2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Review

The redesigned Panamera range arrived in 2016 and has already received a number of additions and updates. Among them is the range-topping Turbo S-E Hybrid which is all-new for 2018 and offers well-heeled shoppers the opportunity to embarrass supercars while still being capable of zero-emission city driving.

What’s it like inside?

The interior has received a welcome upgrade with the redesign and now features all of the latest technological and design elements found in the new generation of Porsches. Material quality is exemplary and the majority of controls are laid out logically around the driver. The sheer number of electronic systems fitted does necessitate a row of buttons along each side of the shifter but the majority of functions can be controlled via the large centrally mounted touchscreen.

There is comfortable seating for four and if additional rear passenger space is required the Executive model offers a lengthened wheelbase. Cargo space is decent and loading items into the trunk is made even easier through the rear hatch of the available Sport Turismo body style.

How does it drive?

The most powerful Panamera in the range is also the heaviest yet despite this the standard adaptive air-suspension and advanced electronic stability systems provide it with the kind of handling and road-holding usually reserved for much smaller and nimbler sedans.

Ride quality too is good and the Turbo S E-Hybrid transitions effortlessly between boulevard cruiser and backroad hooligan.

What about the performance?

Whereas the previous Panamera Turbo S featured a boosted version of the standard Panamera Turbo drivetrain, the latest version adds an electric motor to the standard engine to increase power levels instead.

The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumps out 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque while the electric motor provides an additional 136 hp and 295 lb-ft. This combines to give maximums of 680 hp and 626 lb-ft which is transmitted to all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Despite weighing an additional 500 pounds over the standard Turbo, the Turbo S E-Hybrid out-drags it to 60mph with a time of 3.2-seconds. It provides the kind of instantaneous acceleration that is familiar to EV owners with the sustained top-end power that only a powerful gasoline engine can provide.

Fuel economy figures should also shade the standard Panamera Turbo and a claimed all-electric range of 31 miles should make for a fuel-efficient daily commute.

What are my options?

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is available in one trim level that includes just about every option fitted to the lesser models in the range. It can also be specified in Executive extended wheelbase or Sport Turismo hatchback body styles.

Notable standard equipment includes 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, 14-way power front seats with leather and heating all-round, 12.3-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation and smartphone compatibility.

Available options include the Premium Package Plus (Lane change assist, front seat ventilation, LED dynamic headlights and soft close doors) and the Assistance Package (Adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane keep assist and night vision assist).

While there are a myriad color and interior detail options, notable individually selectable extras include a sport exhaust system, 18-way adaptive sport seats, rear axle steering and a Burmester audio system.

The Verdict

Silent but violent, although not at the same time. That about sums up the latest Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, it is perhaps the ultimate mass-production example of performance enhancing hybrid technology.

Its real-world efficiency levels will depend largely on how it is used. As a technological showcase of what we can expect from Porsche in the future, the Turbo S E-Hybrid is a real eye-opener and its dynamic abilities place it at near the top of the luxury performance sedan pile. Its biggest challenger comes from within its own ranks in the form of the significantly cheaper and still eminently capable Panamera Turbo.

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2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Review

After the Porsche 918 Spyder, the German sports car manufacturer made it very clear they know how to make a damn good hybrid. So they’ve decided to hybridize just about everything bar the 911 and 718 Cayman and Boxster. The new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is the latest Porsche to feature a hybrid drivetrain – but despite being a large executive saloon, Porsche say it’s a sports car first and foremost, and a practical saloon second. Based off the second generation of Panamera, the looks aren’t quite as horrific as they once were, but it’s safe to say the best place to be when in the company of a Panamera is inside.

Interior

Despite the sloping hunchbacked roofline of the Panamera, there’s a surprising amount of headroom available – particularly in the rear of the 4 seat saloon. Even with the sunroof equipped, it doesn’t impede much on head room. The rear seats can fold to enlarge the cargo capacity to 44 cubic feet, though with the seats in place, the 4 E-Hybrid loses a few cubes compared to a standard Panamera – 14.3 cu ft to the standard 17.6 cubes.

The cabin is, as you’d expect, luxuriously appointed with leather upon all surfaces. But it’s not the leather, but rather the new 12-inch touch screen infotainment system that steals the show. It’s a vast improvement over the previous system, though sometimes still not the most intuitive, and it’s matched with touch sensitive controls that offer haptic feedback beneath it, replacing the plethora of buttons that made the old Panamera a nightmare.

