2019 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Review: Electrifying Performance For The Well-Heeled
Combining 911-like performance and dynamics with enhanced practicality and space, the Panamera continues to stand out in the full-size luxury car segment. In E-Hybrid form, this isn't some watered-down Porsche, but one which uses electric assistance to provide even more power. In fact, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid sits right on top of the range, with its 677-horsepower hybrid powertrain allowing it to bolt to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, before topping out at 192 mph. The Panamera is about far more than straight-line pace, however, with superb handling, a rock-solid cabin, and increased practicality relative to many other luxury sedans, thanks to the hatchback body style. If you want ultimate comfort and prefer being chauffeured around in the back seat, then a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series are likely better choices. But if you want a mega luxury sedan that is also incredibly satisfying to drive - while also showcasing hybrid power as much more than just a means of saving fuel - then the Panamera E-Hybrid simply has no peers.
Panamera E-Hybrid Exterior
Porsche has come a long way since the awkward, first-generation Panamera. While not quite the definition of beautiful, the latest design is much more cohesive than before, especially the smoother rear-end and sleek, horizontal LED taillight clusters - these are connected by a light strip above the Porsche insignia. 19-inch wheels are standard, while up to 21-inch designs can be specified. You also get a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and a power liftgate.
Dimensions
Two wheelbase and body lengths are available. In 4 E-Hybrid form, the Panamera is 198.8 inches long, 85.2 inches wide (including the side mirrors), and 56 inches in height. Height varies between 56 and 56.4 inches depending on the model. The wheelbase measures 116.1 inches.
Executive models have a wheelbase and overall length that's greater by 5.9 inches to free up extra rear legroom. Curb weight ranges from 4,784 pounds for the 4 E-Hybrid to 5,313 lbs for the Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive. The latter model is a significant 683 lbs heavier than the non-hybrid Panamera Turbo Executive.
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
198.8 in | 116.1 in | 56.0 in | 76.3 in | 65.8 in | 65.0 in | 4,784.0 lbs |
Panamera E-Hybrid Performance
Engine and Transmission
Two superb powertrains provide the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid with brilliant performance. The smaller of the two is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 allied to an electric motor, with combined outputs being 457 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. If this somehow isn't quite enough for you, the Turbo S E-Hybrid utilizes a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor to pump out an epic 677 hp and 626 lb-ft. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive are standard on every Panamera E-Hybrid. In both the V6 and V8, the electric motor contributes 134 hp and 295 lb-ft.
With these outputs, performance ranges from very fast in the V6, to insane in the V8. When equipped with the Sport Chrono Package, the V6 will hit 60 mph in comfortably under five seconds, while the V8 cuts that time down to a blistering 3.2 seconds and won't stop hauling until it reaches its maximum speed of 192 mph. If you want one of the fastest full-size luxury sedans in the world, it doesn't get much better than this. The eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission is the best of its kind, flicking through gears with a smoothness and speed that is as mind-blowing as the engines' power.
Handling and Driving Impressions
Porsche has attempted to counter the laws of physics by endowing the Panamera E-Hybrid with the sort of responses that belie its battery-laden weight. The steering system feels effortless but really precise and contributes to the Panamera feeling smaller than it actually is. There isn't the kind of feedback and nimbleness you get in Porsche's smaller 911 and Cayman sports coupes, but it wouldn't be fair to the much more luxurious Panamera if those comparisons were made. The available Sport Chrono Package offers four driving modes, and in Sport Plus, firmer spring rates and harder damping - together with the sticky all-wheel-drive system - will see the Panamera achieve ridiculous cornering speeds. Dial back the intensity, and there's a genuinely comfortable drive, with the Porsche feeling utterly unruffled by smaller bumps. It doesn't float along the road with the serenity of an S-Class, but it'll cover long distances easily without leaving you feeling fatigued. As quickly as it gets up to speed, the Panamera can also come to a controlled halt in a shorter distance than rivals, thanks to a braking system with incredible bite.
