Porsche Panamera S Hybrid 3.0 V6 (A) Review
22 Nov 2011|13,791 views
Porsche says that the Panamera S Hybrid is its most fuel economical model ever. The big question is: Has Porsche diluted its own core values with this green behemoth?
With the talk of the world's fossil fuel reserves becoming depleted in the coming decades, car manufacturers are constantly cracking their heads for ideas and solutions to counter this imminent problem. Most manufacturers have both short to medium term solutions as well as long term solutions. Some of the latter solutions include cars powered by electric power or even hydrogen fuel cells. The infrastructure for electric cars can hardly be considered up and running while fuel cells still cost a bomb.
In the short to medium term, car manufacturers are introducing solutions like downsizing of engine sizes, diesel power as well as hybrid technology. Initially, only Japanese car manufacturers embraced hybrid technology but the case for sustainable mobility as well as the increasing popularity of hybrid cars, especially in America have made the European brands think twice about hybrids and hence, the influx of European hybrid models that have entered the market recently.
Exterior
Porsche became the first European brand to introduce a hybrid model in the form of the Cayenne Hybrid last year. This was followed by the similarly underpinned Volkswagen Touareg hybrid introduced earlier this year. Recently, Porsche introduced the second part of its hybrid trilogy - the Panamera S Hybrid. Part three of the trilogy will be the 918 hypercar set to arrive in 2013.
With the talk of the world's fossil fuel reserves becoming depleted in the coming decades, car manufacturers are constantly cracking their heads for ideas and solutions to counter this imminent problem. Most manufacturers have both short to medium term solutions as well as long term solutions. Some of the latter solutions include cars powered by electric power or even hydrogen fuel cells. The infrastructure for electric cars can hardly be considered up and running while fuel cells still cost a bomb.
In the short to medium term, car manufacturers are introducing solutions like downsizing of engine sizes, diesel power as well as hybrid technology. Initially, only Japanese car manufacturers embraced hybrid technology but the case for sustainable mobility as well as the increasing popularity of hybrid cars, especially in America have made the European brands think twice about hybrids and hence, the influx of European hybrid models that have entered the market recently.
Exterior
Porsche became the first European brand to introduce a hybrid model in the form of the Cayenne Hybrid last year. This was followed by the similarly underpinned Volkswagen Touareg hybrid introduced earlier this year. Recently, Porsche introduced the second part of its hybrid trilogy - the Panamera S Hybrid. Part three of the trilogy will be the 918 hypercar set to arrive in 2013.
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The Panamera S Hybrid sits between the entry-level 300bhp 3.6-litre V6 and the 400bhp 4.8-litre V8 Panamera S in the petrol powered Panamera range. In addition to the hybrid, the Panamera can also be had in green form with the diesel, set to be introduced here soon.
The hybrid Panamera variant can be differentiated on the outside from other Panamera models by the 'hybrid' badges on the front doors and boot lid as well as by its 19-inch five-spoke wheels. The wheels definitely fill the Panamera's generously sized wheel arches better than the 18s on lesser V6 models but fitting the Panamera with even bigger optional 20s or 21s will surely give it an even better stance.
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Interior
The changes on the inside are minimal when compared to other non-hybrid Panamera models. There's an 'E-Power' button next to the gear lever for the driver to select electric power only drive while the infotainment display screen and the multifunction display within the instrument panel can show the hybrid system's flow diagram among other information.
Unlike in the Cayenne Hybrid where the battery stack takes up so much space that the spare tyre has to sit upright in the boot area, the Panamera's battery stack are more neatly placed under the boot floor without eating into much boot area as only the stereo's sub woofer has found its way on the boot floor rather than a sizable full sized spare tyre.
The rest of the cabin is typical Panamera, which means individual seats at the rear for two occupants and a well laid out driving environment with the traditional Porsche arrangement for the instrument cluster and a low slung driving position. The myriad of buttons on the centre console look confusing at first but you'll soon realize that they are group logically together.
The changes on the inside are minimal when compared to other non-hybrid Panamera models. There's an 'E-Power' button next to the gear lever for the driver to select electric power only drive while the infotainment display screen and the multifunction display within the instrument panel can show the hybrid system's flow diagram among other information.
Unlike in the Cayenne Hybrid where the battery stack takes up so much space that the spare tyre has to sit upright in the boot area, the Panamera's battery stack are more neatly placed under the boot floor without eating into much boot area as only the stereo's sub woofer has found its way on the boot floor rather than a sizable full sized spare tyre.
