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Does the Taycan’s overshadowed internally combusting equivalent still hold appeal?

What is it?

Such is the hubbub enveloping the Porsche Taycan that you might have forgotten the Porsche Panamera exists. This is now reflected in sales figures: last year, the EV beat its ICE cousin 41,296 to 30,220 globally.

But for those who don’t want to forgo pistons, Porsche facelifted the Panamera in 2020, sharpening the exterior, updating the infotainment and, of crucial importance to buyers from Bath to Bangkok, breaking the Nürburgring lap record for exec cars with the 671bhp Turbo S E-Hybrid. However, it’s the entry-level plug-in hybrid, the 4 E-Hybrid, that’s the most broadly capable Panamera, particularly in estate-style Sport Turismo form, and this is the first time we’ve had a go in one in Britain. 

The recipe includes a twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with an electric motor sandwiched between the two.

The battery that supplies up to 34 miles of electric-only range sits beneath the boot floor, outside the considerable wheelbase, and can be charged on the move by the V6 (with a parasitic effect on fuel economy) or in 3.6 hours by a wallbox charger. 

2 Porsche panamera 4 ehybrid sport turismo 2022 uk review side pan

What's it like?

That meagre range is one of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid’s few weak spots, because newer, comparably powerful PHEVs, such as the BMW X5 xDrive45e, manage up to 60 miles. This time next year, 34 miles might well feel token, if it doesn’t already.

The basic Panamera PHEV is otherwise an effortlessly appealing proposition. With 516lb ft, it’s never short of shove, and its weighty steering keys the driver into the road better than any other big saloon or estate does, with the possible exception of the £140k BMW M5 CS.

The ride quality also strikes that typically fine Porsche blend of long-wave compliance and control, although anecdotally I would have to say the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is both quieter and smoother on the move.

The low-speed precision of the Taycan’s accelerator response is also missing, although the Panamera hits back with the richness of its V6 and its superior roominess in the rear.

7 Porsche panamera 4 ehybrid sport turismo 2022 uk review dashboard

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Should I buy one?

All in all, at this level, the Panamera remains the finest family car for the drivers. However, with the arrival of the Porsche Taycan, the case for a hybrid version has weakened.

3 Porsche panamera 4 ehybrid sport turismo 2022 uk review tracking rear

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Richard Lane

Richard Lane
Title: Deputy road test editor

Richard joined Autocar in 2017 and like all road testers is typically found either behind a keyboard or steering wheel (or, these days, a yoke).

As deputy road test editor he delivers in-depth road tests and performance benchmarking, plus feature-length comparison stories between rival cars. He can also be found presenting on Autocar's YouTube channel.

Mostly interested in how cars feel on the road – the sensations and emotions they can evoke – Richard drives around 150 newly launched makes and models every year. His job is then to put the reader firmly in the driver's seat. 

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porkerfan 10 February 2022

I had the earlier model, too heavy and still too heavy.

567 7 February 2022

My Father will be collecting his Taycan Cross Turismo this month. He never even looked at the Panamera because he wanted an BEV. According to his dealership for example will only get 2 Taycan GTS Sport Turismo this year for customers however there is a waiting list of 15 already. Secondly, company owners want BEVs so that they can write off the price of the car due to the Government wanting them to buy BEVs. There a huge supply and demand issue at the moment.

scrap 7 February 2022

I'm trying to look past the awful colour scheme (dark red paint with bright red brake callipers and neon badges? Yuck) but the Panamera now looks very old and out of place. I guess the sales are to Americans, Germans and other refuseniks... the rest of the world is moving on. It's always been too wide for the UK anyhow.