Porsche took several examples of the Panamera Sport Turismo and Turbo S E-Hybrid to British Columbia, Canada, for their international press launch.
This is where more than 300 automotive journalists, from 47 countries, had the chance to push them hard, over the course of two weeks, in the contrasting landscape that includes endless miles of coastline, spectacular views of the Rockies and Coast Mountains, and urban cityscape that shapes Victoria and Vancouver.
The most practical version of the Porsche Panamera, which in our humble opinion also happens to be the best looking one, debuted earlier this year at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Named the Panamera Sport Turismo, it features a shooting brake-style roofline, seating for five, and a very generous boot space. Prices for the car start from $96,200, but go for the Turbo version and you will have to pay at least $154,000.
The German automaker also had the powerful Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid available for the media representatives to sample on the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit. The PHEV combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor that delivers a startling 671hp (680PS) and 627lb-ft (850Nm) of torque.
Porsche’s top plug-in hybrid can run the 0-62mph (100km/h) in 3.4 seconds, almost as fast as the 911 GT3 RS, and matches its top speed. It also does all this by returning an average of 81.1 US mpg (2.9 l/100 km / 97.4 UK mpg).
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