Pure Pleasure In The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.

The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is a luxury Grand Tourer capable of whisking four people on continental journeys. It does this with outstanding performance and comfort, which you expect from the German marque. Jeremy Webb discovered the pure pleasure of driving the exceptional saloon.

Putting your foot down in a Porsche is always a pleasure. The sensation is heightened in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which has a tremendous powertrain that provides Usain Bolt acceleration. Pushed back into your seat, the adrenaline flows, and the scenery blurs, such is the instant power delivery from the twin-turbo ICE combined with the electric motor.

The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid combines a 300bhp 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with an 188bhp electric motor linked to an eight-speed PDK gearbox. The power is directed onto the road via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that controls the 4WD torque split. The technology is why the Porsche Panamera 4 E-hybrid is super smooth and incredibly rapid if you wish it to be. You can also happily poodle about enjoying the luxurious interior. Yeah, forget that; you buy one of these for the thrills.

The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid has a more advanced hybrid system than the previous generation, a larger drive battery, and better energy recovery. The German marque claims the electric range is up to 60 miles, around 25 miles further than generation 2 vehicles.

The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid's ride is polished due to impressive suspension technology that evens out bumps, potholes, and whatever road surfaces can throw at it. Occupants won’t hear much outside noise, allowing them to relax and enjoy the smooth ride because the Porsche has increased noise-insulation material around the bodywork.

Like most modern cars, the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid features digital screens for infotainment and driver display. Everything is clear; you can choose from many designs to see the information you want.

The cabin design is a good size and luxurious, with plenty of light entering and a lovely driving position. Porsche always makes its vehicles performance-focused, and drivers will love this one.

The comfort throughout makes long trips a breeze, and you can pack a considerable amount of luggage in, especially if you don’t have rear passengers.

The rear seats fold nearly flat, so carrying a good-sized table to the tip is possible.

When you start it up, the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid defaults to electric mode and can run on battery for as long as the charge lasts without engaging the V6 engine. If you want a boost from the ICE, you can select a drive mode operated from the rotary control on the steering wheel.

Bringing the V6 twin-turbo into action is satisfying, making the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid shift rapidly.

The instant torque from the electric motor allows for safe overtakes, and you can feel the pulse of the Porsche as if it were alive. Expect to get around 30 miles of range in electric mode, which isn’t great when the German marque claims around 60 miles. Electric Hybrids must start providing a 60-plus range to be considered a benefit.

The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will deliver 500 miles between refuelling, partly thanks to the 11kW onboard charger, which recovers the battery to full rapidly. The vehicle is fantastic at travelling long distances comfortably and quickly, so it meets the Grand Tourer criteria.

Owning a Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will make you smile, and I would feel privileged to. The car envelops you in luxury and comfort with the pleasure of performance.

The Porsche Panamera range starts from £80,495

Panamera 4 E-Hybrid £91,000