By Amanda Mfuphi

Porsche has released new Panamera models that will be available to the market in the tail-end of 2020. Joining the Panamera product line up are the hybrid models comprising of the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will be the most powerful model in the new Panamera line-up as it combines 420kW of power output from the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with a 100kW electric motor. The all-electric range has been increased by up to 30 per cent thanks to a new 17.9 kWh battery and optimised driving modes. The new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will produce a combined power output of 340kW from a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine and electric motor. With the unveiling of these new hybrid models, Porsche is now offering three Panamera plug-in hybrid models for the first time.   

Exterior and interior

The newly designed front end of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is differentiated by its dual C-shaped Turbo front light modules as well as its larger side air intakes. The revamped light bar at the rear now runs seamlessly over the luggage compartment lid with an adapted contour.

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid comes standard with 20-inch wheels with an option to choose from three new 20-inch and 21-inch wheel options. Options also available in the range include darkened Exclusive Design taillight modules with dynamic Coming/Leaving Home animation and two new exterior colours, Cherry Metallic and Truffle Brown Metallic.

The new Panamera models come conveniences such as wireless Apple CarPlay.

Engine and performance

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is powered by the 4.0-litre biturbo engine and electric motor which has a combined power output of 520kW while the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will produce a combined power output of 340kW from a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine and electric motor. Both models are paired with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid now does a zero to 100 km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid does a zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 4.4 seconds, also 0.2 faster than its predecessor.

To enhance performance, the chassis and control systems have been tuned for sportiness and comfort in all new Panamera models. A new generation of steering control system and new tyres ensure improved lateral dynamics and greater precision. The flagship Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid comes as standard with all currently available chassis and control systems such as the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), which includes Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), rear axle steering with Power Steering Plus as well as the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system.

Porsche advises that the Panamera models are available to order now, with the first units being expected to arrive in December 2020.