2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

With a one-up on almost all other sports sedans, one thing that becomes immediately noticeable about the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is its sheer power. As if the 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 wasn't enough, Porsche engineers added in an electric motor that pushes the power figures straight into supercar territory. You would struggle to find any other sedans that pack in more than 600 horsepower under the hood. The Panamera is deceptively quick, as seated inside the cabin you could swear it is designed as a luxurious grand tourer.

Still, the Panamera E-Hybrid has little room to breathe. All the exceptional features don't come without a hefty price tag, and that price tag brings in a lot of premium competition from other manufacturers. Both Mercedes and BMW offer massively powerful sedans in this segment. The Panamera E-Hybrid also goes toe-to-toe with the Tesla Model S. Although it is fully electric, it closes in quite well on these gas guzzlers for opulence and performance alike.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid is the flagship vehicle for Porsche in the line-up for Panamera and it comes loaded with standard equipment. The optional Porsche Carbon Composite Brake (PCCB) is offered as standard with 10-piston calipers on the front wheels. The vehicle also comes equipped with Panoramic sunroof, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), on-board charger with 3.6 KW, Bose surround sound system with a total output of 710 watts.

Trims	Turbo S E-Hybrid
MSRP	$187,450
Key Features	21-inch 911 Turbo design wheels
	Sport Chrono Pack
	Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+)
	14-Speaker Bose Surround Sound System
	Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
	Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP)

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The Turbo S E-Hybrid comes as the single most powerful trim in the entire Porsche Panamera lineup. You won't feel the need for more since this trim level includes most of the performance and luxury features as standard. For a more thrilling experience around the track, you can go for the Sport Chrono package. The interior customization is limitless, so you can have any color or material you desire for your Porsche Panamera.

“We've gotten seat time in about half of all Panamera models, and we can say this: Acceleration and grip are both phenomenal.” -The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

The powertrain found in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is also available in the regular Panamera Turbo S in the exact state of tune. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 produces 550hp and 567 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an 8 speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission. Sandwiched between them is the 14.1 KWh battery producing an extra 134hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Combined together they produce 680hp and 626 lb-ft of torque. The total peak power output is less than the combined output of the gasoline and electric engines due to the different output curves of the two powertrains. Porsche provides a 3.6 KW onboard charger which claims to charge the battery completely in 6 hours. However, customers can opt for a 7.2 KW onboard charger which can do the job in 2.4 hours.

Models	Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid	Tesla Model S	Mercedes-AMG S 63S
MSRP	$187,450	$89,750	$149,550
Engine	4.0 Twin Turbo V8	Dual Induction Electric Motors	4L, Twin Turbo, V8 Engine
Transmission	8-Speed PDK Automatic	1-Speed DD	9-Speed AMG SpeedShift Automatic
Horse Power (HP)	680 hp	N/A	603hp
Torque (lb-ft)	626 lb-ft	N/A	664 lb-ft

It is a very unusual comparison here. A hybrid vs electric vs an all-out performance sedan. 

Acceleration

The Porsche propels itself from standstill to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds with the help of all-wheel drive and the instant torque output from the electric motor. The acceleration is blistering fast and is faster than its non-hybrid sibling despite being heavier.

Models	Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid	Tesla Model S	Mercedes-AMG S 63S
0-60 MPH	2.9	2.4	3.5
Quarter Mile	11.1	10.7	12.0
Engine	4.0 V8 Twin Turbo + 14.1KWh electric motor	Dual Induction Electric Motors	4L Twin Turbo, V8 engine
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @15k Mi/year	6.6	0	8.8

The Panamera Turbo S e-hybrid is a car that can match its nose to the finish line, it needed to have a plush V8 powered four-seater AMG. Which is fast but Porsche just outshines the luxurious German. And while this is happening the Tesla Model S leads the pack hands down. It is lightning quick for a four-seater and just unbelievable how it performs. Crown stays with the Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid for the best performer here unless the Tesla takes 10 minutes warms its circuits and gets ready to drag race.

Braking

With great power, comes great responsibility to shed it too. It holds true for this vehicle as it comes equipped with Porsche Carbon Composite Brakes (PCCB) with 28 piston calipers all around. The front calipers itself contain 10 pistons each and that amount of stopping power is a prerequisite with a car with this much heft and power. 

The vehicle also makes use of regenerative braking and somewhat lacks in feel because of that. Nevertheless, they don’t lack in bite and the brake calipers are painted acid green from the factory (but they can be changed according to the customers’ fancies).

Models	Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid	Tesla Model S	Mercedes-AMG S 63S
Brake Pads Front (inch)	16.5	14.0	15.4
Brake Pads Rear (inch)	16.1	14.4	14.2
Curb Weight (lbs)	5315	4941	4564
70-0 MPH	152 ft	102 ft (60-0)	165 ft

Each one of these here is a heavy car. At 5315 pounds, how the Porsche gets to halt from 70 taking just 152 ft it is impressive. While the Mercedes would take another 15 ft. The Tesla uses the conventional brake setup with motors working in reverse and helping the deceleration further. 

Ride and Handling

The Turbo S e-Hybrid sports a battery pack which is housed under the cargo floor and weighs in around an additional 287 pounds. Despite the additional weight and the batteries being placed low in the car, the center of gravity is fairly low and it places around 51.3 percent of the weight on the rear axle. 

The vehicle comes equipped with brake-based torque vectoring and adaptive dampers as standard. Along with the standard air-suspension, Porsche also offers the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), as standard, which helps keep the car flat around corners with the help of active electromechanical anti-roll bars. Despite its gargantuan size and earth-shattering weight, the Turbo S e-Hybrid stays well planted and attacks corners with ease.

