Hybrid Porsche Panamera here by end of 2024

PORSCHE has announced the addition of two AWD E-Hybrid Panamera PHEVs to its local large sedan line-up scheduled for arrival later this year.

Pricing is not yet unavailable but will precede the launch phase Down Under. The current model starts at $251,400 excluding on-road costs.

According to Porsche, both the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and more potent 4S E-Hybrid that fit under the V8 powered Turbo S E-Hybrid, deliver enhanced performance and short charging times compared to the models they replace in addition to other significant upgrades and options.

Starting under the bonnet of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid we find Porsche has integrated a new E-Hybrid electric motor system into the (eight-speed PDK) automatic transmission backing a significantly revamped 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo petrol engine rated 224kW.

The total system output is 346kW and combined with maximum torque of 650Nm gives a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h in certain conditions.

Under the skin of the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is a stronger focus on driving dynamics as well as sustained power delivery in the upper rev range.

Using a similar powertrain configuration as the “lesser” Panamera 4 E-hybrid, the 2.9-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder engine in the S delivers 260kW for a total system output of 400kW and 750Nm translating into a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h, conditions permitting.

As a bonus, Porsche says compared with the previous generation, these new models offer a greater electric range, faster charging speed, better throttle response and better driving performance in almost all disciplines.

“At 25.9kWh (gross), the new high voltage battery provides around 45 per cent more capacity in a comparable space. At the same time, the new 11kW on-board AC charger shortens the charging time to two hours and 39 minutes,” said a Porsche statement.

The newly designed electric motor in Panamera E-Hybrids churns out 140kW and 450Nm, both much more than in the previous model, and is integrated into the transmission housing in an efficient and weight-optimised way, and into the oil cooling circulation of the PDK transmission.

In tech-speak, the internal rotor design (the rotor rotates inside the stator) reduces the mass inertia by 50 per cent, which improves throttle response. With a recuperation of up to 88kW, the electric motor also contributes to the increased electric range of the Panamera E-Hybrid models.

Adding amenity are four E-Hybrid driving modes with optimised strategies as well as improved Sport and Sport Plus modes that further optimise the efficiency of the E-Hybrid models.

The vehicles always start in the purely electric E-Power mode and once the state of charge of the battery is under a certain minimum value, the system automatically switches to Hybrid Auto mode, which adapts the operating strategy to the current driving situation.

With active route guidance in Hybrid Auto, the operating strategy is further optimised by knowing the route ahead. It means the proportion of electrically driven distances in city traffic can be maximised and efficiency increased with the system using both car and navigation data for this purpose.

If driven in E-Hold mode, the current state of charge of the battery is preserved but in E-Charge mode the combustion engine charges the battery to up to 80 per cent out of town and above 55km/h, while the Panamera utilises the efficiency benefits of the hybrid drive in city traffic.

In Sport and Sport Plus modes, Porsche reduces the target state of charge of the battery to 20 and 30 per cent respectively (previously 30 and 80 per cent) to increase efficiency without sacrificing performance.

All Panamera variants are equipped with an adaptive two-chamber air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with two-valve dampers as standard with an upgrade to Porsche Active Ride Control optional.

Standard equipment of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid includes 19-inch wheels and black brake callipers while the 4S E-Hybrid runs 20-inch wheels in Panamera Aero Design, silver sport tailpipes and red brake callipers. Brake callipers in Acid Green and Black are optionally available.

Front brakes on the 4S E-Hybrid utilise ten-piston callipers as standard with higher performance ceramic stopper optional.

E-Hybrid variants gain additional kit as standard including privacy glass, HD-Matrix LED headlights, dreams exterior colour paintwork, adaptive cruise control, 3D surround view with active parking support, head-up display, lane change assist, seat ventilation front, soft close doors, 14-way comfort seats in the front with memory package, Bose Surround Sound System and digital radio.

The Executive body style with a longer wheelbase is also offered.