2018 Porsche Panamera wagon gets Turbo S E-Hybrid power

PORSCHE has confirmed that its stunning Panamera Sport Turismo wagon will be offered in Australia with the most potent V8 turbo powertrain paired with plug-in E-Hybrid performance and efficiency boosting technology for a starting price of $466,400.

Until now, only the sedan version of the second-generation Panamera was on offer locally with the 500kW/850Nm petrol/electric combo, but the big-booted Sport Turismo will now join it at the top of the performance pile from next year.

Customers are being asked for a hefty $75,700 premium over the cost of the next most expensive Turbo Sport Turismo, matching the margin between sedan Turbo and sedan Turbo S E-Hybrid, but the new model offers significant advantages to performance and efficiency.

While the Turbo Sport Turismo needs 3.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100km/h, the new variant slashes two tenths of a second from the benchmark, but fuel consumption falls from 9.4 litres per 100km to just 3.0L/100km on the average New European Driving Cycle.

But with a 14.1kWh battery and plug-in charging, owners with a commute of 49km or fewer will not need to use any fuel at all thanks to the 100kW electric motor that can propel the sporty wagon under emissions-free power at speeds of up to 140km/h.

Charging the battery takes between 6.0 and 2.4 hours depending on the charger rate and connection type.

With its extra luggage space, the Sport Turismo carries a little extra weight over the equivalent sedan but still manages to match its 0-100km/h acceleration of 3.4s, although fuel consumption is increased 0.1L/100km.

In addition to the unique shooting brake looks combined with the most potent powertrain performance, Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo owners will also get the added practicality of a 425-litre boot that expands to 1295 litres with the rear seats folded.

Up to three second-row occupants can be accommodated and the seats fold in a 40:20:40 split with electric unlocking for customising the passenger/load spaces.

Like the sedan equivalent and combustion-only Turbo Sport Turismo, power is sent to the road via an eight-speed Porsche PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and all four wheels.

Driving dynamics, grip and handling are also enhanced with an active roof spoiler that moves into three different positions according to vehicle speed and can add up to 50kg of extra downforce for increased tail-end stability. The same spoiler also shifts into a different angle at speeds above 90km/h to minimise cabin turbulence when the panoramic sunroof is open.

Rear steering is optional but other chassis systems including Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilisation, torque vectoring, rear differential lock, carbon ceramic brakes, 21-inch wheels, three-chamber air suspension and Active Suspension Management selectable driving modes are all standard fare.

On the inside, Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo customers will also get an extensive range of customisation options including choices of leather upholstery and trim finishes, as well as Porsche’s Advanced Cockpit digital display and Sport Chrono package.

The new addition to the Sport Turismo family will be available as a special order only with delivery dates to be confirmed for next year.

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