Porsche Owners File #7: 971 Panamera 4E-Hybrid Purchase, Options, and Driving Review

Porsche Panamera

④ Fuel Efficiency

According to a dealer representative who also drives a Panamera 4E-Hybrid, “using it for a 10 km round trip between home and work,” they first refueled in October after starting in April (six months later!). The dealer also has a rapid charging station.

For me, the distance to work is about 30 km, and I can barely make it one way in E-mode. Since there’s no charging station at work, I can’t replicate the dealer’s experience. However, I believe it’s possible for some people.
My Panamera currently shows about 15 km/L (35 miles/gallon), but with careful driving, it should go further. However, I can’t resist the temptation to floor it in Sport mode (laughs).

⑤ Ride Comfort and Feel

− Balancing “Sports” and “Comfort”

The body construction gives a solid sense of rigidity. I usually set the air suspension to Medium. In city driving, the benefits of the Hard & Low Sport+ mode are mainly felt when taking highway ramps or intersections at speeds above the limit.
In E-mode and Hybrid mode, the ride is relaxed, and it’s the first time I’ve experienced a car that balances “sportiness” and “comfort” so well.

− Adaptive Cruise Control

Regarding ride comfort beyond the engine, handling, and suspension, let’s talk about assist features. This is a comparison with the Volvo XC90. Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist is incredibly convenient. It’s essential for long highway drives at constant speeds and navigating traffic jams.
The Panamera’s sensors are excellent, comparable to Volvo’s highly regarded system. There’s minimal stress when resuming speed after the car in front moves or decelerating for cut-ins.

Lane Keep Assist

Next, about lane keep assist. Mina’s blog mentioned the car drifting right, but I haven’t experienced that; it seems to maintain the center. Some may dislike the odd feedback when assist kicks in, but I found Volvo’s system more mechanical and uncomfortable.
In that sense, I prefer the Panamera’s subtle lane keep assist.

One concern is that it occasionally makes unnecessary corrections at intersections, possibly reacting to something else. I’m not sure if it’s just my imagination or the reason behind it. Also, when crossing lanes, a warning sound is emitted, but I think steering vibration would be a better alert.

⑥ Family Reactions

The design and driving have received high praise from my family. The kids say it’s “much better than the Maserati Ghibli.” The reasons are twofold: “It’s quieter” and “the rear seat comfort is better.” It seems I was the only one who enjoyed the Maserati’s high-pitched engine sound. The rear seats are indeed better than the Maserati’s, with more space and softer seats, which is appreciated by passengers.


(Left: Maserati Ghibli, Right: Panamera. The Panamera offers significantly more legroom, reducing the risk of seat-kicking and dirt.)

⑦ Favorite Points

The Marsala interior color and acid green brake calipers are my favorites. The Marsala interior is unified in one color for the seats, steering wheel, and console. It’s a burgundy that appears brownish under certain lighting, offering a sophisticated and luxurious feel.


The acid green brake calipers highlight that this Panamera is a hybrid, adding a color accent that I love.

⑧ Other Aspects

As a first-time PHV owner, “installing a charging port on the garage wall and charging upon returning home” is a fresh experience. In the U.S., it takes 13-14 hours to fully charge at the standard 110V, but installing a 220V outlet reduces it to 3-4 hours. However, there’s rarely a need for such quick charging unless it’s a fully electric vehicle like Tesla.


(This type of charging port is easily DIY-installed with just two screws.)

Additionally, there’s a diamond-marked button on the right side of the steering wheel, which can be assigned various functions. I’ve set it to “LIFT” for raising the vehicle height, which is convenient for avoiding scrapes on bumps or entering multi-story parking lots.

5) Must-Have Options for Future Porsche Purchases

While not an option, I aspire to own a PHV and eventually a Porsche EV. I’m also intrigued by the rumors of a hybrid 911 and curious about what kind of car it will be. As technology in this field continues to evolve, I look forward to experiencing these advancements.
For the long Panamera, rear axle steering is essential, and assist features are a must for me, especially during traffic jams.

6) Areas of Concern

Brakes

I’m concerned about the brakes. According to Mina’s article, “Porsche brakes tend to squeal and are very effective.” The E-Hybrid’s brakes have excellent stopping power, but due to regenerative braking, they feel slightly less firm. Compared to the Ghibli’s brakes, which had a strong bite, these feel more subdued.
It’s a drawback, but considering it generates power for the next acceleration, it feels like modern F1 or the 919, which is exciting. So far, I haven’t experienced any “squealing.” It might be due to individual differences or because it’s an E-Hybrid, but if I had to mention a concern, it would be the brakes.

Smartphone App

Regarding the smartphone app, you can control features like precooling and preheating from the iPhone app, but the connection is somewhat unstable. There’s often a “Connection error.”


(Right: Connection not available between the PCC server and the car is common)

7) Overall Impression

I’m thoroughly satisfied with my decision to focus solely on the 4E-Hybrid. It’s impressive how it balances high-level sports driving and comfort daily.
The Panamera 4E-Hybrid is a car that can satisfy everyone, depending on the mood and situation. When I want to experience Porsche’s “driving” alone, I switch to Sport mode; when I want a quiet, relaxed drive with my family, I use Hybrid or E-mode. Of course, there are times when I want to drive quietly alone, and it’s great that it can accommodate those moods.

However, Porsche’s essence is sports driving. The Panamera E-Hybrid allows you to experience the speed, technology, and reliability proven by the 919.

8) What Does Porsche Mean to You?

An Encounter with the Unknown

I’m not well-versed in Porsche, and this is my first time driving one since delivery. I’m looking forward to the future.

〘Blog Administrator’s Thoughts〙
It’s enviable that the Rear 2+1 seats option is available in the U.S. Also, SN’s report made me realize that no matter how much Porsche evolves, it remains a “sports car.” I would love to try a hybrid myself. Thank you, SN!

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