It’s no secret that Porsche is set to launch an all-electric sports car within the next few years, known as the Mission E. As we wait for this groundbreaking model, however, the German sports car maker whets our appetite with hybrid models that give us a foretaste of things to come. First was the Porsche 918 Spyder. Then came the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. And now, Porsche is about to unveil the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Available in either standard GranTurismo or extended Executive versions, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid takes the standard 4.0-liter V8 turbo with 550hp and adds an electric motor and a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery to the mix. This makes for a total system output of 680 horses. Coursed to all four wheels via Porsche’s patented 8-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Adaptive all-wheel drive, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid rockets from 0-100kph in just 3.4 seconds and goes all the way to a top seed of 310kph
While sports car numbers aren’t exactly surprising, given it’s a Porsche, what really sets the E-Hybrid model apart from the pack is its ability to travel on full electric mode for up to 50kms. Charging can take anywhere from 6 hours to as little as 2.4 hours, depending on the type of charger being used. And you can begin the top-up process using the Porsche Connect app, as well as use the auxiliary aircon or heater while doing so.
This being a Porsche, a whole range of standard and optional luxury and performance features come with the mix. These include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, Power Steering Plus, and three-chamber air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management. Completing the package are the 21-inch alloy wheels that take after the 911 Turbo’s design.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will break cover at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show this March. Sales begin in July.
