Launching the Latest Model in the Panamera Line Up

New Panamera hybrid model announced

Beirut. The Paris Motor Show will see Porsche unveil the latest model in the Panamera line-up: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid with controlled all-wheel drive and an electric range of 50 kilometres. The plug-in hybrid generates 462 hp (340 kW) and fuel consumption figures of 2.5 l/100 km in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 56 g/km. Like all new Panamera models, the latest reveal represents a fusion of dynamic sports car performance and ultimate drive comfort to form a Gran Turismo concept offering a globally unique combination.

Purely electric range of 50 kilometres
At Porsche, the term "hybrid" is synonymous not only with sustainable mobility, but performance too, proven by the victories of the 919 Hybrid at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 and 2016. This philosophy is now also defining the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.

The new Porsche plug-in hybrid always starts in purely electric mode and continues as a zero-emission vehicle up to a range of 50 kilometres and a maximum speed of 140 km/h. Despite this increased efficiency, performance is not compromised with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid remaining a true sports car among luxury saloons. The all-wheel Porsche achieves a top speed of 278 km/h and delivers instantaneous system torque of 700 Nm from a standstill. The four-door hybrid sports car breaks the 100 km/h barrier in just 4.6 seconds.

New hybrid strategy based on the Porsche 918 Spyder
Thanks to a hybrid strategy, the superior performance of the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is never before seen in this segment – a strategy based on the 918 Spyder. The 887 hp (652 kW) 918 Spyder is the fastest series-produced vehicle ever to take on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and its record lap time of 6:57 minutes can in part be attributed to the additional power provided by two electric motors.

As with the 918 Spyder, the power of the Panamera electric motor –136 hp (100 kW) and 400 Nm torque – is made available as soon as the driver touches the accelerator pedal. In the case of its predecessor, the pedal needed to be pressed at least 80 per cent to unleash the additional power of the electric drive. Now, the electric motor and petrol engine interact in perfect harmony from the outset.

Following the same set-up of the super sports car, the electric motor is available to deliver additional power at all times. Together with the performance characteristics of the new 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine (330 hp (243 kW), 450 Nm), this generates impressive boost based on electric motor and turbochargers.

In the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, electrical energy is also used to increase the car’s top speed. At Porsche, this new type of “E-Performance” – more power, more driving fun, lower fuel consumption – is seen as the performance kit of the future.

New hybrid module and fast-shifting eight-speed PDK
Together with the V6 petrol engine decoupler, the electric motor heralds the new generation of the Porsche hybrid module. In contrast to the electro-hydraulic system of the predecessor model, the decoupler on the new Panamera is actuated electromechanically by an electric clutch actuator (ECA), resulting in even shorter response times.

In line with all second-generation Panamera models, a new, fast and efficient Porsche eight-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission is used to transfer the power to the all-wheel drive. This replaces the eight-speed automatic torque converter transmission of the predecessor model.

The electric motor is supplied via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery integrated under the luggage compartment floor which, despite an increase in energy from 9.4 to 14.1 kWh, has not increased in weight. The high-voltage battery takes just 5.8 hours to fully charge via a 230-V, 10-A connection. If the driver chooses to use the optional 7.2 kW on-board charger and a 230-V, 32-A connection instead of the standard 3.6-kW charger on the Panamera, the battery fully charges in just 3.6 hours. The charging process can also be started using a timer via Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Moreover, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is fitted as standard with auxiliary air conditioning to cool or heat the passenger compartment during charging.

Porsche Advanced Cockpit with hybrid-specific displays
A highlight of the second-generation Panamera is the newly designed display and control concept in the form of the standard Porsche Advanced Cockpit with touch-sensitive panels and individually configurable displays. Two seven-inch screens either side of the analogue rev counter form the interactive cockpit, and, in contrast to other versions in the model line, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid features a power meter tailored to hybrid operation. The intuitive operating principle of the hybrid displays is similar to that of the 918 Spyder and provides data such as the amount of electrical energy currently being used as well as that recovered through recuperation.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen functions as a central PCM control and display unit. The driver can access various items of hybrid-specific information both here on the dash and in the instrument cluster. A boost assistant display shows the energy available for boosting, whilst the hybrid assistant helps the driver regulate electrical drive power.

Ultimate efficiency in “Hybrid Auto” mode
The Sport Chrono Package, including the mode switch integrated into the steering wheel, comes as standard on the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The mode switch and PCM are used to activate the range of driving modes, including the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes. The hybrid-specific modes are “E-Power”, “Hybrid Auto”, “E-Hold” and “E-Charge”.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid automatically starts in the purely electric “E-Power” mode. The “Hybrid Auto” mode is a completely new development and when selected, combines the drive sources automatically for ultimate efficiency.

The “E-Hold” mode allows drivers to conserve charge and switch to electric and therefore zero-emissions mode whenever desired. In “E-Charge” mode, the battery is charged by the V6 engine; to achieve this, the petrol engine generates a higher level of power than is actually needed for driving.

The highest level of drive performance is made available in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes, with the V6 biturbo engine always active in these modes. In “Sport” mode, a minimum level of battery charge is always maintained to ensure e-boost reserves are available at all times. “Sport Plus” mode focuses on maximum performance and allows the Panamera to reach its top speed of 278 km/h. This mode also recharges the battery as quickly as possible.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is now available to order
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid can be ordered now, with first units expected mid of next year. The new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid has a basic retail price of USD 200,600. The plug-in hybrid version is the latest model in the new Porsche Panamera generation; all models are all-wheel drive.