is good sure to get close to it, or even lower it on short urban journeys, thanks to the electric.
Onboard
In this Panamera, the quality of the presentation and the level of finish are perfect and offer a sporty and refined atmosphere. Extended leather, Alcantara, carbon and aluminum veneers, everything fits perfectly and in the slightest detail.
The instrumentation consists of an analog tachometer, surrounded by two 7-inch screens whose display is configurable at will. The ideal compromise.
The 12.3-inch digital panel integrates seamlessly with the dashboard and displays various hybrid system information.
The Panamera is a real comfortable sedan, offering passengers rear space and comfort. The central square is suitable for short trips.
On this Sport Turismo Hybrid, the trunk has a volume of 425 liters, which can extend to 1 295 liters if you fold the rear seat.
Review of the Porsche Panamera ST Turbo S E-Hybrid Test
Despite its extraordinary technical specifications, this Panamera is ultimately more impressive by the technical challenge it represents, than by the driving sensations it provides. Its ability to switch from the virtuous electric car to a real dragster is however really amazing, especially when four passengers are comfortably installed on board.
This versatility is still unique in the market and no one among the competition can fight on this point. It remains to be seen whether these arguments will be sufficient to make customers pay the additional € 77,000 that separate it from a version 4 E-Hybrid, already very convincing.
++++
An electric car in town ...
... who becomes supercar on the road
True family
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High weight
Felt orders
Prohibitive rate, not including options
Dimensions
Length: 5.05 m
Width: 1.94 m
Height: 1.43 m
Wheelbase: 2.95 m
Volume of the chest: 425 l
Tank capacity: 80 l
Tires: 275/35 ZR 21 in the front - 325/30 ZR 21 in the back
Spare tire: no, repair kit
Empty weight: 2,325 kg
Technical informations
Petrol engine
V8. Biturbo of 3,996 cm3
Power: 550 hp at 5750 rpm
Torque: 770 Nm between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm
- Electric motor
136 hp and 400 Nm
Lithium ion battery 14 kWh - Cumulative
Power: 680 hp between 5,750 and 6,000 rpm
Torque: 850 Nm between 1,400 and 5,500 rpm
Transmission: integral
Gearbox: double clutch PDK eight-speed
Performance:
0 to 100 km / h: 3.4 s
Maximum speed: 310 km / h