Passion
On top of all of that, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid also has a 20-mile electric-only range and it’s exempt from London’s congestion charge, too. But it all comes at a price. For one thing, the hybrid system means it weighs rather a lot more than the Turbo. In fact, the weight penalty is 315kg, which means it just isn’t as nimble or as agile as the lower-powered model out on the open road. And then there’s the monetary cost. At £137,140 (that’s just the list price; our test car was optioned up to a staggering £162,458) it’s £22,000 more expensive than the Turbo. Is it worth it? If you could make very good and very regular use of that 20-mile electric range, perhaps. Otherwise, though, the lighter, cheaper, more rewarding Panamera Turbo is comfortably the better overall package.
The numbers
Engine: 3996cc, twin-turbo V8, petrol, plus electric motor
Transmission: 8-speed twin-clutch, four-wheel drive
Power: 542bhp petrol engine plus 134bhp electric motor, system total 671bhp
Torque: 568lb ft petrol engine plus 295lb ft electric motor, system total 627lb ft
0-62mph: 3.4 seconds
Top speed: 192mph
Weight: 2385kg
Economy: 97.4mpg, 66g/km CO2
Price: £137,140