2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
Overview
Porsche has cemented itself a manufacturer of the savviest and most capable performance vehicles of all time. The 911 is an icon for many generations, but what’s the answer for someone wanting the performance of the 911 that they can share with family and friends? Enter the Panamera. With the performance pedigree of the 911 and the practicality of a hatchback with a full-size rear seat, the Panamera ticks all the boxes. Porsche has been offering a Panamera for some time now, but with manufacturers switching focus to electrification to enhance, not only performance but also fuel efficiency, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is an incredible culmination of brilliant German engineering.
Performance
The 2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine spewing out 550 horsepower, however, the E-Hybrid version gets the addition of a 134 horsepower electric motor. Working in tandem, the two power-plants make 677 horsepower, which should be plenty to put down record-shattering hot laps AND get your ice cream home before it melts. Additionally, that much power typically means you get about 4 miles to the gallon, however thanks to the electric assist, you will get 48 MPGe and a full 14 miles of full-electric range.* Now, power can only be realized through the use of an equally capable transmission. Therefore it’s a good thing Porsche fits the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid with their industry benchmark PDK. The PDK from Porsche is the quickest and best dual-clutch transmission offered today. The dual-clutch design of the transmission allows the car to shift within fractions of a second which is imperative if you wish to wield the entire 677 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque provided by this marvel of an engine.
Once the enormous power of the gas engine and electric motor pass through the PDK it finds its way to all four wheels of the Panamera to maximize grip and stability. With all that power and grip, this 5,315-pound supercar leaps off the line and sprints to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. Additionally, when a teenager pulls up next to you trying to impress his girlfriend you can embarrass him as you wave a quarter mile away in as little as 11.1 seconds. An advanced performance suspension distributes the car’s weight in a composed and stable manner as you rip around any corner you face.
Features
In the world of Porsche, your options are limited only by the size of your pocketbook it seems. Porsche can make almost anything happen. However, the main event in the Panamera Turbo S E-hybrid is the Plug-In Hybrid. In as little as two and a half hours the batteries can be fully charged with an optional 7.2 Kilowatt charger. On a normal 120 Volt house outlet and charger, the car will reach full-juice in about 13 hours. The 14.1 Kilowatt-hour battery pack is good for 14 miles of full-electric range with a top speed of 86 miles per hour. Porsche differentiates the E-Hybrid from every other Panamera with massive 16.5-inch Acid Green brake calipers up front and marginally smaller 16.1-inch calipers in the rear. The rotors on all four corners are carbon-ceramic which offer an immense bite and unparalleled stopping power, while also seemingly never fading no matter how hard you beat on them and for how long.
Inside the cabin, you are forced to reevaluate your perception of the word “premium”. It’s blatantly obvious that every switch, dial, and material was thought over for the best ergonomic fit. A 12.3-inch touchscreen displays some of the crispest images with an incredible refresh-rate for almost no lag, especially when operating the navigation system. Panameras equipped with the Assistance Package will come with Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Night View. The Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control go further thanks to Porsche’s InnoDrive. The InnoDrive system employs the navigation system, radar detectors, and videos feeds to optimize the throttle, brake, and even select the proper gear for conditions as far as 1.8 miles ahead. The features and safety equipment on this 2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid are on the bleeding edge of innovation and offer an exciting and modern driving experience.
Design
Porsche has always subscribed to a similar and distinctive design language with elegant swooping body lines. This 2019 Panamera is no different. From the front, the Panamera looks eerily similar to it’s smaller brother the 911. However, from the profile, the Panamera very obviously crafts its own shape to accommodate for the extra doors. Moving to the rear of the car, the Panamera is a bit more muscular and offers a hatchback-style trunk to maximize cargo capacity. Finally, quad exhaust gives the Panamera a muscular and aggressive look.
Verdict
The 2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid takes performance and practicality and turns it up to 11. However, it’s the cutting edge electric assist that turns this performance instrument into an ecologically responsible supercar. Ultimately, this Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid stands alone in terms of performance, practicality, and efficiency.
For more information about the 2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, contact Porsche Silver Spring online or visit us at 3131 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
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*EPA estimate. Actual mileage may vary.
Image Credit: Porsche