Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Full Review: Is This the Perfect All-Rounder?
The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid combines a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine with electric power for 470 horsepower, achieving 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds and up to 60 miles of electric-only range. Starting at £99,000, it delivers exceptional ride quality through optional active suspension technology, though the smoothness can make the driving experience feel detached.
The E-Hybrid is ideal for company car buyers seeking performance with plug-in efficiency. This review is based on first-hand driving impressions from professional racing driver and motoring presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson.
Reviewed by Vicki Butler-Henderson: a professional racing driver with extensive experience in motorsport and automotive journalism. Vicki brings decades of high-performance driving expertise to this assessment.
What is the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid?
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid represents the third generation of Porsche's four-door sports saloon and serves as the entry point into the hybrid Panamera range. This generation brings evolutionary styling updates including new front bumper air inlets and raised front wings that create more of a step down to the bonnet, echoing the 911's design language.
Key specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | £99,000 (typically £120,000-£150,000 with options) |
| Generation | Third generation (entry-level hybrid) |
| Length | 5,052mm |
| Height | 1,423mm |
| Grille design | Unique octagonal elements |
| Styling | Matrix LED lights, continuous tail light, dark sports tailpipes |
| Body style | Four-door saloon only (Sport Turismo discontinued) |
| Colours | Nine standard colours plus Paint to Sample |
Source: Porsche Official Specifications
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Performance and Engine
The powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine with electric motor assistance for a combined 470 horsepower. The dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.
| Performance Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Combined power | 470hp (350kW) |
| 0-62mph | 4.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 174mph |
| Weight | 2,230kg |
| Combined economy | 76mpg (when charged) |
Launch control activates in Sport Plus mode by holding the brake whilst applying full throttle. The V6 produces what Vicki characterises as a sweet-sounding voice, though regulations mean the exhaust note remains muffled inside the cabin unless you open the windows.
How does the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid drive?
From Vicki's perspective, the power delivery is extraordinarily quick yet so smooth that it creates a somewhat detached feeling. The handling is utterly competent, requiring minimal driver input to achieve remarkable results. As Vicki candidly admits, it can feel like being demoted to passenger status when you'd prefer genuine involvement in the driving process.
Key driving characteristics:
- Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly with manual mode available
- Manual mode crucial for driver engagement (gearbox holds revs until commanded)
- Hybrid powertrain delivers seamless acceleration but feels detached
- Handling precision requires minimal steering input (exceptionally competent
An E-Boost button provides 20 seconds of additional power for overtaking, though Vicki notes that simply applying full throttle achieves essentially the same result.
Panamera Active Ride Suspension System
The optional active ride suspension system is what Vicki describes as the must-tick £7,000 option for the Panamera. The system gives exceptional poise and agility, making the 2,230-kilogram weight feel nowhere near as substantial as it actually is.
Active ride features:
- Dampers adjust settings 13 times per second
- Glides over broken surfaces and potholes effortlessly
- Barely flinches at high-speed undulations
- Remains remarkable even in firmest Sport Plus mode
Rear-axle steering is available as an approximately £1,500 option, turning the rear wheels slightly to provide additional stability at both low and high speeds.
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Interior and Technology
As Vicki describes it, sliding into a Porsche feels like entering a VIP airport lounge, with beautifully stitched leather, glossy surfaces, and detailed switchgear. The centre console features a dedicated ventilation panel for easy temperature control access, though adjusting vent direction now requires the touchscreen system rather than physical adjustment.
The driver display curves around the upper rim of the steering wheel in an unusual design approach. Technology includes pre-warming or pre-cooling the cabin before departure, full smartphone integration, and comprehensive connectivity options.
Is the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid practical?
Practicality features:
- Boot capacity: 430 litres to 1,264 litres with rear seats folded
- Reduced compared to non-hybrid Panamera and BMW 5 Series
- Rear seats fold almost flat for practical loading shape
- Ski hatch available with seats in place
- Frameless glass tailgate with foot-gesture opening
- Generous rear passenger space with good visibility
What tyres does the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid use?
The test vehicle features upgraded 21-inch alloy wheels (£3,000 optional extra over standard 19-inch) wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres. The N0 marking on the sidewall identifies these as Porsche-approved tyres developed specifically for the Panamera, designed to deliver precise handling and strong grip in both dry and wet conditions.
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid price and value
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid starts at £99,000, approximately £10,000 more than the entry-level non-hybrid Panamera. However, Porsche's options list means configured vehicles typically exceed the base price significantly. The test vehicle totalled around £144,000 with £45,000 in options.
Key value considerations:
- 8% benefit-in-kind tax bracket for company car buyers
- 76mpg combined economy when charged regularly
- Up to 60 miles electric-only range for daily commutes
- Active ride suspension (£7,000) transforms the driving experience
As Vicki candidly observes, it's unfortunate you need to spend half the showroom price again in options to make the car feel truly special. The golden rule applies: you must actually plug in the hybrid to extract maximum value from the technology, additional weight, and efficiency claims.
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid vs rivals: BMW M5, Audi e-tron GT, Mercedes EQS
The BMW M5 hybrid offers more interior space and boot capacity, emphasising muscular performance over the Panamera's refined grand touring character. The M5 suits buyers who prioritise overtly sporting dynamics
The Audi e-tron GT represents the full electric alternative, delivering instant response without hybrid complexity but lacking petrol backup for longer journeys. It suits those who rarely exceed 250 miles in a single journey and have reliable home charging.
The Mercedes EQS prioritises traditional luxury saloon comfort in electric form, with more rear passenger space than the Panamera. It's the choice for those who value rear seat comfort over sporting character.
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid uniquely balances grand touring comfort with 60-mile electric range for daily commutes whilst eliminating range anxiety through its V6 backup. The active ride suspension delivers comfort rivalling pure luxury saloons whilst maintaining Porsche's dynamic capabilities.
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid FAQ
Q1. How much is a Porsche Panamera hybrid?
£99,000 starting price, approximately £10,000 more than the non-hybrid Panamera. Typically £120,000 to £150,000 with options.
Q2. What is the electric range of the Panamera hybrid?
Up to 60 miles of electric-only driving when fully charged, covering most daily commutes without using petrol.
Q3. Is the Porsche Panamera hybrid reliable?
Porsche performs well in reliability surveys. The hybrid system uses proven technology, though plug-in hybrids require more maintenance than conventional engines.
Q4. How fast is the Porsche Panamera hybrid?
0-62mph in 4.1 seconds with 174mph top speed. The Turbo E-Hybrid achieves 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds.
Q5. What is the fuel economy of the Panamera hybrid?
76mpg combined when charged regularly. Running on petrol alone reduces economy to approximately 22 to 28mpg.
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