While the 911 is considered by many as the archetypal Porsche, many models from the sports carmaker are fast gaining popularity and recognition.
For instance, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera Grand Tourer (GT) have outsold the iconic 2+2 coupe in many markets.
Now, Porsche's GT has stolen the limelight again. Besides the 918 Spyder, the Panamera S E-Hybrid is Stuttgart's first production model to receive the plug-in hybrid system.
And who would have expected the first plug-in hybrid in Singapore to be from a sports carmaker who's better known for building oil-burning fast cars? Exterior
The Panamera's looks has drawn much controversy when it left the drawing board. Admittedly, Porsche's four-door GT isn't the sexiest looking compared to others such as the Aston Martin Rapide and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
But in its latest facelift guise, the look has been freshened up a tad with reworked front and rear ends that look sleeker than before.
For instance, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera Grand Tourer (GT) have outsold the iconic 2+2 coupe in many markets.
Now, Porsche's GT has stolen the limelight again. Besides the 918 Spyder, the Panamera S E-Hybrid is Stuttgart's first production model to receive the plug-in hybrid system.
And who would have expected the first plug-in hybrid in Singapore to be from a sports carmaker who's better known for building oil-burning fast cars? Exterior
The Panamera's looks has drawn much controversy when it left the drawing board. Admittedly, Porsche's four-door GT isn't the sexiest looking compared to others such as the Aston Martin Rapide and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
But in its latest facelift guise, the look has been freshened up a tad with reworked front and rear ends that look sleeker than before.
Only on closer look would you be able to tell this plug-in hybrid variant apart from the conventional petrol-driven variants, with cues from the moniker, 'Acid green' trims and brake calipers.
But that is not to say that the eco-friendly GT has gone for an inert look in the aim to save fuel. On the contrary, the hybrid still comes with sporty-looking 19-inch rims and even quad tail pipes.
But that is not to say that the eco-friendly GT has gone for an inert look in the aim to save fuel. On the contrary, the hybrid still comes with sporty-looking 19-inch rims and even quad tail pipes.
Interior
Like the petrol-driven variants, commuting in the hybrid GT remains a grand affair for four people. The cabin is swathed in soft-touch leather, and there is no compromise in creature comforts despite its go-green motives.
With the battery pack tugged at the rear end, the hybrid's boot is reduced to 335 litres. When the occasion calls for it, however, you can still fold the rear seats flat to free up an additional 818 litres of boot space.
Like the petrol-driven variants, commuting in the hybrid GT remains a grand affair for four people. The cabin is swathed in soft-touch leather, and there is no compromise in creature comforts despite its go-green motives.
With the battery pack tugged at the rear end, the hybrid's boot is reduced to 335 litres. When the occasion calls for it, however, you can still fold the rear seats flat to free up an additional 818 litres of boot space.
The Drive
The S E-Hybrid is most deceiving in the way it drives. Despite weighing at 2.1 tonnes, the hybrid will sprint from nought to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds. That is quicker than the boyracer's WRX and just half a second off the pace compared to the more compact Audi S3 sedan.
Like most other petrol-electric hybrids that we have driven, the S E-Hybrid barely emits a hum during startup. During our test drive, the GT can also clock up to 22km on a full charge in its default electric-only 'E-Power' mode - impressive when taking into account its heft.
Also, the S E-Hybrid can be driven in full-electric mode to speeds of up to 135km/h - way past our local speed limits. Hence, theoretically, the GT is more than capable to be driven purely on electricity in Singapore.
In order to cultivate a more fuel efficient driving manner, the accelerator pedal urges you to drive it with a light foot. It feels like an elastic band where more pressure is required at the end of the pedal travel.
But being a sports GT, the S E-Hybrid still has the option to unleash a sports car-like potency on the tarmac. When the 'Sport' mode is activated, a jab at the accelerator will work both the combustion engine and the electric module in tandem to launch this GT in a ferocious manner that defies its eco-friendly identity.
What's more notable about the S E-Hybrid is its ability to switch between the two drivetrains with the slightest notice. In fact, we often had to steal glances at the tachometer during our drive to tell if the combustion engine had been activated.
In order to cultivate a more fuel efficient driving manner, the accelerator pedal urges you to drive it with a light foot. It feels like an elastic band where more pressure is required at the end of the pedal travel.
But being a sports GT, the S E-Hybrid still has the option to unleash a sports car-like potency on the tarmac. When the 'Sport' mode is activated, a jab at the accelerator will work both the combustion engine and the electric module in tandem to launch this GT in a ferocious manner that defies its eco-friendly identity.
What's more notable about the S E-Hybrid is its ability to switch between the two drivetrains with the slightest notice. In fact, we often had to steal glances at the tachometer during our drive to tell if the combustion engine had been activated.
The only slight qualm we have with the car is the myriad of driving options, which can be confusing at times. It feels almost as if the car has an overdose of technologies.
Conclusion
At $508,088 (as of 4th September), the E-Hybrid is asking for just $7k over the Panamera S, which has far less tech wizardries, making the hybrid look like a real steal.
However, the dynamic capability of the Grand Tourer is still capped by its higher kerb weight, making it less involving to drive than its petrol counterparts.
That said, we reckon that is a small drawback for someone looking for a Grand Tourer with a proper sporting pedigree and boasting real world fuel economy at the same time.
Conclusion
At $508,088 (as of 4th September), the E-Hybrid is asking for just $7k over the Panamera S, which has far less tech wizardries, making the hybrid look like a real steal.
However, the dynamic capability of the Grand Tourer is still capped by its higher kerb weight, making it less involving to drive than its petrol counterparts.
That said, we reckon that is a small drawback for someone looking for a Grand Tourer with a proper sporting pedigree and boasting real world fuel economy at the same time.
