Panamera E-Hybrid
Discussion
I'm coming up to 2 years in my Tesla and for various reasons that I won't get into I'm looking to get rid sooner rather than later.
I was going to wait for the Mission E but it's at least 2 years away and I don't think the network will be sorted out in the UK for a little bit longer than that. So that got me looking at the Panamera E-Hybrid which i think looks fantastic inside and out. It will hopefully fix most the problems I have with my Tesla such as long journeys.
It will be my daily company car hence the Hybrid would I be right in thinking I can charge up and drive to work 11 miles away and back in full electric meaning day to day won't actually need to fill up most of the time? What happens on longer journeys I understand that it has various modes for charging the battery etc but if you leave on a trip across Europe with full charge does the battery just run down until you are left with a slightly underpowered 2 tonne car doing not great economy? Does anyone have experience of what mpg you get on a long run?
The most important question I have is are they good to drive? My Tesla has been a huge let down in this department and I don't actually enjoy driving it anymore I just find the steering lifeless, the brakes underpowered for such a fast car and the power delivery very boring. So basically does it drive like a Porsche?
Anyone have any experience and can help me out?
I was going to wait for the Mission E but it's at least 2 years away and I don't think the network will be sorted out in the UK for a little bit longer than that. So that got me looking at the Panamera E-Hybrid which i think looks fantastic inside and out. It will hopefully fix most the problems I have with my Tesla such as long journeys.
It will be my daily company car hence the Hybrid would I be right in thinking I can charge up and drive to work 11 miles away and back in full electric meaning day to day won't actually need to fill up most of the time? What happens on longer journeys I understand that it has various modes for charging the battery etc but if you leave on a trip across Europe with full charge does the battery just run down until you are left with a slightly underpowered 2 tonne car doing not great economy? Does anyone have experience of what mpg you get on a long run?
The most important question I have is are they good to drive? My Tesla has been a huge let down in this department and I don't actually enjoy driving it anymore I just find the steering lifeless, the brakes underpowered for such a fast car and the power delivery very boring. So basically does it drive like a Porsche?
Anyone have any experience and can help me out?
I don't have a Panamera E Hybrid but I do have a Cayenne E Hybrid if some info from my experience helps (2016 model so not the very latest version)
My work is only 5 miles away and I can get there and back ok on one charge. I would say the range is about 15 miles not the stated 20 or so miles. I find in the winter miles when it's cold it;s much less than the summer months.
If I was to do a 60 mile jurney I would get an average of about 35 mpg. It recharges when you brake etc so as a real world example on motorways and other road after you run out of it's initial charge that's what you would kind of get.
Love the car and it works well for company tax but if you do longer miles I think you would get better economy witha diesel, not that that's the way to go these days!
For me getting to work and back and ferrying the family around it works well for me as I don't do many long distances.
Hope that helps
My work is only 5 miles away and I can get there and back ok on one charge. I would say the range is about 15 miles not the stated 20 or so miles. I find in the winter miles when it's cold it;s much less than the summer months.
If I was to do a 60 mile jurney I would get an average of about 35 mpg. It recharges when you brake etc so as a real world example on motorways and other road after you run out of it's initial charge that's what you would kind of get.
Love the car and it works well for company tax but if you do longer miles I think you would get better economy witha diesel, not that that's the way to go these days!
For me getting to work and back and ferrying the family around it works well for me as I don't do many long distances.
Hope that helps
Have a new Panamera Hybrid. Experienced massive issues with my particular car, but another story!!
E-range is 14-16 miles for me.
The hybrid aspect is pointless for long journeys, I get 30 mpg from Petrol power.
Steering is not too bad but not too good either. I have rear wheel steering option, that helps more than I thought.
Brakes are a real problem. The re-charging aspect just makes pedal feel so unpredictable .
When on sport or sport plus the engine starts to charge hybrid to ensure have max power when needed, or 10 second boost option. How often do I use ? Once a fortnight to be honest .
I’m trying to be balanced. Exterior looks stunning, interior equally as good. I added a lot of options. It’s not a sports saloon, just doesn’t work as you like unless everything charged up. The BIK re company tax is the major appeal against other variants. But my personal experience with faults is that bad I’m struggling to give the balanced view. But I hope this helps
E-range is 14-16 miles for me.
