The Panamera S hybrid’s gearbox upshifts to third earlier than it does in the heavier Cayenne S hybrid in order to save fuel. Overdrive seventh and eighth gears keep the revs below 2000 rpm at highway speeds. Even then, the hybrid Panamera never feels underpowered, thanks to the 428 pound-feet of maximum torque available.
The Panamera S hybrid is Porsche’s most efficient vehicle, achieving 35 mpg on the European drive cycle. We estimate the EPA will rate it at 23 mpg city and 28 highway, commendable for a 4400-pound sedan.
After three hours of driving in and around Capetown, the infotainment screen indicated that the V-6 had been resting for 88 minutes of our drive, or almost half the time. We drove a total of 1100 miles at an average speed of 53 mph and recorded 27 mpg.
This Panamera S hybrid might not post the big economy numbers of the Fisker Karma, and it certainly isn’t going to win any beauty contest against it. But the Porsche is a highly impressive, desirable sports sedan.