The rest of the cabin is typical Panamera, which means individual seats at the rear for two occupants and a well laid out driving environment with the traditional Porsche arrangement for the instrument cluster and a low slung driving position. The myriad of buttons on the centre console look confusing at first but you'll soon realize that they are group logically together.
The Drive
Like in its Cayenne hybrid sibling, the petrol engine in the hybrid Panamera is the 3-litre supercharged V6 lump from the Audi S4/S5 pumping 333bhp and 440Nm. In addition to the petrol engine, the Panamera S Hybrid features a 34kW (47bhp) electric motor integrated within the transmission. According to Porsche, the electric motor together with the 3-litre supercharged V6 engine pumps out combined outputs of 380bhp and 580Nm.
Like Lexus' hybrid drive system, the Panamera S Hybrid may be driven either by the electric motor or the combustion engine alone, or by both drive units together. At moderate acceleration speeds or when 'E-Power' mode is selected via the button on the centre console, the electric motor can power the Panamera on its own at speeds of up to 85km/h. When maximum acceleration is required, the electric motor provides a boost effect for additional power and acceleration.
Like in its Cayenne hybrid sibling, the petrol engine in the hybrid Panamera is the 3-litre supercharged V6 lump from the Audi S4/S5 pumping 333bhp and 440Nm. In addition to the petrol engine, the Panamera S Hybrid features a 34kW (47bhp) electric motor integrated within the transmission. According to Porsche, the electric motor together with the 3-litre supercharged V6 engine pumps out combined outputs of 380bhp and 580Nm.
Like Lexus' hybrid drive system, the Panamera S Hybrid may be driven either by the electric motor or the combustion engine alone, or by both drive units together. At moderate acceleration speeds or when 'E-Power' mode is selected via the button on the centre console, the electric motor can power the Panamera on its own at speeds of up to 85km/h. When maximum acceleration is required, the electric motor provides a boost effect for additional power and acceleration.
 |
The Drive
With a quoted 0-100km/h time of 6 seconds, the Panamera S Hybrid certainly feels quick off the line. With the 300Nm rated electric motor doing its job of boosting acceleration from very low speeds, the Panamera doesn't feel at all lazy to get up to speed off the line. Activate Sport and throttle and drivetrain response sharpens noticeably to make the Panamera feel that bit more urgent and eager. On the road, the hybrid system works seamlessly or one not to notice it switching between power sources. Power delivery via the Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and seamless. Moreover, it features Porsche's Tiptronic '+/-' manual mode.
On the driving front, the hybrid suffers hardly from any compromises when compared to standard petrol Panamera models. The only bugbear is a slightly over assisted left pedal feel that is typical of hybrid models but even this problem is not as apparent as in the Cayenne hybrid. With standard PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) set to the stiffer setting, the big Panamera feels athletic enough to be worthy of the Porsche badge.
With a quoted 0-100km/h time of 6 seconds, the Panamera S Hybrid certainly feels quick off the line. With the 300Nm rated electric motor doing its job of boosting acceleration from very low speeds, the Panamera doesn't feel at all lazy to get up to speed off the line. Activate Sport and throttle and drivetrain response sharpens noticeably to make the Panamera feel that bit more urgent and eager. On the road, the hybrid system works seamlessly or one not to notice it switching between power sources. Power delivery via the Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and seamless. Moreover, it features Porsche's Tiptronic '+/-' manual mode.
On the driving front, the hybrid suffers hardly from any compromises when compared to standard petrol Panamera models. The only bugbear is a slightly over assisted left pedal feel that is typical of hybrid models but even this problem is not as apparent as in the Cayenne hybrid. With standard PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) set to the stiffer setting, the big Panamera feels athletic enough to be worthy of the Porsche badge.
Conclusion
When it comes to price, the hybrid is significantly more expensive than the gutless V6 model but is cheaper than the less fuel economical V8 Panamera S. The Panamera S Hybrid might not offer a V8 soundtrack like the S can but it sips less fuel and offers more useable low down power. Moreover, there's just something so very cool about a hybrid Porsche.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
When it comes to price, the hybrid is significantly more expensive than the gutless V6 model but is cheaper than the less fuel economical V8 Panamera S. The Panamera S Hybrid might not offer a V8 soundtrack like the S can but it sips less fuel and offers more useable low down power. Moreover, there's just something so very cool about a hybrid Porsche.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Porsche says that the Panamera S Hybrid is its most fuel economical model ever. The big question is: Has Porsche diluted its own core values with this green behemoth?
With the talk of the world's fossil fuel reserves becoming depleted in the coming decades, car manufacturers are constantly cracking their heads for ideas and solutions to counter this imminent problem. Most manufacturers have both short to medium term solutions as well as long term solutions. Some of the latter solutions include cars powered by electric power or even hydrogen fuel cells. The infrastructure for electric cars can hardly be considered up and running while fuel cells still cost a bomb.
In the short to medium term, car manufacturers are introducing solutions like downsizing of engine sizes, diesel power as well as hybrid technology. Initially, only Japanese car manufacturers embraced hybrid technology but the case for sustainable mobility as well as the increasing popularity of hybrid cars, especially in America have made the European brands think twice about hybrids and hence, the influx of European hybrid models that have entered the market recently.
Exterior
Porsche became the first European brand to introduce a hybrid model in the form of the Cayenne Hybrid last year. This was followed by the similarly underpinned Volkswagen Touareg hybrid introduced earlier this year. Recently, Porsche introduced the second part of its hybrid trilogy - the Panamera S Hybrid. Part three of the trilogy will be the 918 hypercar set to arrive in 2013.
With the talk of the world's fossil fuel reserves becoming depleted in the coming decades, car manufacturers are constantly cracking their heads for ideas and solutions to counter this imminent problem. Most manufacturers have both short to medium term solutions as well as long term solutions. Some of the latter solutions include cars powered by electric power or even hydrogen fuel cells. The infrastructure for electric cars can hardly be considered up and running while fuel cells still cost a bomb.
In the short to medium term, car manufacturers are introducing solutions like downsizing of engine sizes, diesel power as well as hybrid technology. Initially, only Japanese car manufacturers embraced hybrid technology but the case for sustainable mobility as well as the increasing popularity of hybrid cars, especially in America have made the European brands think twice about hybrids and hence, the influx of European hybrid models that have entered the market recently.
Exterior
Porsche became the first European brand to introduce a hybrid model in the form of the Cayenne Hybrid last year. This was followed by the similarly underpinned Volkswagen Touareg hybrid introduced earlier this year. Recently, Porsche introduced the second part of its hybrid trilogy - the Panamera S Hybrid. Part three of the trilogy will be the 918 hypercar set to arrive in 2013.
|
The Panamera S Hybrid sits between the entry-level 300bhp 3.6-litre V6 and the 400bhp 4.8-litre V8 Panamera S in the petrol powered Panamera range. In addition to the hybrid, the Panamera can also be had in green form with the diesel, set to be introduced here soon.
The hybrid Panamera variant can be differentiated on the outside from other Panamera models by the 'hybrid' badges on the front doors and boot lid as well as by its 19-inch five-spoke wheels. The wheels definitely fill the Panamera's generously sized wheel arches better than the 18s on lesser V6 models but fitting the Panamera with even bigger optional 20s or 21s will surely give it an even better stance.
|
Interior
The changes on the inside are minimal when compared to other non-hybrid Panamera models. There's an 'E-Power' button next to the gear lever for the driver to select electric power only drive while the infotainment display screen and the multifunction display within the instrument panel can show the hybrid system's flow diagram among other information.
Unlike in the Cayenne Hybrid where the battery stack takes up so much space that the spare tyre has to sit upright in the boot area, the Panamera's battery stack are more neatly placed under the boot floor without eating into much boot area as only the stereo's sub woofer has found its way on the boot floor rather than a sizable full sized spare tyre.
The rest of the cabin is typical Panamera, which means individual seats at the rear for two occupants and a well laid out driving environment with the traditional Porsche arrangement for the instrument cluster and a low slung driving position. The myriad of buttons on the centre console look confusing at first but you'll soon realize that they are group logically together.
The changes on the inside are minimal when compared to other non-hybrid Panamera models. There's an 'E-Power' button next to the gear lever for the driver to select electric power only drive while the infotainment display screen and the multifunction display within the instrument panel can show the hybrid system's flow diagram among other information.
Unlike in the Cayenne Hybrid where the battery stack takes up so much space that the spare tyre has to sit upright in the boot area, the Panamera's battery stack are more neatly placed under the boot floor without eating into much boot area as only the stereo's sub woofer has found its way on the boot floor rather than a sizable full sized spare tyre.
