Remember when hybrid powertrain options were the weirdo outliers of an automaker’s model range? Seems like a long time ago now, and it’s not only regular family car buyers fueling the PHEV trend. Porsche buyers love the Panamera’s available hybrid engines so much that sales of the sedan in some markets are 100 percent electrified.
That’s why Porsche’s third-generation Panamera line will eventually contain no less than four hybrid models. We met the 671 hp (680 PS) Turbo E-Hybrid last November alongside the 348 hp (353 PS) non-hybrid Panamera and Panamera 4 when Porsche unveiled the revised sedan, and now its fleshing out the lineup with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. And the fourth plug-in option? That’s the Turbo S E-Hybrid still to come.
More: 2024 Porsche Panamera Enters Third Generation With A Duckface And Four E-Hybrids
Both of the new PHEVs are powered by the same basic 2.9-liter V6, but while the ICE package contributes 300 hp (304 PS) to the base E-Hybrid’s 463 hp (470 PS) total system output and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, the 4S E-Hybrid’s V6 chips in 348 hp (354 PS) for a total of 536 hp (544 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm).
Comparing those stats with the ones for the previous year’s equivalent models reveals that the E-Hybrid has gained 8 hp (8 PS), but the S E-Hybrid’s power output has fallen by 16 hp (16 PS). Performance? The 174 mph (280 kmh) E-Hybrid gets to 60 mph (97 kmh) in 3.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.3 seconds, and the 180 mph (290 kmh) S E-Hybrid needs 3.5 seconds, which is unchanged.
Not bad, but the Turbo E-Hybrid will get you there in around 3.0 seconds flat and we can expect the Turbo S E-Hybrid to get into the twos when it arrives, probably later this year, packing the 729 hp (740 PS) assisted V8 from the new Cayenne.
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The electric motor stashed inside the Panamera‘s PDK transmission pumps out 187 hp (190 PS) this time around, compared with 134 hp (136 PS) for the old PHEVs’ motor. And each of the new hybrids gets the same 25.9 kWh (gross) battery, which is 45 percent larger than the 17.9 kWh unit fitted to the old car. Porsche hasn’t quoted any range figures, but with that kind of battery up-size program the numbers are going to be way better than before.
Which wouldn’t be hard: the old E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid both had an EPA range estimate of just 19 miles (31 km). Bigger batteries should, of course, take longer to charge, but Porsche has fitted an 11 kW onboard charger (up from 7 kW) to help speed things along. Speed, though, is relative. It still takes 2.5 hours to fill the battery.
As you’d hope from cars costing over $115k, the equipment list is fairly full, and includes several items not featured in the previous models’ menu of standard goodies, including soft-close doors, 14-way seats, steering wheel heating and Lane Change Assist.
The 4 E-Hybrid does get Porsche’s Matrix LED lights, but slums it with black brake calipers and puny 19-inch wheels unless you visit the options list. S E-Hybrid models stand out in this regard with 20-inch AeroDesign rims and red-colored 10-piston brake calipers that can be swapped for acid green if you prefer. Or you could go nuts and order the full PCCB carbon brake package, though that requires an upgrade to 21-inch wheels.
Two-chamber air springs and PASM adaptive dampers come standard on both models, but buyers also get the chance to upgrade to Porsche’s Active Ride setup which uses an electrically powered hydraulic pump to operate the compression and rebound behavior. It’s claimed to reduce body movements during cornering but also has a few other tricks, like allowing the car to be raised or lowered to make getting in and out easier, or you could just use it to perform a little dance to generate a few social media views.
Pricing and availability
The new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $115,500, while its more powerful counterpart, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, commands a price of $126,800. Keep in mind, both prices exclude a $1,995 delivery, processing, and handling fee. Both models are set to open for orders by the end of March and are anticipated to hit U.S. dealerships come fall 2024.
