Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Test Drive

The Smoothest Ride Among Panameras

As soon as I got into the Panamera and looked around the meters and center console, I felt nostalgic—it was unmistakably the same Panamera we had until last summer.

Also, since the meter display is the same as on our current Cayenne E-Hybrid, it felt very familiar.

Once I started driving, I was surprised by how incredibly smooth the initial throttle response was. Among all the Panameras I’ve driven, including test drives, this one felt the smoothest and most luxurious.

The Panamera 4 I tested before felt lighter, the GTS was firmer and drier, and our Turbo was heavier and stiffer.

Also, even though it has an electric motor, it didn’t feel “heavy” at all. My husband said,

The Panamera Turbo had a V8, so the front was heavy. The hybrid model has a V6, so that might be part of it.

I was amazed at how luxurious yet light and effortless it felt, gliding forward smoothly.

Effortless Control at Your Fingertips

The Panamera Turbo had a staggering 550 horsepower, so just a little throttle input unleashed a fierce power that could be intimidating.

In contrast, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid accelerates gently when you press the pedal and decelerates smoothly when you ease off. It’s a car that lets the driver drive smoothly exactly as they intend.

With all-wheel drive, it felt stable and safe even in the rain. On winding mountain roads, it felt smaller and easier to handle than the Turbo, with surprisingly nimble cornering.

When you hear “hybrid,” you might think “eco car, not a sports car,” but this is clearly a sports car through and through.

Enjoying the Thrill of a Sports Car

Lately, I’ve been driving the Cayenne a lot. The Cayenne is very easy to drive, comfortable, and relaxing. It also has a sporty side, with satisfying acceleration when you press the gas on the highway.

But compared to the Cayenne, the Panamera is overwhelmingly a sports car. The seating position is lower, it’s more agile, and the driving experience is thrilling—making you want to drive more and more.

At one point, I switched from the default E-Power mode to Sport mode and drove. The engine sound was great and the volume just right. Our previous Turbo’s engine was louder and beast-like, but the hybrid’s sound was refined yet well balanced and satisfying.

I found myself muttering,

I love the Panamera so much. When the kids grow up and things settle down, I hope I can buy a Panamera again. And this time, I want to buy it myself. Oh, how I want a Panamera!

while driving.

Reflections on Driving the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid I drove this time was personally my favorite ride and driving experience among all the Panameras I’ve tried. The balance of comfort and sportiness was outstanding, and the sapphire blue body looked incredibly cool.

I also think Porsche’s driving feel and comfort vary greatly depending on the grade, and this test drive reaffirmed that.

Having driven the 970 Panamera Edition and the 971 Panamera Turbo for about five years combined, I thought I knew a lot about the Panamera, but there’s clearly still so much to discover.

It’s a deep car…

I realize this is a bit of a subjective take, but my husband will write a follow-up report soon, so please look forward to that as well.

Thank you so much to the owner who came all the way to Royu Driveway in the rain. Next time, I hope to see the sapphire blue Panamera on a sunny day!