Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
The original and somewhat ungainly looking Panamera was first launched back in 2009. It had a slow start but over the years sales have gathered momentum with each new version. The model on test here is the third generation of the Porsche Panamera. There are some nine different variants from the Panamera (base model if you can call it that ) to the range topping Turbo S E-hybrid. The version I am road testing here is the Panamera 4 E-hybrid.
This third generation of the Panamera has undergone a truly huge technical makeover as well as some cosmetic upgrades. From a technical standpoint almost every aspect of the Panamera has been tweaked. There are revised V6 and V8 engines, a new active suspension a bigger hybrid battery with therefore more range, a new more powerful electric motor, a fully re designed digital cockpit, improved infotainment system, new lighting technology and upgrades to the chassis and handling tech. In short while externally it may not look that different it really is a new car in almost every aspect.
First Impressions.
This third generation of the Panamera is without doubt the best looking yet. I won’t detail all the revised cosmetic items but basically Porsche have given it a more steeply raked bonnet with more of a 911 look to the front end with the front wings sitting slightly more pronounced and looking more muscular than before. Revised light clusters and subtle surface changes give the new Panamera a broader and more planted look than before. I really like it. I feel it now really has the good looks to go with its pedigree.
What’s it like inside?
The cabin of this third generation Panamera is truly top class. The fit and finish is beyond reproach while the design and indeed execution of the whole interior is truly impressive. Some Porsche purists including myself miss the wonderful analogue tachometer which in this version is replaced a by a digital one. Thankfully for those in the know regarding Porsche dashboards over the years you can select a traditional five dial layout with the digital taco in the centre within the fully configurable digital dash. That at least is some compensation for the deletion of analogue instruments.
Thankfully also Porsche have kept beautifully machined chrome knurled switches for the main climate functions while the touchscreen infotainment system is now faster to respond and boasts improved menu’s. All in all then the interior of the latest Panamera has moved with the times but without following the horrible trend for huge touchscreens with no actual buttons. Porsche have managed to keep a sports car character while modernising the dashboard layout.
Standard equipment is quite good and too numerous to detail here but beware if you tick the tempting options list (and you will) you can quickly rack up an options bill thats equivalent to the price of a small hatchback.
The Panamera is designed as a pure four seater car and that makes it very comfortable as each beautifully upholstered leather clad seat is individually shaped in the rear just as you have in the front. There is plenty of leg and headroom both front and rear but its not a class leader for interior space. I’d call it very comfortable but snug. The hatchback design makes it very practical with a really decent sized boot accessed via the electric rear tailgate. All in all then the new Panamera scores very highly in my opinion for both the quality of the interior and the execution of its design.
What is under the bonnet?
Like all the hybrid Panamera models this is a plug-in-hybrid. As its model designation suggests the 4 stands for all wheel drive. Power is derived from a silky smooth 2.9 litre V6 twin-turbo mated to a superb 8-speed dual clutch PDK gearbox driving all four wheels through Porsche’s PTM (Porsche Traction Management). This powertrain is in combination with a 140kW (190 PS) electric motor which is powered by a now larger (but occupies the same amount of space) 25.9 kWh battery. Total power output is some 470 PS so it packs a punch. Porsche claim an all electric range of almost 90 km. In reality I achieved pretty close to that during my road test getting 78km before the battery was depleted. While it is a plug-in-hybrid there is an element of recharging of the battery from the engine depending on the drive mode you are in.
Driving the new Panamera the switch from hybrid electric power to the engine is barely noticeable while I must say performance is absolutely fantastic. 0 to 100km/h takes just 4.1 seconds and top speed is some 280km/h. The PDK gearbox can be used in manual mode via the paddle shifts or just left in auto while Sports mode, Sports Plus and Individual modes allow the driver to select the level of sportiness to suit your mood. I soon discovered that this then is a very fast and very capable sports saloon. I revelled in both its responsiveness and its refinement. The Panamera seems to blend just the right amount of sports car feel with the comfort and luxury buyers expect in car at this price point.
Will I enjoy driving it?
You most certainly will! One of the great attributes I discovered of the new Panamera is that it seems to excel in every driving environment. In town I left it in auto, and ‘Normal’ mode. It silently glides through traffic in electric mode wafting along in comfort. Yet take it to a twisty country road with Sport or Sport Plus selected and the Panamera becomes a true sports saloon delivering poise and traction that only a Porsche can deliver so well. That V6 petrol sounds superb too delivering a throaty growl under acceleration. The Panamera manages to change character at the flick of the mode control rotary switch. I loved every KM behind the wheel. Its responsive, handles superbly has phenomenal braking capability and yet can cruise for hours at motorway speeds in hushed silence save for a bit of tyre roar over more coarse tarmac surfaces. A brief mention here that my test car also had Porsche’s new “Active Ride” suspension which keeps the car flat during cornering and raises and lowers it for ease of entry and exit. A truly impressive set up but costs a whopping €8,672 extra.
Hugh’s Verdict.
I was never really overly impressed with the first Panamera. The second generation was much better but still for me it lacked some of that Porsche magic. This third generation has really managed to inject that true Porsche sports car DNA into this new Panamera. It looks superb, classy yet with sporty overtones. The interior is a match if not better than many rivals and for those that revel in a true drivers car, the Panamera delivers with aplomb! That is its unique virtue. Its a true sports saloon when you want it to be. My verdict then is that the Porsche Panamera 4 E-hybrid is one of the most compelling electrified performance saloons on the market!
The new Panamera 4 E-hybrid costs from €130,552 before options.
Likes:
Excellent performance.
Very efficient hybrid system.
Superb driving dynamics.
Dislikes:
Hugely expensive options list.
Quite a lot of easy to scratch gloss black trim.
Why put air vent adjustments through a touch screen. Fiddly & annoying.