Plug-ins from Porsche

A Porsche Panamera hybrid trio is now offered in New Zealand.

Alongside the recently unveiled Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, which has a 412kW power output, Porsche is now providing three Panamera plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models for the first time.

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is now the most powerful variant in the completely revamped product line, combining a 420kW, four-litre biturbo V8 with a 100kW electric motor. Its all-electric range has been increased thanks to a new 17.9 kWh battery and optimised driving modes.

This also applies to the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, where the electric motor is complemented by a 243kW 2.9-litre biturbo V6, resulting in a system power output of 340kW.

The Panamera portfolio benefits from all the optimised features of the latest model enhancement in terms of chassis, design, equipment and infotainment.

Porsche is systematically extending its E-Performance strategy with the electric motor at the heart of the drive architecture.

It is integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and produces 100kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

In combination with its standard Sport Chrono package, and powered by a four-litre V8 biturbo engine that now delivers 420kW instead of 404kW,, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid accelerates to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor.

It reaches a top speed of 315km/h – a 5km/h improvement.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid takes just 4.4 seconds (-0.2s) to reach 100km/h from a standing start on its way to a top speed of up to 280km/h (+2km/h).

The gross capacity of the high-voltage battery has been increased from 14.1 to 17.9kWh, thanks to the use of optimised cells, and the driving modes have been adapted for even more efficient energy utilisation.

As a result, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will have improved all-electric range and can be driven with zero local emissions.

The Porsche plug-in hybrid models are preferably charged at home – either via a standard domestic outlet or a power socket.

A model-specific charging capacity of up to 7.2kW is possible with the standard Porsche Mobile Charger, while charging is also possible at Porsche Destination Charging stations and public charging points using a Mode 3 cable.

The new PHEVs are visually sharpened and have better connectivity.

The chassis and control systems have been tuned for sportiness and comfort in all new Panamera models. In some cases, a completely new control strategy has been implemented.

A new generation of steering control system and new tyres ensure improved lateral dynamics and greater precision. The flagship Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid comes as standard with all currently available chassis and control systems such as the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) electric roll stabilisation system, which includes Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), rear axle steering with Power Steering Plus as well as the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system.

The new Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid models are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in New Zealand in Q1 2021.

New Zealand pricing ranges from $227,600 (Panamera 4 E-Hybrid), $262,300 (Panamera 4S E-Hybrid), $233,900 (Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo) and $382,400 (Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid) – the prices excluding on-road and dealer delivery charges.

Meanwhile, the all-electric Porsche Taycan sold 10,944 units in the first three quarters of 2020 with a sharp rise in demand reported globally.

While Porsche, along with almost every manufacturer, took a major hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, Taycan demand has returned with a vengeance.

Taycan sales in the US increased by big amounts in each quarter since the model’s launch late last year, while it also reportedly outsold the 911, 718, and the Panamera there in the last quarter.

In Europe, the Taycan is outselling all Porsche models.