So what can a Panamera do with 700PS, a 21PS increase over the outgoing version? The 0-62mph times comes down from 3.4 to 3.2 seconds, and top speed goes to 196mph, 4mph up on before. Despite sharing power honours with the aforementioned GT2 RS, it is not in the same performance league (0-62 in 2.8 seconds) – but It’s not far off.
The boost is all down to a tweaked version of the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, whose output is increased to 571PS. The electric top-up comes in the form of a motor built into the PDK transmission; that provides the same 136PS as before.
Something else has gone up too and for many it will be a more significant increase. It’s a rise in the capacity of the lithium-ion battery, from 14kWh to almost 18kWh. Th result is almost a third more electric range than before, now 31 miles, and a reduction in CO2: now starting from 61g/km.
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid get a new nose design, tweaked lights and larger air intakes, along with new rear lights, plus other updates that have already featured across the wider Panamera range. It also comes with the full suite of (often optional) control systems including electric roll stabilisation, torque vectoring, rear axle steering and ceramic composite brakes. Then again this range-topper costs from £140,130. Add £2,000 if you want the Sport Turismo body.