The hybrid aspect is pointless for long journeys, I get 30 mpg from Petrol power.
Steering is not too bad but not too good either. I have rear wheel steering option, that helps more than I thought.
Brakes are a real problem. The re-charging aspect just makes pedal feel so unpredictable .
When on sport or sport plus the engine starts to charge hybrid to ensure have max power when needed, or 10 second boost option. How often do I use ? Once a fortnight to be honest .
I’m trying to be balanced. Exterior looks stunning, interior equally as good. I added a lot of options. It’s not a sports saloon, just doesn’t work as you like unless everything charged up. The BIK re company tax is the major appeal against other variants. But my personal experience with faults is that bad I’m struggling to give the balanced view. But I hope this helps
I test drove one last week as part of the Panamera experience at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.
Our route was around 30 mins of A roads and a short run through Brackley, so I can't comment on economy over longer distances but we started with very little charge and ended up charging the car up enough during the drive to show 6 or 7 miles of charge on the display by the end. The charging was all done by the engine and under regenerative braking into roundabouts. That in isolation was quite impressive to me.
Personally however, I found the car quite dull to drive, certainly compared to the Panamera ST Turbo and my own previous generation Panamera Turbo S. The tech might appear impressive at first glance but having had a Golf GTE in our household for around 18 months now, I can confidently say that the tech is only beneficial on shorter journeys and on longer runs, the batteries do little more than weight and complexity. As other posters have pointed out, the brakes have a strange feel and on my run didn't have much bite - apparently up to 0.3g of 'braking' is done by the electric motors.
I think the technology still feels quite primitive albeit it is useful around town and on shorter journeys of up to 15 miles between charging points.
Our route was around 30 mins of A roads and a short run through Brackley, so I can't comment on economy over longer distances but we started with very little charge and ended up charging the car up enough during the drive to show 6 or 7 miles of charge on the display by the end. The charging was all done by the engine and under regenerative braking into roundabouts. That in isolation was quite impressive to me.
Personally however, I found the car quite dull to drive, certainly compared to the Panamera ST Turbo and my own previous generation Panamera Turbo S. The tech might appear impressive at first glance but having had a Golf GTE in our household for around 18 months now, I can confidently say that the tech is only beneficial on shorter journeys and on longer runs, the batteries do little more than weight and complexity. As other posters have pointed out, the brakes have a strange feel and on my run didn't have much bite - apparently up to 0.3g of 'braking' is done by the electric motors.
I think the technology still feels quite primitive albeit it is useful around town and on shorter journeys of up to 15 miles between charging points.
I don’t have the latest Panamera E-Hybrid, but I do have its predecessor and have driven the new model. If you’re used to a full EV, you’re probably used to this anyway, but it seems the key with PHEV’s is all about adjusting your driving style. If you’re willing to adapt, you can achieve some extremely impressive fuel economy.
In cold weather like we have at the moment, the all electric range reduces down to c.10 miles, but I’ve also had 17 miles out of it too in warmer weather. Typically, in Hybrid mode I get between 60-80 mpg when charged (40 mile journey of mixed driving). When the battery is flat, I typically get 38 mpg, and the battery regenerates on its own to c.25%.
The new model was pretty similar to this when I drove one for a few days. Though, the most notable thing was the all electric range due to the 50% increased battery. So it takes longer to charge, but you get a greater range. You can also save your charge to deploy when you arrive in an urban area, which I think will be quite important in the not too distant future for most city driving... Oh, and when you’ve got the ICE and the motor all firing at the same time, they are deceptively fast machines for their size! Quicker than the numbers suggest, let’s just put it that way!
Not sure if this helps???
In cold weather like we have at the moment, the all electric range reduces down to c.10 miles, but I’ve also had 17 miles out of it too in warmer weather. Typically, in Hybrid mode I get between 60-80 mpg when charged (40 mile journey of mixed driving). When the battery is flat, I typically get 38 mpg, and the battery regenerates on its own to c.25%.