Driving (Ride and Handling)

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid’s luxury starts with the adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management. It filters out rough surfaces and provides a buttery smooth ride regardless of the fact that it rides on standard 19-inch alloys, with optional 20s and even 21s still feeling smooth. The air suspension is also fully variable, providing excellent support and body control through corners and directional changes, and resisting body lean. The grip is endless from the permanent all-wheel drive system, and there’s a really sense of connection through the front wheels, even though the steering is electronically power assisted. There’s good weight and keen responses, and the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid responds far sharper than its 4 787 pound weight would suggest. Opt for the available rear-wheel steering and the Panamera feels a far smaller sports car – an impressive feat. However, the E-Hybrid is let down by a poor brake feel at the changeover between regenerative and physical braking.

Performance (Engine and Transmission)

The plug-in hybrid Panamera 4 E-Hybrid derives its power from a pairing of a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 developing 330 horsepower and an electric motor sandwiched between the gearbox and engine that generates 136hp. The combined outputs are 462hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, sent to all wheels via an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. The EPA consumption estimates aren’t in yet, but the 14.1kWh battery pack offers an electric range of a claimed 31 miles, and can be charged in as little as two and a half hours with a 240-volt electrical system. Lest we forget, 0-60mph arrives in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono pack.

Equipment and Safety

Though the options can add up very, very quickly on the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, there’s still a fair amount of standard kit, including a panoramic roof, park distance sensors front and rear with reverse camera, two rear USB ports, LED headlights, and cruise control. Noteworthy options include 18-way power adjustable Sport Seats Plus and the rear seat entertainment package with 2 detachable 10-inch tablets. With the available Assistance Package, the E-Hybrid gets adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and night vision assist. As with all Porsche’s, the Panamera hasn’t and won’t be crash tested by local authorities.

Verdict

Several years ago, hybrid meant compromise. Not anymore, not for Porsche. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid uses hybridization to make it a complete all round executive sports saloon. From behind the wheel, it’s all too easy to mistake this for a genuine sports car. Simply – performance and class with a clean conscience.

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2018 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Review

The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid remains part of the recently redesigned Cayenne line up in pre-updated form and is currently the only hybrid model in the range. It enters 2018 with no notable changes.

What’s it like inside?

Externally, there is not much to differentiate this hybrid model from the rest of the range visually (excepting the acid green brake calipers) and other than the energy usage display, the interior will be familiar to existing Cayenne owners.

While the infotainment system has received a recent update and the cabin quality is still top class, the overall design has been showing its age for a while now and the abundance of physical buttons and a key slot next to the steering column are the most obvious signs.

Apart from that though there is a lot to like about the second-generation Cayenne, the front seats are very supportive and there is a feeling of solidity to all the controls and materials.

Rear passengers may find it a bit tighter though, especially if there are three of them, and the trunk is slightly smaller than you would expect in this class. A fully foldable rear backrest and standard power liftgate do make it relatively painless to load bulky items though.

How does it drive?

The Cayenne is no lightweight sports car and the added weight of the battery pack and electric motor make this one of the heaviest SUVs in the Porsche line up. So, you may be even more impressed when you first experience the way it responds to driver inputs and how it carves its way up a challenging stretch of road.

The strong torque delivery from low down gives the E-Hybrid a sporty feel around town and the standard adaptive suspension management help keep things smooth over rutted road surfaces.

What about the performance?

The S E-Hybrid utilizes a 333-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and a 95-hp electric motor to produce a combined 416 hp and a strong 435 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard and the 0-60 mph time is completed in a very un-hybrid like 5.4-seconds. Run the battery power flat though and you will have a noticeable drop in overall acceleration and economy.

The claimed gasoline only economy figure of 22mpg is not especially noteworthy, being only slightly better than the standard Cayenne, but the 46 mpge gasoline/electric rating is a lot more promising.

Achieving these numbers in the real world will depend on whether your commute can make the most of the 14-mile electric-only range afforded by the 10.8 kWh battery pack. Being gentle with the throttle pedal helps too.

What are my options?

The S E-Hybrid shares most of its specification levels with the Cayenne S and this means that you get as standard a 7-inch infotainment display, 10-speaker audio system, navigation, partial leather interior, power tailgate, sunroof, power steering plus, front and rear parking sensors as well as 8-way power front seats with a memory function for the driver.

Unique S E-Hybrid items include the 3.0-liter V6 and electric motor instead of the turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 and you also get a 3.6kW onboard charger. You also get an energy management display function and adaptive suspension management as standard. In addition, the Porsche Car Connect feature with E-Mobility allows remote access to various vehicle functions.

The Platinum Edition model adds 20-inch RS Spyder design alloys, 8-way powered GTS style front seats with alcantara seat centers, dynamic headlights, auxiliary climate control system and unique exterior trim.

Of course, there is always more when it comes to Porsche and there is a vast range of paint and trim customization options available on top of notable available items such as the air suspension, ceramic composite brakes and faster 7.2kW onboard charger.

