Overview

Early January of 2008, Porsche announced it would introduce a Hybrid model to its Panamera range with the intent to lean into the hybridity sector. This model was then delivered to the public 2011 and firstly to America.

The Hybrid model utilises the same powertrain and battery combination as in the Cayenne S Hybrid model. The 333bhp supercharged capacity 3.0 litre V6 unit (originally from Audi) coupled with the 46hp electric motor would now represent the most economical car Porsche was making at the time claiming a fuel consumption of 33mpg.

The hybrid marriage of the electric motor to the transmission meant that at low speeds of up to 46mph, it could drive the car with no combustion engine assistance. This meant driving through built up residential areas and town centres could be done with zero carbon emissions and in almost complete silence. The engine is also capable of charging the battery during braking. On the other end of the electric motor’s assistance though, it could aid performance by using its power increase acceleration, particularly during the engines lowest torque ranges.

The introduction of hybridity did not come at a cost to performance obviously, the Panamera S Hybrid still achieving a 0 – 62mph in 6.0 seconds and onto over 165mph+. Granted, this wasn’t quite as brisk as the 4.8L V8 powered Panamera S model, with its 0 – 62mph at 5.4 with a PDK, but this was Porsche’s hint at this 3.0L V6 powertrain becoming the norm from now on. Smaller capacity and more efficient performance.

How to spot

• The badge would identify the Panamera S Hybrid model, as it couldn’t be easily identified separately from its S model sibling’s and all were available with the similar optional extra’s.

Specification

Capacity: 2995cc

Compression ratio: 10.5:1

Maximum Power: 380hp@ 5500rpm

Maximum Torque: 440Nm @ 3000rpm

Brakes: Front: 360mm discs; rear: 330mm discs

Suspension: Front axle: Fully independent large-format double wishbone suspension. Rear axle: Fully independent multi-link suspension

Wheels & Tyres: Front: 8J x 18 ET 59 with 245/50 ZR 18. Rear: 9J x 18 ET 53 with 275/45 ZR 18

Length: 4970mm

Width: 1931mm

Weight: 1980kg

Did you Know?

A fun fact about the 2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is that it was the first production hybrid vehicle ever made by Porsche.