The new model was pretty similar to this when I drove one for a few days. Though, the most notable thing was the all electric range due to the 50% increased battery. So it takes longer to charge, but you get a greater range. You can also save your charge to deploy when you arrive in an urban area, which I think will be quite important in the not too distant future for most city driving... Oh, and when you’ve got the ICE and the motor all firing at the same time, they are deceptively fast machines for their size! Quicker than the numbers suggest, let’s just put it that way!
Not sure if this helps???
Thanks so much everyone this is all really helpful info. If I could get mid to high 30s on the longer stuff that would be fine for me definitely better than sitting charging.
Sorry to be picky but when some of you are saying it isn’t amazing on the brakes and steering what is that compared to? Is it still significantly better than say your average e class/5 series? Or is it just not that great compared to anything?
Sorry to be picky but when some of you are saying it isn’t amazing on the brakes and steering what is that compared to? Is it still significantly better than say your average e class/5 series? Or is it just not that great compared to anything?
Another owner here. 3 years ago I had the Panamera parallel-plug in E-hybrid (i.e. second generation) and thought it was a good car, but the battery capacity was a slight constraint. It was slow to recharge itself, and so only really worked well when I could fully charge overnight, each night at home.
More recently I bought a Turbo S Hybrid, which I've had since November. The battery pack is larger, and the e-motor power is noticeably higher. As a result, it can charge its own battery far faster, making it a more flexible system.
My commute is from the south east into central London - around 25 miles each way. I have never failed to get less than 40mpg both there and back. I've adapted my use of the system so that I use hybrid mode on the faster roads into and out of London, and then switch to e-mode for the London element. I do not have to charge the car whilst in London - one overnight charge does the trick there and back.
On longer motorway runs, I am achieving 30-35 mpg, which I think is fabulous for a car with 680hp!
I love the silent EV running in London, and the car is plenty brisk enough up to 30-40 mph. The hybrid system is the same as in the non Turbo version.
The brake pedal feel is fine - but the Turbo S does have brakes that are unique to it, so may not be comparable. You can still feel a little bit of regen effect through the pedal, but it is scarcely noticeable - and vastly better than my previous Panamera which wasn't good. In fact, the Turbo S is better in this regard than the 918 Spyder (as no doubt Porsche have got better at calibrating these systems).
The steering I find is excellent (also with RWS). Accurate, and with some decent feel.
Overall, I am loving it - its performance out of town is quite something; the 8-speed PDK is a real step forward; and the hybrid tech is utterly seamless.
More recently I bought a Turbo S Hybrid, which I've had since November. The battery pack is larger, and the e-motor power is noticeably higher. As a result, it can charge its own battery far faster, making it a more flexible system.
My commute is from the south east into central London - around 25 miles each way. I have never failed to get less than 40mpg both there and back. I've adapted my use of the system so that I use hybrid mode on the faster roads into and out of London, and then switch to e-mode for the London element. I do not have to charge the car whilst in London - one overnight charge does the trick there and back.
On longer motorway runs, I am achieving 30-35 mpg, which I think is fabulous for a car with 680hp!
I love the silent EV running in London, and the car is plenty brisk enough up to 30-40 mph. The hybrid system is the same as in the non Turbo version.
The brake pedal feel is fine - but the Turbo S does have brakes that are unique to it, so may not be comparable. You can still feel a little bit of regen effect through the pedal, but it is scarcely noticeable - and vastly better than my previous Panamera which wasn't good. In fact, the Turbo S is better in this regard than the 918 Spyder (as no doubt Porsche have got better at calibrating these systems).
The steering I find is excellent (also with RWS). Accurate, and with some decent feel.
Overall, I am loving it - its performance out of town is quite something; the 8-speed PDK is a real step forward; and the hybrid tech is utterly seamless.
^^^^^ This sounds extremely good.
This is real world evidence of what not long ago would have been regarded as wanting to have your cake and eat it.
Getting those sorts of mpg figures for the type of journey many of us do on a frequent basis, while minimising pollution but STILL having 680hp at your disposal, represents real progress.
I can't think of many more complete cars.
This is real world evidence of what not long ago would have been regarded as wanting to have your cake and eat it.