The Premium Package Plus is also worth considering as it adds lane change assist, keyless entry and a panoramic roof amongst other desirable features.

The Verdict

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is one of the best handling and performing hybrid SUVs around, sadly the electric assistance does not translate into much of a fuel saving and the added complexity does push its base price uncomfortably close to the new Cayenne S too.

Although, considering that the new Cayenne Hybrid, when it arrives, is quite likely to cost a fair bit more, the E Hybrid may still make sense to some shoppers. Especially if your commute can make the most of the all-electric range.

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New Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Is Finally Coming

Better late than never.

Last year, Porsche introduced the all new, third-generation Cayenne in various guises, including V6-powered base and S versions, and a range-topping Turbo model packing a larger V8 engine. Noticeably absent from the lineup, however, was a hybrid version, despite the fact a hybrid powertrain was on the options list for the previous-gen model. That void will soon be filled, however, as Porsche will be revealing a new Cayenne E-Hybrid to replace the outgoing model later this year.

The new hybrid Cayenne is expected to inherit the same powertrain as the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. In the meantime, Porsche has started the teaser campaign for the Cayenne E-Hybrid by detailing the extensive tests that are being carried out. A handful of hybrid Cayennes were sent to South Africa to be put through their paces in a final round of grueling tests before the final production model debuts. As part of the evaluation, the Cayenne E-Hybrid was driven in challenging conditions to test the components, from congested city roads in Johannesburg to high-altitude mountain pass more than 3,000 meters high.

“We are on the cusp of the market launch and are bringing the vehicles up to speed in terms of functionality. We are testing them here once again in a customer-focused way”, said Oliver Laqua, Director Complete Vehicle Product Line SUV. To further test the hybrid SUV’s comfort, efficiency, and performance, the Cayenne E-Hybrid was also put through its paces in northern Canada at minus 40-degree temperature and the deserts of Dubai at plus 40 degrees. Like the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, the new Cayenne E-Hybrid is expected to combine a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. In the Panamera, this setup produces 462 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

A 14-kWh lithium-ion battery provides an electric range of 31 miles. A more potent Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is also in the pipeline, packing 680 hp and 626 lb-ft courtesy of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and an electric motor. We strongly suspect Porsche will use the range-topping Cayenne to reclaim the Nurburgring SUV record crowd from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which beat the previous Cayenne’s record with a time of 7 minutes and 51.7 seconds.

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2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Arrives With 455 Horsepower And 22-Inch Wheels

The hybrid is more powerful, and bling, than the original Cayenne Turbo.

Porsche has already pulled the wraps off of the 2019 Cayenne and the more powerful Cayenne Turbo. Now the company has just revealed the "eco-friendly" alternative, the Cayenne E-Hybrid Plug-In. Like the standard car, the E-Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine with a single turbocharger. As the name suggests, the E-Hybrid adds an electric motor producing 134 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All together, the system produces 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque—more than the original Cayenne Turbo.

With all of that brute hybrid power, Porsche says the E-Hybrid can hit 157 mph and go from 0-60 mph in around 4.7 seconds. To help make sure the power transfers to the road, a Porsche Traction Management system is standard and the car has an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, which distributes power between the rear and front axles. Buyers can also opt for an air suspension as found on other Cayenne models. Borrowing technology from the 918 Spyder, the Cayenne E-Hybrid can deploy maximum torque from the electric motor under hard acceleration, erasing any notion of turbo lag. The Cayenne also uses special drive modes, which change the personality of the hybrid system.

In Hybrid Auto, the car combines electric and gas power to maximize efficiency, while E-Charge forces the gas engine generate more power than needed to charge the battery and store energy for later. In E-Power mode, the car runs on electric power alone up to 83 mph for around 27.3 miles on a single charge (on the European cycle). Charging the car takes around two and a half hours on a fast charger, or around eight hours on a household outlet. Porsche didn't announce U.S. mpg figures, but car should be pretty efficient thanks to an advanced traffic-sensing system that looks 1.8 miles down the road to select the best gear for fuel economy.

Along with the new model, Porsche is adding some goodies to the Cayenne range including massage seats, a heads-up display, heated windshield, and the first 22-inch wheels the company has ever offered. The 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid goes sale in the U.S. starting in early 2019, with prices starting at $80,950.

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Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sets Six Lap Records On Six Different Tracks

Albeit very specific lap records.

Thanks to its potent hybrid setup, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is one of the fastest sedans on the planet. An electric motor and 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 combine to produce a substantial 680 hp, enabling the four-door sedan to hit 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 193 mph. To demonstrate the sedan’s performance, Porsche recently took the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid to six FIA-approved racetracks – and it set a benchmark lap record at each circuit, albeit a very specific one.

Porsche can now call the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid the “fastest luxury four door hybrid sedan” around the Bahrain International Circuit, Yas Marina Circuit, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Buddh International Circuit, Dubai Autodrome, and Losail International Circuit.

Behind the wheel was factory development driver Lars Kern, who also set last year’s Nurburgring lap record in the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, which has since been beaten by the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. You can view each lap record on Porsche’s website. Billed by Porsche as “one of the most technologically advanced circuits in the world” the Yas Marina Circuit boasts 21 turns and the longest straight of the F1 calendar. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid completed a lap around the circuit in just two minutes and 31.79 seconds.

Located in the Sakhir desert, the Bahrain International Circuit is home to the FIA World Endurance. It took the hybrid Panamera two minutes and 18.96 seconds to navigate the 5.412-mile long circuit. The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, on the other hand, is located in Johannesburg, South Africa, and features fast sweeping sections and tight technical turns that tested the Panamera’s agility. It lapped the circuit in two minutes and 31.79 seconds.

Best known for hosting the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix, the Buddh International Circuit was lapped by the hybrid Panamera in two minutes and 12.56 seconds, while the Dubai Autodrome, a challenging circuit with 16 very technical corners, was lapped in two minutes and 19.15 seconds. Finally, the Losail international Circuit, located in Qatar, was completed in two minutes and 24.12 seconds.

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TechArt's Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Is A 750-HP Super Sedan

Because the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid clearly needs more power.

Thanks to its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and an electric motor producing a combined 680 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is already one of the fastest sedans on the planet, capable of hitting 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph. But that hasn’t stopped TechArt from giving it an impressive power boost.
The tuner’s new power kit for the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid increases the power output from 680 hp to 759 hp, while peak torque has been raised to 722 lb-ft. Thanks to this increased horsepower, the super sedan will now do the sprint in 3.2 seconds and top out at 196 mph.

Other modifications include the valve-controlled TechArt exhaust, which the tuner says delivers a deeper and more powerful sound. Customers will also get four titanium end tubes with the carbon fiber jacket.

TechArt’s GrandGT also gives the Panamera a more aggressive appearance, thanks to a carbon fiber hood, extended wheel arches, contoured side skirts and a significantly wider track. At the rear, repositioned reflectors and a large diffuser also contribute to the aggressive design. Rounding off the exterior changes are 22-inch Formula V wheels with a unique multi-spoke design which can also be fitted to the Cayenne.

Inside, the tuned Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has seats with colored stitching matching the exterior. The cabin also features a sport steering wheel with Acid Green colored drive mode switch to remind you that you’re driving a hybrid. Segments of the steering wheel can also be customized with leather, Alcantara, or carbon fiber, while illuminated door entry guards with Techart lettering and aluminium pedals complete the interior.

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2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Arrives With 455 Horsepower And 22-Inch Wheels

The hybrid is more powerful, and bling, than the original Cayenne Turbo.

Porsche has already pulled the wraps off of the 2019 Cayenne and the more powerful Cayenne Turbo. Now the company has just revealed the "eco-friendly" alternative, the Cayenne E-Hybrid Plug-In. Like the standard car, the E-Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine with a single turbocharger. As the name suggests, the E-Hybrid adds an electric motor producing 134 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All together, the system produces 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque—more than the original Cayenne Turbo.

With all of that brute hybrid power, Porsche says the E-Hybrid can hit 157 mph and go from 0-60 mph in around 4.7 seconds. To help make sure the power transfers to the road, a Porsche Traction Management system is standard and the car has an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, which distributes power between the rear and front axles. Buyers can also opt for an air suspension as found on other Cayenne models. Borrowing technology from the 918 Spyder, the Cayenne E-Hybrid can deploy maximum torque from the electric motor under hard acceleration, erasing any notion of turbo lag. The Cayenne also uses special drive modes, which change the personality of the hybrid system.

In Hybrid Auto, the car combines electric and gas power to maximize efficiency, while E-Charge forces the gas engine generate more power than needed to charge the battery and store energy for later. In E-Power mode, the car runs on electric power alone up to 83 mph for around 27.3 miles on a single charge (on the European cycle). Charging the car takes around two and a half hours on a fast charger, or around eight hours on a household outlet. Porsche didn't announce U.S. mpg figures, but car should be pretty efficient thanks to an advanced traffic-sensing system that looks 1.8 miles down the road to select the best gear for fuel economy.

Along with the new model, Porsche is adding some goodies to the Cayenne range including massage seats, a heads-up display, heated windshield, and the first 22-inch wheels the company has ever offered. The 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid goes sale in the U.S. starting in early 2019, with prices starting at $80,950.

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