Panamera E-Hybrid Gas Mileage
On premium gas alone, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid's combined EPA estimate is 23 mpg. On a 21.1-gallon tank of premium unleaded, that should result in a range of 485 miles. On electric power alone, 51 MPGe is achievable. These numbers drop to 20 mpg and 48 MPGe respectively for the Turbo S E-Hybrid. The 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery doesn't provide the greatest electric-only range, with just 14 miles achievable. Like many hybrids, fuel-efficiency will be at its best when commuting over shorter distances. Still, it does mean that combining an electric-only range with a full tank of gas will see an overall range of almost 500 miles. Recharging the battery using a conventional 120-volt outlet will take about 12 hours, but a 240-volt source with an optional 7.2-kW charger will drop charging time to a much more practical two-and-a-half hours.
Panamera E-Hybrid Interior
Seating and Interior Space
In standard form, the Panamera seats four passengers in a classy, comfortable cabin. For an additional $1,000, a 2+1 seating arrangement can be specified at the back. The good news is that even in the standard-wheelbase versions, there's a decent amount of legroom and headroom for all occupants. The driving position feels sporty for a luxury sedan, but a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment makes it easy to get comfortable. While visibility is generally fine, the broad pillar between the front and rear seats can obscure the view somewhat. It's easy enough to get into the Panamera, although taller passengers getting into the back will have to stoop down a bit due to the sloping roofline. The long-wheelbase Executive models have even more rear legroom and will be the option to go for if carrying rear passengers is a priority.
Panamera E-Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space
As they have to accommodate the battery pack, E-Hybrid Panameras lose out on some cargo capacity relative to non-hybrid models. There's 14.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, down from the 17.6 cubes you'll get in a regular Panamera. If you fold down the rear seats, the regular-wheelbase models have 44 cubic feet of total cargo space, increasing to 49.3 cu.ft. for the long-wheelbase Executive variants. You do, however, have to contend with a high liftover height when loading items into the trunk. In the cabin, while there are door pockets and a center storage compartment, they're both less accommodating than expected.
Features
The Panamera E-Hybrid range is equipped to a fairly generous standard, although some items shouldn't be on the options list. Standard on all are heated and power-adjustable front seats, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, power-folding mirrors, a power moonroof, a power liftgate, auto-off headlights, keyless start, a backup camera, rain-sensing wipers, a universal garage door opener, and keyless entry. On the Turbo S, you also get a hands-free liftgate, while a head-up display is optional on both trims. Further options include four-zone climate control and massaging seats. Many driver-assist safety features that are standard on much cheaper cars are added cost options here - among them are lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
Infotainment
Infotainment is controlled via the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. The brand has largely done away with physical buttons, instead using an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen display with haptic feedback. Everything is neatly integrated, but with every adjustment needing to be done via the screen, it can get distracting. The system features Bluetooth connectivity, an SD card input, HD radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, AM/FM radio, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and an auxiliary input jack. Android Auto integration isn't available. If four-zone climate control is specified, a second touchscreen is available for rear-seat passengers. The basic sound system uses ten speakers, while the Turbo S E-Hybrid has a 14-speaker Bose sound system. A 21-speaker Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system is optional.
Panamera E-Hybrid Problems and Reliability
Porsche was named the top manufacturer in the J.D. Power 2019 Customer Satisfaction Index among luxury brands, an outstanding achievement that points towards the quality inherent in the German marque's vehicles. While the 2019 Panamera doesn't have an individual J.D. Power rating yet, the 2018 Panamera achieved a score of 87/100. The NHTSA hasn't issued any recalls for the 2019 Panamera, but the 2019 model didn't fare as well, with recalls for four different issues. The problems were for no visual warning of brake pad wear, a potentially failing control unit, intermittent loss of power steering, and corroded brake lines. Should anything go wrong, the Panamera E-Hybrid is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, a 12-year/unlimited-miles corrosion warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile limited battery warranty.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 80,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
Panamera E-Hybrid Safety
The Panamera E-Hybrid hasn't been evaluated by either the NHTSA or the IIHS. With the full gamut of safety features, however, occupants are well-protected in the unfortunate event of a crash. Dual-front airbags, as well as front and rear side and head airbags, are standard. You also get brake assist, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, and traction control. Available driver-assist safety gear extends to blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and night vision.