Getting those sorts of mpg figures for the type of journey many of us do on a frequent basis, while minimising pollution but STILL having 680hp at your disposal, represents real progress.
I can't think of many more complete cars.
stefan1 said:
The brake pedal feel is fine - but the Turbo S does have brakes that are unique to it, so may not be comparable. You can still feel a little bit of regen effect through the pedal, but it is scarcely noticeable - and vastly better than my previous Panamera which wasn't good. In fact, the Turbo S is better in this regard than the 918 Spyder (as no doubt Porsche have got better at calibrating these systems).
The steering I find is excellent (also with RWS). Accurate, and with some decent feel.
As above - entirely agree. Latest generation regen brakes are night and day different to the previous generation, but you still have to brake more thoughtfully to maximise the benefits of the PHEV. Conversely, you can still modulate them precisely like any other decent set of brakes. This is based on the 4-E-Hybrid. The steering I find is excellent (also with RWS). Accurate, and with some decent feel.
As for steering, it’s as good as nearly every other Porsche I’ve ever driven. Just don’t expect it to be a 1,350kg Sports/Supercar! Still impressive for its mass, but that’s the only difference...
Do let us know if you pull the trigger. I’m waiting on a 4-E-Hybrid Sport Turismo and the new Cayenne 4-E-Hybrid (when released) so I’m committed to the drivetrain!
I have been speccing one on the configurator any must have options? Sounds like rear wheel steering is a must.
I am 99% sure I want one now but will have to arrange a long test drive. Unfortunately pulling the trigger isn't entirely in my own hands. Although I run my company I have actually taken over from my Father who is still the majority share holder so I have to justify a new car more than just wanting a switch luckily he is a massive petrol head too but I think will make me stick out the Tesla until this time next year .
Does anyone know if Porsche are open to doing a deal if you buy two at the some time as my Dad might want one as well?
I am 99% sure I want one now but will have to arrange a long test drive. Unfortunately pulling the trigger isn't entirely in my own hands. Although I run my company I have actually taken over from my Father who is still the majority share holder so I have to justify a new car more than just wanting a switch luckily he is a massive petrol head too but I think will make me stick out the Tesla until this time next year .
Does anyone know if Porsche are open to doing a deal if you buy two at the some time as my Dad might want one as well?
ntiz said:
Does anyone know if Porsche are open to doing a deal if you buy two at the some time as my Dad might want one as well?
Will depend on waiting list/availability of cars and also if you'll take finance. If the there's a 12 month wait for cars and you're a cash buyer and the cars are relatively low spec I doubt you'll get a deal. If there's a three month wait, you're putting £20k of spec on them and you're financing them then yes you'll probably get a deal. Although I wouldn't bank on it...most OPC's can sell all the cars they can get and I think the Panny Hybrid is quite popular! ntiz said:
I have been speccing one on the configurator any must have options? Sounds like rear wheel steering is a must.
I'm on my second new gen Panamera Hybrid..My first was a saloon with a few expensive choice options and my current one is a totally blacked out Sport Turismo 4e hybrid..I also have a new GT3 and i recently sold a 991.2GTS with RAS which i also had on my first Panamera but not on my current one.When i dropped my saloon off and picked up my new one i immediately noticed the lack of RAS,however after more familiarisation i now feel its not essential or transformative. This is in complete contrast to the 991 where i felt it hugely improved both agility and reducing understeer
Power steering plus makes low speed manoeuvres easier as the standard steering is surprisingly heavy when parking..The 14 way seats are essential imo however the extra £1K + to upgrade to 18 ways is not worth it..Be sure to get heated rear seats but avoid seat ventilation as it significantly reduces seat comfort due to less padding caused by the extra tubing in the seats.
Nice to have options but not essential imo are 4 zone cc,soft close doors and Adaptive cruise..Essential options for future resale are Panoramic roof,bigger alloys,full leather and Panoramic view..
They tell me the Matrix lights are amazing which i can't comment on but next time i would probably choose it..
Its very easy to get carried away on the Panamera configurator as most of the costly options seem desirable however in reality most you can live without.
The new improved three chamber air suspension is quite brilliant now and fortunately standard fit on the hybrid..
Gassing Station | Front Engined Porsches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff