Porsche Panamera model range to expand with performance hybrids

“If you drive a Porsche you want to have fun. That’s the reason we say we have a performance type of hybrid. You can drive electrically but you can also have fun,” said Kerner.

He added that there was room in the Panamera’s range for hybrids of differing performance: “I think we have a Panamera 4S and we have a Panamera Turbo, so in the hybrid you can also have different cars”.

It’s possible that one Panamera hybrid will feature a petrol V6 and the other a V8, with electric motors on both axles to assist performance.

Blume also explained that a move towards electrification – such as the production version of the all-electric Mission E Concept that’s due at the end of the decade – would not lead to Porsche abandoning its performance car roots.

“When we talk about a full electric car, it must be the most highest performance one. When we launch an electric car, it will be a real Porsche and you will be able to drive it like a 918 or a 911,” he said.

“We are working on our strategy for the next years and one important point is to carry over all of our traditional experience and combine it with future technology. Electric technology is very important for Porsche, but so is our performance know-how. In the end we will have a car that will offer both Porsche performance and full electric performance.”

The production version of the Mission E concept will have “a very high power electric motor that will be the best one [on the market] when we launch the car. We will aim for a driving range of about 310 miles and what will be very important for us will be the charging time.

“Via an 800-volt charging system, we will be able to do an 80% charge in 15 minutes. That will be a plus point for our customers, especially on longer trips – to stop the car, charge it, drink a coffee and then continue to drive.”

Blume said Porsche is working with technology partners, electricity companies and other automotive manufacturers to investigate the creation of a rapid-charging network capable of handling its battery-powered electric cars.