Verdict: Is The 2019 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid A Good car?
At its core, Porsche is a manufacturer of performance cars. It's why, even when entering the SUV and full-size luxury sedan segments over a decade ago with the Cayenne and Panamera, Porsche immediately set new benchmarks for how fast and agile those entrants were. This philosophy of unrivaled performance shines through strongly in the Panamera E-Hybrid range, with the electric motor more a means of achieving spectacular performance than a way to chase efficiency. Especially in the Turbo S E-Hybrid, the sheer accelerative force of the Panamera is something to behold. It's undoubtedly a better car to drive than traditional luxury sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while its distinctive shape sets it apart from the pack. There's also a tech-rich and beautifully appointed cabin to enjoy. If Porsche could add more driver-assist safety features to the standard specification sheet, and improve the usability of some infotainment and climate controls, it would be a real challenge to find fault with this car, even considering the starting price of over $100k. It's that good.
What's the Price of the 2019 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid?
The Panamera E-Hybrid range has a starting price of $102,900 for the 4 E-Hybrid. Next is the 4 E-Hybrid Executive with the longer wheelbase at $107,400. Taking a big step up in performance is the Turbo S E-Hybrid at $186,200, while the range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive comes in at a steep $196,600. All prices are exclusive of tax, licensing, registration and a destination charge of $1,350. Add on just one or two options, and the price quickly goes soaring.
What Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Model Should I Buy?
There's a vast difference in price between the 4 E-Hybrid and the Turbo S E-Hybrid, so your budget will dictate which of these two you go for. Of course, this is a high-performance Porsche, so we'd jump straight into the Turbo S if we could, as that V8 provides sensational performance. After that, you're at the mercy of a vast options list. The Assistance Package adds driver aids which should have been standard in the first place, from lane keep assist to adaptive cruise control, and it goes for $5,370. Throw in a head-up display at $1,720, a must-have in such a car. Through gritted teeth, we'd also be tempted to go for the fantastic Burmester 3D surround sound system at $5,940. All of a sudden, you'll find yourself nearly $200,000 poorer.
2019 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Comparisons
2019 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid vs Tesla Model S
You can't talk about the apex of luxury-car performance without Tesla silently blasting its way into the conversation at some point. While the Panamera E-Hybrid's performance is still dominated by a pair of internal combustion V6 and V8 engines, The Model S, of course, delivers its exceptional speed from pure electric-only power. The Model S Performance is even faster than the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, hitting 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, although without the Porsche's fabulous V8 howl. There's also something special about this kind of performance coupled with an all-electric range of over 300 miles. The Model S' interesting liftback design also gives it some good practicality, and the interior remains a feast for technophiles. But the Porsche is better built and has a significant edge for driving enjoyment. This intriguing battle between two exemplary - but differently talented machines - is a tough one to call.
2019 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid vs Porsche Panamera
For around $10k less, you could get the non-hybrid Panamera 4. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 has outputs of 330 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. With launch control, it'll hit 60 mph in five seconds dead, half a second off the pace of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. This is still a high level of performance, and as the two variants have a similar level of equipment, you could use that $10,000 saving and spend a bit more time working through the options list. No matter which option you pick, though, there's no replacement for the electric motor's instantly available thrust, along with the obvious fuel economy savings, especially over shorter distances. The E-Hybrid isn't just a more eco-friendly counterpart to the standard Panamera - it feels like a genuine step up in day-to-day performance. Given the choice, we'd side with the hybrid.