2020 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Review: The Perfect Panamera?

Hybrids are for the environmentally conscious, right? Well, when you're talking about the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid, that may not be the only reason for buying one. Ridiculous acceleration is one, and if you're in certain parts of the world, perhaps you want a tax break. Regardless, this hybrid from Stuttgart is a phenomenal vehicle with plenty of luxury and power. Various options are available in the USA, including a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. On the lower end of the scale is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 330 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are aided by an electric motor that generates 134 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque for a total output of 677 hp/626 lb-ft and 457 hp/516 lb-ft respectively.

Panamera E-Hybrid Exterior

In comparison to the regular Panamera, the Panamera E-Hybrid is very much the same as the regular Panamera, but you can tell it's a plug-in hybrid by unique badges and the Acid Green brake calipers that are the calling card of electrically-assisted Porsches. The exception is the 10 Years Edition, which gets black calipers and Satin Gold wheels. This model also features Satin Gold decals. Nevertheless, all models get a panoramic roof, an adaptive rear spoiler, LED headlights, and fender vents. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches in size. Most models get dual-exit exhausts, but the Turbo variants get a quad-exit arrangement.

Dimensions

If you're after ultimate rear-seat comfort, opt for an Executive. These get a longer wheelbase for greater legroom. Regular variants measure 198.8 inches long with a wheelbase of 116.1 inches while the Executive is 204.7 inches long with a wheelbase of 122 inches. Models with smaller wheels start at 56 inches in height, while those with 21s can measure 56.2 inches, with some variants fractionally taller still. Width is the same across the range at 76.3 inches and curb weights start at 4,945 pounds on the base model and 5,390 lbs on the Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive.

2020 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Performance

Engine and Transmission

The Panamera E-Hybrid is available with a choice of two astonishingly powerful engines. Variants without the Turbo badge get a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 330 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo models have a whopping 457 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Each of these engines gets supplementary power from an electric motor that produces 134 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque on its own. Whichever variant you opt for, all-wheel-drive is standard along with an eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission.

Don't fret if you can't get a Turbo model - every Panamera E-Hybrid is ridiculously quick. All get the Sport Chrono package with its launch control function, which means that even the base model can get from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Top speed is just as impressive, at 172 mph. The models with the 4.0-liter V8 are even more impressive, with the benchmark sprint completed in as little as 3.2 seconds, with top speed rated at 192 mph.

Speed is what Porsches should always be about, and the Panamera E-Hybrid models deliver. Excellence is not limited to the engine, however, as the automatic transmission is incredibly smooth, sharp, and responsive.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Electric assistance has its benefits, but it also has downsides. Electric power steering is generally rather numb, and this is one of those cases. In a car as heavy as a battery-laden Panamera, this can be a good thing, allowing one to change direction with minimal effort. Fortunately, the accuracy of the steering helps make up for any shortcomings in feel. It's still a heavy car, and therefore not as agile as smaller Porsches, but the advantage is certainly felt over bumps, where the Panamera simply soaks them up with barely a hint of floatiness. This is also as a result of the standard adaptive air suspension that these cars come with, and when you want to engage in more spirited driving, the suspension can firm up to minimize body roll. The grip that the all-wheel-drive system offers is phenomenal, and the low-down torque of the electric motor propels you out of a corner in a way that defies physics. The brakes are just as sharp, and the Turbo models get ceramic composite brakes for even more reliable stopping power.

2020 Panamera E-Hybrid Gas Mileage

Although Porsche uses electrical assistance more for performance than economy, the benefits are clear. Models with the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 score combined EPA figures of 23 mpg when running as a hybrid, meaning that the 21.1-gallon gas tank should only run out after around 485 miles of mixed driving. On electric-only power, you should get 14 miles of range and a combined 51 MPGe from the 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. Models with the V8 return 20 mpg on the combined cycle and 48 MPGe on full-electric power.

On a 240V home-charging port, average charging time is around three hours. Using a household 120V power point will take around 12 hours to charge fully.

Panamera E-Hybrid Interior

Seating and Interior Space

There are two seating configurations available for the Panamera. As standard, the sedan comes with a 2+2 seating configuration, but you can spec a 2+1 rear-seat arrangement if you're willing to shell out a little extra, although the middle passenger won't be as comfortable and relaxed as those in the outboard positions, where even six-footers will be comfortable. The Executive long-wheelbase variant is even more accommodating. In front, eight-way power-adjustable seats are standard, but 10 Year and Turbo models gain 14-way seats for free. Visibility out the front is good, but the back is impaired slightly by a large C-pillar and a smallish rear window. Nevertheless, the all-round experience is a spacious and comfortable one that is easy to acclimatize to.

Panamera E-Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space

Unfortunately, because of the battery pack, the E-Hybrids trunk dimensions are compromised slightly. You still get 14.3 cubic feet of volume in the back, allowing all occupants to bring carry-on luggage along. Fold the rear seats in 60/40 split, and maximum capacity increases to 44 cubes on the regular models and 49.3 cubic feet on the long-wheelbase versions.

In the cabin, door pockets, an average glovebox, and center storage for front and rear occupants provide space for drinks and pocket contents.

