The new Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid has been revealed with shorter charging times and a longer electric-only range than its predecessor - and it's quicker off the mark than the BMW M3.
Available to order now from £90,300, the new plug-in hybrid is the latest version of the third-generation Panamera, which was revealed late last year and is due in UK dealerships in the coming months.
It’s available in two forms, both featuring a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine, an electric motor and a 25.9kWh battery.
Larger in capacity by 8kWh (but not much larger physically) than before, it gives an EV range of 59 miles. It's capable of charging in 2hr 39min from a domestic charger, 1hr 26min faster than its predecessor.
It can also be topped up at rates of up to 88kW by the car's regenerative braking system.
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid’s V6 produces 300bhp on its own, but with the help of a new, weight-optimised motor in the PDK eight-speed automatic gearbox, total output is put at 463bhp and 480lb ft.
That means a 0-62mph time of 4.1sec and a top speed of 173mph.
The £102,100 Panamera 4S E-Hybrid uses the same engine but with an extra 48bhp, taking it to a combined 536bhp and 553lb ft, which trims the 0-62mph time to just 3.7sec and hikes the top speed to 180mph.
The 59-mile EV range and CO2 emissions of 22-34g/km, depending on spec, put the new Panamera PHEV in the UK's 8% BIK tax bracket.
An even more powerful Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is expected to join the ranks down the line. It could surpass the 671bhp and 626lb ft of the previous iteration, which would make it one of the quickest plug-in hybrids on sale.
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When are the EU going to realise that this is manufacturers taking the p!ss out of the emissions regulations. These regs result in a warped world where a small car is not environmentally friendly, no space to package a big enough battery, but this monster is.
PHEVs should be tested with a full battery and empty battery with a weighted average of the results. Reward those who make a more efficient vehicle when the battery is out of charge.
The EU are kidding themselves that cars like these, with quoted emissions of 20-30g/km, are contributing to a year on year reduction in car emissions. Deluded!
That's exactly what does happen...
With Porsche listing an mpg of up to 235mpg logic would suggest otherwise.
2300kg tax dodging phev, sorry Borris but there's no way this will handle or drive like a 911, it's not even a saloon.
The Panny has always been one of Porsches least loved offspring, however last November I was at a Porsche 'jolly' in Stuttgart and got talking to one of the engineers who was on hand for questions and answers. He said the Panny was the car most loved by the engineers because it can drive, handle and perform like a 911, but at the same time it is a 4 door saloon with a large boot and available with an electric only capability. He was adament it was the most complete product Porsche offers. I still don't want one, but the specs for this latest version validate his enthusiasm.
Haha! I believe you have to have long legs, a pretty face and be handy at tennis to land that gig, I fail on all three counts!