Porsche continues to pursue its E-Performance strategy and has added the new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid with its completely new driveline to its plug-in hybrid range. With a system output of 412 kW (560 PS) and a maximum torque of 750 Nm, the 4S E-Hybrid is positioned between the previous E-Hybrid models.
The new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid benefits from a more powerful high-voltage battery and optimised driving modes. There is now a much greater focus on highly efficient charging while driving – depending on the selected driving mode: the battery charges faster. At the same time, the intelligent energy recuperation allows an even more efficient use of the electric drive.
The electromechanical brake booster guarantees a variable combination of deceleration by electrical energy recuperation and mechanical braking. The brake pedal characteristic and pedal force remain identical here. The brake pedal feeling has been further optimised on the new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, resulting in better feedback and more precise control.
The new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid models utilise the driveline architecture of the previous hybrid models. The heart of this is an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, which contributes an output of 100 kW (136 PS) and a torque of 400 Nm. Intelligently combined with the 324 kW (440 PS) 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine, the newly developed Panamera 4S E-Hybrid generates a system output of 412 kW (560 PS) and a maximum system torque of up to 750 Nm. In combination with the standard Sport Chrono package, this results in outstanding performance statistics: the standard sprint to 100 km/h is achieved in 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed is 298 km/h.
The electric motor draws its energy from a high-voltage battery installed at the rear. To achieve a long electric range and extend the reserve capacity for electric boosting, the battery’s gross capacity has been increased from 14.1 to 17.9 kWh compared with the previous hybrid models thanks to optimised battery cells. This corresponds to an increase of exactly 27 per cent. The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid therefore now boasts an all-electric range according to WLTP EAER City of up to 54 km (NEDC: up to 64 km). The installation space for the battery beneath the load compartment floor remains compact, providing spacious luggage volumes from 403 to 1,242 litres in the sports saloon (Sport Turismo: 418 to 1,287 litres).
Optimised modes for electric driving experience
The four driving modes ‘E-Power’, ‘Hybrid Auto’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ are selected as usual using the mode switch in the standard Sport Chrono package. In addition, the two modes, ‘E-Hold’ and ‘E-Charge’, which are activated with Porsche Communication Management (PCM), are also available.
To further enhance the electric driving experience, the modes in which the high voltage battery is charged during driving have been optimised. The new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid models start in E-Power mode as standard. As usual, the ideal mix of interaction between electric motor and combustion engine is controlled with the accelerator. The Hybrid assistant accessible in the left-hand side of the instrument cluster display visualises in real-time the relationship between the drive torque currently used and the maximum available drive torque. The maximum available drive torque of the electric motor is reached when the accelerator pedal is depressed to an angle of approximately 50 per cent. In E-Power mode, the combustion engine is activated only from a pedal angle of around 60 per cent. The noticeable free pedal travel between 50 and 60 per cent of the accelerator pedal angle ensures optimum electric driving control. If the high-voltage battery falls below the minimum charge level for the E-Power mode, the system automatically switches to the Hybrid Auto mode.
The intelligent Hybrid Auto mode offers the greatest operating efficiency for urban and cross-country driving. For the best possible combination of the electric motor and combustion engine, the optimum operating strategy is continuously derived from information relating to driving profile, state of charge, topography, speed and navigation destination. All-electric driving is used in situations where, in terms of overall efficiency, it is the most appropriate option. The Hybrid Auto mode of the new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid adapts optimally to the driver’s habits. When route guidance is activated, the electric drive is used more intensively during urban driving in particular. The high-voltage battery is charged more on sections of road where the combustion engine is active.
In E-Hold mode, the state of charge of the high-voltage battery is maintained at the current level as usual. This means that the energy of the battery can be used at a later time for electric driving or boosting. In E-Charge mode, the combustion engine charges the battery when driving by generating a higher output than required for the current driving situation. This so-called load point shift provides the driver with the option of predictively increasing the electric range.
The E-Charge mode of the new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid follows an adapted charging strategy for the battery. The target charge level of the battery was reduced from the previous 100 to 80 per cent. The reason for this is due to the fact that the battery – like the battery in a smartphone – charges significantly more slowly and less efficiently from a charge level of around 80 per cent. This also makes it possible to ensure that the full recuperation power is available at all times. The battery of the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is charged quickly and in a reproducible way through definition of a constant charging capacity of 7.2 kW. In all, the E-Charge mode is now more efficient and can be experienced more directly than before.
In both performance-oriented Sport and Sport Plus modes, the combustion engine is always in operation. Sport mode offers extremely sporty vehicle characteristics for fast driving on country roads and motorways; in this mode, the drivetrain and chassis are switched to the Sport setup. The battery is charged to a minimum level to be able to provide a sufficient amount of boost for the sporty driving style.
In Sport Plus mode, the focus in all Porsche models is on maximum sportiness: the drive and chassis are adapted for high performance. On the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid models, Sport Plus mode additionally differs from Sport mode due to the fact that the battery is charged as quickly as possible to 80 per cent. Specification of a constantly high charging capacity of 12 kW means that maximum boost availability is reached even faster. The reduction in the target charge level ensures the availability of the maximum recuperation power.