Features

Every model of the Panamera gets a reasonable number of standard specs that include adaptive air suspension, a panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, an automatic rear hatch, an adaptive rear spoiler, automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, parking sensors, a rearview camera, keyless ignition, cruise control, and the Sport Chrono package with launch control. If you get a 10 Years Edition model, you get adaptive LED Matrix headlights, a surround-view camera, quad-zone climate control, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, lane keep and lane change assist, traffic sign recognition, soft-close doors, and a ski bag.

18-way power-adjustable adaptive sports seats are available, along with massaging heated and ventilated front and rear seats, adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode, a night vision camera, rear-axle steering, a head-up display, ambient lighting, and power rear sunblinds.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in each of the Panamera E-Hybrid models is made up of a massive 12.3-inch horizontally-mounted touchscreen display that supports navigation, Bluetooth, USB connections, aux input, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and voice control. Android Auto is not available. As standard, you get ten speakers, but the 10 Years Edition and the Turbo S variants get an upgraded Bose 14-speaker setup. Options include a Burmester 21-speaker surround-sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system with two ten-inch screens, and a six-disc CD/DVD player.

Panamera E-Hybrid Problems and Reliability

Thus far, the 2020 model of the Panamera E-Hybrid and the 2019 version that preceded it have been free of recalls in the US and devoid of any prominently negative reviews, indicating that any prior teething issues have been resolved. J.D. Power goes as far as to accord the current sedan with an above-average quality and reliability rating of 81 out of 100.

As standard, all variants get four years/50,000 miles of vehicle and paint coverage, along with a 12-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty. Also included is an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and one year or 10,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance - whichever comes first.

Warranty

Panamera E-Hybrid Safety

The Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid has not undergone review by either the NHTSA or the IIHS, but with a large complement of standard safety features, occupants are well protected. These features include dual frontal, side-impact, curtain, and knee airbags, with the latter two protecting both front passengers.You also get front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and rain-sensing wipers, while options include a surround-view camera, adaptive LED Matrix headlights, lane keep and lane change assists, adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition, a night vision camera, and a head-up display.

Verdict: Is the Panamera E-Hybrid A Good Sedan?

To all the purists who think that electric assistance is boring and bland, the Panamera E-Hybrid is here to prove them wrong. Although you don't get quite as much space as in a regular Panamera, every other part of the car is just as good, and in terms of performance, it's even better. You get better fuel economy, the ability to silently crawl into your driveway in the middle of the night, and even a benefit in performance. Because it's a Porsche, it's also a joy to drive, and the traits that we've come to appreciate in the regular Panamera shine through just as brightly here: a smooth and supple ride, effortless acceleration, numerous customization options, exceptional build quality, and even a pretty useful trunk. As much as it may pain the old soul in us, this is the way forward and it's brilliant.

What's the Price of the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid?

The entry-level Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid starts at a price of $103,800 before a $1,350 destination charge, but up to $7,500 worth of rebates may be available to you depending on, among other things, what state you're in. The 10 Years Edition starts at an MSRP of $116,900, and the Executive at $108,300. For the Turbo S, you will need to shell out $187,700, and the most expensive version, the Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive, will set you back at least $198,100. Fully loaded, you can bring this car to a price near $300,000.

What Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Model Should I Buy?

We'd opt for a 10 Years Edition here. Why? Well, you get 21-inch wheels, adaptive LED Matrix headlights, quad-zone climate control, a surround-view camera, soft-close doors, lane keep and lane change assists, and traffic sign recognition as standard. You also get an upgraded Bose 14-speaker sound system. Along with the electric motor, this model is already ridiculously fast and produces over 450 horsepower. Some additional features would be worth considering, however, and we'd certainly think about adding heated and ventilated massaging seats both at the front and the rear. We'd also opt for adaptive cruise control to make those long-distance road trips easier to sit back and relax on. The available on-board charger is also worth considering in a car like this, but at the end of the day, your personal preferences and requirements will dictate what is worthwhile and will be used regularly.

2020 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Comparisons

2020 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid vs Tesla Model S

If you think of the most expensive and the fastest electric cars, you can't avoid bringing up the name Tesla. The Model S is one of the most accomplished offerings in Elon Musk's lineup, and as you know, is powered by electricity alone. This instantaneous torque makes it even quicker than the Porsche from 0-60 mph, clocking the time in just 2.4 seconds, while the Turbo S variant of the Panamera E-Hybrid can only manage 3.2 seconds. It also has a range of over 300 miles, and although the Panamera can go further without needing to fill up, when you stop, you need fossil fuel. However, for those accustomed to true luxury and an interior that shows where the money went, the competition from Tesla with its faux leather and relatively basic interior can't hold a candle to the Porsche. For us, long-distance luxury is perfected in the Panamera, while the Tesla is still more of a novelty.

2020 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid vs Porsche Panamera

If electricity doesn't fascinate you, you may want to consider the regular Panamera. Available with all the same safety, convenience, and luxury features, the regular Panamera can be just as good as any version of the E-Hybrid. However, although you can even have a rear-wheel-drive all-engine Panamera for around $16,000 less, the E-Hybrid is worth the extra money. It's more powerful, it's quicker and faster, and it can be run far quieter and far more economically than the regular version. In addition, with rebates in place, the price difference is not so bad, and when you want to put your foot down, the regular Panamera can't compete with the electric assistance that is instantly available on the hybrid. If you're concerned about how much you can fit in the trunk, the regular Panamera does offer 3.3 cu.ft. more room than the E-Hybrid. Spend the extra money nonetheless, and justify it as saving the planet.