If equipped with the $1340 rear-wheel steering system option, the Panamera comes into a league of its own by feeling nimble and agile at low city speeds and extremely planted at high highway speeds. But if it feels more at home doing ridiculous speeds on the highways rather than being an all-out track weapon for the family.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid returns a decent 19MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This is not bad considering the humongous weight of the vehicle coupled with the electric motor. 

Models	Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid	Tesla Model S	Mercedes-AMG S 63S
City	19	92	17
Highway	23	105	26
Combined	21	98	20

The Porsche even with the hybrid system doesn’t help it over the AMG S 63S, they both return more or less the same fuel economy. The Tesla with its charging points spread across the country is pretty sorted. Buying a car that’s around $100,000, you just want the ease in place and Tesla gives you that. What Tesla is build for, it delivers that and hence it busts both the gas-guzzling Germans.

“The 2020 Panamera distinguishes itself with supple front seats and astonishing cargo space.” - The Car Connection

Seating and Comfort

The Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid is offered as a strict four-seater but a five-seater configuration can also be opted for. The interior quality is top-notch with the use of expensive materials such as leather and Alcantara. Porsche also provides customers with an extensive range of colors to choose from while speccing out the interiors. However, the Panamera’s infotainment screen lags behind the competition, albeit not by a big margin. The directional controls for the Aircon are now handled through the 12.3inch touchscreen, but it takes some getting used to. Even the regular controls on the center console are now touch-sensitive which are difficult to find while on the move. 

Models	Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid	Tesla Model S	Mercedes-AMG S 63S
Seating Capacity	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) Inch	N/A	38.8/57.7/42.7	42.1/59.7/41.4
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) Inch	N/A	35.3/55.0/35.4	39.2/59.1/43

 Since there is no available data on the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid, it becomes difficult to compare it with the other cars here. But Porsche is immaculate in terms of the seating and comfort more so after the standard air suspension. The Mercedes S class can be called the symbol of ride and comfort, these guys just get the suspension and seats so right. The Tesla can get a little firm and a little less on space in the rear seats. 

Interior Features

• Bose Surround Sound System with 14 speakers; the total output of 710 watts

• Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including online navigation, mobile phone connectivity, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in and Apple CarPlay

• Touch Screens for rear-seat passenger entertainment

• 4-zone climate control

• Air filtration system with active pollen and carbon filter

Infotainment

The center fascia sports a 12.3-inch touchscreen which has a crisp graphical interface but lacks intuitive menus and is utterly confusing. The infotainment system also controls a whole host of different controls and systems all around the car such as Aircon vents direction etc. Some key features are:

• Apple CarPlay

• Ability to raise the spoiler

• Onboard Navigation

• Satellite Radio

Cargo Volume

Being a hatchback, the Panamera has a decent amount of cargo space at 17.6 cubic inches. However, if you fold down the rear seats you get much more cargo capacity at 47.3 cubic inches. 

Models	Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid	Tesla Model S	Mercedes-AMG S 63S
Volume (cu.ft) (all seats up)	17.6	30	18

The Model S has the luxury of having two boots: one in the front and the other one in the rear. 30 cubic feet of space alone! It would take two Panameras to store what you can in a Tesla. The Mercedes is just a tad bit better than the Porsche .4 cubic feet to be exact.

“The sinewy second-generation Porsche Panamera has cured its roofline blues.” -The Car Connection

Design and Styling

The current generation Panamera looks much better than the previous generation with a more chiseled backend along with sharper tail-lights. It also sports an active rear spoiler that can be raised or lowered through the touch of a button or by reaching certain speeds. The front fascia sports the new headlight design with exceptionally good looking Daytime Running LEDs, a signature design element of all-new Porsches.

Dimensions and Weight

Models	Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid	Tesla Model S	Mercedes-AMG S 63S
Curb Weight (lbs)	5093	4941	4630
Length (in)	198.8	196	208.2
Width (in)	76.3	77.3	75.4
Height (in)	56.2	56.9	59
Ground Clearance (in)	8.4	4.6	5
Wheelbase (in)	116.1	116.5	124.6

The design of the Porsche Panamera has improved over the last one but is still subjective. The S-class doesn’t have the coupe droop line like the Tesla or the Panamera. Well, this just depends upon the taste, all three of them are good looking cars.

Exterior Features

• Porsche Dynamic Light System

• Active rear spoiler

• Automatic rear hatch

• 21 inch 911 Turbo Design wheels

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid has not yet been tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS so it is difficult to conclude how safe the vehicle is. However, due to the extensive list of safety features incorporated in the car, it can be safely said that the passengers can have their peace of mind while traveling in the vehicle.

Safety Features 

The safety features in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid are

• Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP)

• Full-size airbags for front passengers

• Knee airbags for front passengers

• Front side airbags

• Rear side airbags

• Curtain airbags along the roof frame

• LATCH child seat mounting system

• Engine immobilizer with remote central locking and alarm system

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid vs Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is what future would be and it presents it in the most subtle way possible. The kind of gizmos and tech it is laden with no one and we mean no one comes close to the trickery it packs. It is eye-wateringly quick too. It instills a kind of value, that electric cars didn’t really have before. It is one hell of a car to have. But to the more conventional car seeking audiences it might not break a ball and hence you have to look elsewhere.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid vs Mercedes-AMG S 63S

The Mercedes-AMG S 63S has one of the best-tuned engines that you could find on a car. The twin-turbo V8 on this one is to be felt to be believed. The brat nature of the car on the throttle and the supple nature of the car on the seats, the balance is unmatchable. This had been the benchmark for other luxury car manufacturers. This is best sleeper you could buy.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid is the top of the line Panamera that you can buy. The hybrid powertrain helps increase the acceleration and the fuel economy as well as reducing emissions. Even though it’s more expensive compared to its rivals, it’s “green” trump card makes it a more compelling choice.