The rest of the cabin is typical Panamera, which means individual seats at the rear for two occupants and a well laid out driving environment with the traditional Porsche arrangement for the instrument cluster and a low slung driving position. The myriad of buttons on the centre console look confusing at first but you'll soon realize that they are group logically together.
The Drive
Like in its Cayenne hybrid sibling, the petrol engine in the hybrid Panamera is the 3-litre supercharged V6 lump from the Audi S4/S5 pumping 333bhp and 440Nm. In addition to the petrol engine, the Panamera S Hybrid features a 34kW (47bhp) electric motor integrated within the transmission. According to Porsche, the electric motor together with the 3-litre supercharged V6 engine pumps out combined outputs of 380bhp and 580Nm.
Like Lexus' hybrid drive system, the Panamera S Hybrid may be driven either by the electric motor or the combustion engine alone, or by both drive units together. At moderate acceleration speeds or when 'E-Power' mode is selected via the button on the centre console, the electric motor can power the Panamera on its own at speeds of up to 85km/h. When maximum acceleration is required, the electric motor provides a boost effect for additional power and acceleration.
Like in its Cayenne hybrid sibling, the petrol engine in the hybrid Panamera is the 3-litre supercharged V6 lump from the Audi S4/S5 pumping 333bhp and 440Nm. In addition to the petrol engine, the Panamera S Hybrid features a 34kW (47bhp) electric motor integrated within the transmission. According to Porsche, the electric motor together with the 3-litre supercharged V6 engine pumps out combined outputs of 380bhp and 580Nm.
Like Lexus' hybrid drive system, the Panamera S Hybrid may be driven either by the electric motor or the combustion engine alone, or by both drive units together. At moderate acceleration speeds or when 'E-Power' mode is selected via the button on the centre console, the electric motor can power the Panamera on its own at speeds of up to 85km/h. When maximum acceleration is required, the electric motor provides a boost effect for additional power and acceleration.
|
The Drive
With a quoted 0-100km/h time of 6 seconds, the Panamera S Hybrid certainly feels quick off the line. With the 300Nm rated electric motor doing its job of boosting acceleration from very low speeds, the Panamera doesn't feel at all lazy to get up to speed off the line. Activate Sport and throttle and drivetrain response sharpens noticeably to make the Panamera feel that bit more urgent and eager. On the road, the hybrid system works seamlessly or one not to notice it switching between power sources. Power delivery via the Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and seamless. Moreover, it features Porsche's Tiptronic '+/-' manual mode.
On the driving front, the hybrid suffers hardly from any compromises when compared to standard petrol Panamera models. The only bugbear is a slightly over assisted left pedal feel that is typical of hybrid models but even this problem is not as apparent as in the Cayenne hybrid. With standard PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) set to the stiffer setting, the big Panamera feels athletic enough to be worthy of the Porsche badge.
With a quoted 0-100km/h time of 6 seconds, the Panamera S Hybrid certainly feels quick off the line. With the 300Nm rated electric motor doing its job of boosting acceleration from very low speeds, the Panamera doesn't feel at all lazy to get up to speed off the line. Activate Sport and throttle and drivetrain response sharpens noticeably to make the Panamera feel that bit more urgent and eager. On the road, the hybrid system works seamlessly or one not to notice it switching between power sources. Power delivery via the Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and seamless. Moreover, it features Porsche's Tiptronic '+/-' manual mode.
On the driving front, the hybrid suffers hardly from any compromises when compared to standard petrol Panamera models. The only bugbear is a slightly over assisted left pedal feel that is typical of hybrid models but even this problem is not as apparent as in the Cayenne hybrid. With standard PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) set to the stiffer setting, the big Panamera feels athletic enough to be worthy of the Porsche badge.
Conclusion
When it comes to price, the hybrid is significantly more expensive than the gutless V6 model but is cheaper than the less fuel economical V8 Panamera S. The Panamera S Hybrid might not offer a V8 soundtrack like the S can but it sips less fuel and offers more useable low down power. Moreover, there's just something so very cool about a hybrid Porsche.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
When it comes to price, the hybrid is significantly more expensive than the gutless V6 model but is cheaper than the less fuel economical V8 Panamera S. The Panamera S Hybrid might not offer a V8 soundtrack like the S can but it sips less fuel and offers more useable low down power. Moreover, there's just something so very cool about a hybrid Porsche.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Porsche Panamera S Hybrid 3.0 V6 (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|14.1km/L
Horsepower
283kW (380 bhp)
Torque
440 Nm
Acceleration
6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
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