The latest third-generation Porsche Panamera 4 S E-Hybrid is a hard-hitter that proves to be no flash in the pan
Stuttgart, Germany - With an increasingly diverse range of models available, it’s pretty easy to Porsche-everything in one’s garage these days.
The crossover, SUV and even executive ‘sedan’ segments are well-represented by the Porsche portfolio of models, in addition of course to the Boxster, Cayman and 911 sportscar staples.
There’s both a breadth and depth to the Porsche model range that creates a smorgasbord of choices, and this is even before you consider the different powertrains available, which span ICE to petrol-electric hybrid and full-electric.
See also: The Porsche 992.2 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid delivers savage performance!
That’s the plan really, and this is something that most sportscar manufacturers are clued-into. By offering a diverse enough range of body-styles, you keep your owners from venturing outside the fold, because familiarity in this case breeds comfort and not contempt.
As we travelled from Malaga to Stuttgart and onwards to Hockenheim, we would find ourselves at the helm of three stellar examples of Porsche’s electrification efforts.
See also: The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is silent but deadly
The 992.2 911 Carrera GTS t-hybrid showed us the potent savagery of its petrol-electric combination, while at the fully-electrified end of the spectrum, the Taycan Turbo S stamped its authority on the dynamic performance table at the Porsche Experience Center Hockenheimring.
In-between the two was the latest generation plug-in Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, an athletic executive express – Porsche’s interpretation of a liftback four-door coupe – that served transport duties over the duration of our three-days in Germany.
Resplendent in an elegant Oak Green Metallic Neo matched to 21-inch brushed-finish Neodyme Panamera SportDesign alloy rims, it cut an exquisite enough presence to turn plenty of heads as we trawled both city and countryside.
The aesthetic changes on the latest, third generation Panamera are subtle but effective, as the shape has resolved into an elegantly sporty one. The muscular, coupe-like silhouette of the four-door four-seater “sports sedan” is now closer aligned to Porsche’s iconic 911 sportscar.
Thanks to the newly optional Porsche Active Ride suspension system, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid will raise itself to facilitate ingress / egress, before settling down again to its sporty ride height.
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However, this is the least of its abilities, because the system is able to regulate the individual dampers at lightning speed to achieve optimum poise and balance during both maximum attack and cruise conditions.
This translated to breathtaking body-control when we were tackling the B-roads around the Black Forest. At about S$40+k extra in Singapore, Porsche Active Ride isn't exactly a cheap option, but it certainly helps the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid come into its own as a credible "sports sedan".
The digitalised cockpit is becoming a common sight in modern cars. Thankfully, Porsche has kept the familiar design elements that Porschephiles will appreciate.
The instrument configuration is fully customisable (up to seven different views) for better legibility, depending on where the driver prefers to see the information displayed.
There’s an optional Passenger Display too, a vibrant 10.9-inch touchscreen that allows the front passenger to access the infotainment features.
Porsche has further refined the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid’s powertrain so the power delivery and performance are seamless.
If you recall the early "e-Hybrid" iterations, the transitions could be awkwardly apparent, but as is the nature of technology, it has only improved with every evolution so it now feels like the electric motor and ICE are working as one.
The new E-Hybrid models boast greater electric range, more intelligent and faster charging, organic throttle response and more engaging driving performance.
The switchovers are near imperceptible, regardless of whether the electric motor or internal-combustion engine work alone, or in tandem when the driver calls upon the full might of the car’s 544hp/750Nm.
It’ll travel in full-electric mode at speeds of up to 120km/h-ish, which is perfect for city commuting and driving along slower stretches of the Autobahn. On the derestricted stretches, it’ll storm readily to 260km/h and beyond towards its 290km/h top speed, which we never managed due to traffic.
At highway speeds, its acceleration is relentless and the car feels perfectly planted.
Furthermore, this is accompanied by a reassuring confidence inspired by the stupendous carbon-ceramic brakes should you need to brake fast and hard.
ICYMI, Porsche engineers some of the most feelsome carbon-ceramic brakes in the business, which deliver ample feel and stopping power, both on the winding roads as well as the straights.
In keeping with its pedigreed bloodline, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid will “full-send” on the winding roads with an aplomb that belies its 2.2-tonnes kerbweight. Porsche has managed to imbue the Panamera with the effortless dynamic abilities to ensure it has the go to accompany the show.
Not only does the 4S punch hard on the straights, but thanks to Porsche Active Ride, it also serves-up perfect poise in the corners.
The system instantly reacts to steering, surface, braking and acceleration inputs, as well as lateral and longitudinal forces to allow it to “corner flat”. This means that the four contact patches are constantly in touch with the surface to deliver optimum grip and cornering performance.
As executive sedans go, the Panamera might not wear the familiar (and traditional) three-box shape so beloved of towkays.
However, it ticks all the right boxes for a younger and edgier demographic that isn’t afraid to eschew convention and appreciate the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid’s compelling blend of hybrid performance. (photo of rear seats by Porsche)
PORSCHE PANAMERA 4S E-HYBRID
Engine: 2894cc, V6, twin-turbo
Battery/Electric Motor: 21.8kWh (net) / 140kW
Power/rpm (system): 544hp / 5400 - 6800 rpm
Torque/rpm (system): 750Nm / 1000 - 5000 rpm
Transmission: 8spd PDK dual-clutch
0-100km/h: 3.7secs (with Sport Chrono package)
Top Speed: 290km/h
Price: from S$630,468 before COE and options
As tested with options: S$968,535 before COE
