8:59 am, April 4, 2013
PORSCHE centres could well be selling an even more environmentally-aware version of the Panamera in the near future.
The German firm is preparing to pull the covers off a plug-in hybrid version of the four-door Porsche at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.
The Panamera S E-Hybrid plug in packs 410bhp and will crack 0-60mph in around five seconds, yet still returns an astonishing 91mpg in EU efficiency tests.
But the shocks don’t stop there as the plug-in Porsche’s 3.0-litre V6 engine will emit under 100g/km of CO2. Official figures have yet to be announced, but if accurate it would mean owners will pay zero road tax under the current rules.
All this eco-worthiness hasn’t come at the expense of performance, either. A top speed of 167mph ranks the Panamera amongst the fastest four-doors money can buy.
Thanks to an enlarged battery pack over the outgoing Panamera hybrid, the S E-hybrid is capable of 83mph and will travel between 11-22 miles on electric power alone.
Along with changes under the skin, the entire Panamera model range has benefitted from a facelift to keep it looking fresh, with smoother rear styling and optional full LED headlights at the front.
Prices have yet to be announced.
