We told you already about the dramatic style and (mechanical) panache of the new Panamera, now it is time to take a further step into environmental efficiency. It launches the 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which succeeds the Panamera S E-Hybrid. This hybrid Panamera will make its debut at the Paris auto show, but can now be ordered at Porsche Centres in Belgium.

The four wheel drive plug-in hybrid delivers system power of not less than 340 kW (462 HP), as the 2.9-liter, twin-turbo V-6 making 330 hp/400 Nm couples with a new electric motor pushing out 136 hp and 400 Nm of torque. All this power is sent to all four wheels via Porsche’s velvety eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Indeed, more smoothness is offered. Besides the new transmission, a new engine decoupler is now actuated using an electric clutch rather than an electro-hydraulic mechanism, as in the last generation. This Electric Clutch Actuator (ECA), enables a smoother transition between electric and engine power.

The Panamera is a true sports car: top speed is 278 kmh, and it catapults you in 4,6 seconds to 100 kmh.

Electric range is improved up to 50 km. It uses a new liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that’s up to 14.1 kWh from 9.4 kWh, without getting heavier. A full charge takes 5.8 hours using a 230-volt 10 Ampere 230 V plug, , but with the optional 7.2-kW charger with a 230 V 32 Ampere connection, this can be brought down to 3,6 hours.

Through the Mode switch and the PCM, different driving modes can be activated. Besides Sport and Sport Plus modes for top performance, there are various hybrid-specific modes form the 4 E-Hybrid. E-Power is the all-electric mode, while in Hybrid Auto Mode, the car defines the best balance efficiency and performance. E-Hold maintains the current level of electric charge, and last but not least E-Charge helps restore electric charge.

The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid canb be ordered now at the official Porsche Centres in our country. The car is priced at 110.957 euro including VAT.

Hans Knol ten Bensel