Want a sporting estate? Fine, no problem, as the E-Hybrid boasts an arsenal of dynamic technology to make an aircraft carrier look like the Cutty Sark. It features active anti-roll bars to keep the body flat and level, PTV Plus torque vectoring, PTM traction control, standard ceramic brakes (the caliper colour can be changed, fear not) and, on the test car, optional rear-wheel steer as well.
Combine all that with huge – 275-section front, 325-section rear – tyres as well as all-wheel drive and the Panamera’s purchase on a road is phenomenal, composure unerring and grip boundless. It may not be the last word in touchy-feely involvement but you could level the same criticism at an Audi RS6 – in that car, you merely admire its abilities; here, you’re staggered by them.
But what about when you need to be responsible? The Sport Turismo ticks that box too, with an E-Mode that delivers up to 31 miles of electric range. Its electric motor provides 134bhp and 295lb ft, enough to get the Panamera to 87mph without involving the twin-turbo V8. The battery is regenerated while driving, or can be charged in six hours from a standard domestic supply.
It’s fantastically simple to drive as en electric vehicle too; sounds obvious, but very often throttle pedals on cars like this can act like switches and the engine is reignited unintentionally. Here it’s as linear, progressive and readable as any Porsche accelerator, and same goes for the brake. To integrate such a vast array of technology into such a user-friendly package is some feat from Porsche. It really can go from EV commuter to family holdall to supercar worrier in the flick of a switch.
The hybrid system can be tailored to your needs as well, with Hybrid Auto delivering the most efficient drive possible and E-Hold conserving a level of charge for when it might be required. Sport and Sport Plus combine the two power sources for the most performance possible.
That this comes in addition to all that makes the standard Panamera so complete – a fabulous interior, stunning quality and, in the case of the Sport Turismo especially, suave good looks – means the Turbo S E-Hybrid is an extremely accomplished machine.
Join the debate
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Bridges
At 2325kg will they need reinforcing?
The Model S has nothing to worry about until they play catch-up with the Mission E
Ubberfrancis44
Brilliant.
Someone in the family has one of those in saloon form, awesome machine, everyday commute in EV mode and still uses the V8 for the ocasional enthusiast "fix".
I would also have this over a Mission E or a Model S everyday.
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Saloon
Never even seen a Saloon Panamera.
Ubberfrancis44
Normal
Well, the "normal one". The hatchback lets say, after all it does have a rear hatch.
eseaton
Sounds horrendous. Only
275not599
Let’s see, so that’s supreme
Let’s see, so that’s supreme ride comfort, impeccable refinement, gorgeous interior, phenomenal purchase on the road, unerring composure, boundless grip, staggering abilities, fantastically simple to drive, fabulous interior, stunning quality, 0-124mph in 12 seconds. The only “criticism” is that you can find lesser Panameras for less money. And you give it 4 stars. What do you want for a fifth star?
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***
"its true relevance is difficult to see", "not be the last word in touchy-feely involvement "
It's also £140,000, huge and difficult to park, only seats 4 despite it's size, heavy, I'd have given it 3 stars
275not599
Ah, "true relevance", there's
Ah, "true relevance", there's a cop-out. No car made in I don't know how many years has offered the last word in touchy-feely involvement, the Phantom is much huger, heavier, can come with four seats and gets 5 stars. Perhaps it's more relevant.
Overdrive
275not599 wrote:
JLR badge.
jer
Perhaps not 5 stars because
Its more a 599 than a 275 ?
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