By Otsile Kadiege

Porsche recently lifted the veils off the new Panamera’s flagship model derivatives, namely the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS. According to Porsche, the Panamera GTS will be the performance-focused derivative while the Turbo S E-Hybrid is focused on luxury with “racetrack-level top performance”.

Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid performance

Both models are powered by the further developed single-scroll turbocharger 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine that is already used to power the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is the most powerful Panamera produced in series so far. Its V8 biturbo engine has an output of 441 kW , and the output of the electric motor completely integrated into the housing and into the cooling circuit of the PDK amounts to 140 kW. Compared to its predecessor, its system output has been increased by 75 kW to 575 kW, and the system torque has risen by 150 Nm to 1,000 Nm. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h. This signifies an enhancement of 25 km/h and 0.5 seconds.

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid hybrid powertrain offers greater electric range, faster charging and more agile responsiveness thanks to a 25.9 kWh (gross) battery pack which stores 45 per cent more energy than the predecessor battery did. This gives the most powerful Panamera an electric range of up to 88 km (WLTP EAER City). At a suitable power source, the 11 kW on-board AC charger charges the battery from zero to 100 per cent in around two hours and 39 minutes.

Panamera GTS performance

The new GTS Panamera develops 368 kW, 15 kW more than the drive that its predecessor exhibited. This results in better driving performance and dynamics, and even greater efficiency. The four-door sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 302 km/h. As standard, the GTS model is fitted with a sports exhaust system.

Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid exterior and interior

At the rear, the chrome-plated tailpipes in Dark Bronze complete this look. The standard equipment for the Turbo S E-Hybrid also includes the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) with yellow brake callipers. Acid Green is also available as a typical E-Hybrid colour.

Turbonite, the metallic grey tone, is exclusively reserved for the Turbo models. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has this colour on its air-blades at the front of the car, on the strip of its rear bumper, and on the forged 21-inch Panamera Turbo S centre-lock wheels. Porsche also uses Turbonite in the interior, for example on the trim strips and belt straps, the controls in the centre console, and the steering wheel. Turbonite contrast stitching also features on the seats, door panel trim, dashboard and floor mats. The roof lining is completely upholstered with the suede-like Race-Tex.

Panamera GTS exterior and interior

As is the case across all model lines, the Porsche GTS models can be identified by their distinctive sporty design. Black GTS logos on the sides and rear of the car, a unique front section, dark-tinted HD matrix LED headlights and tail lights, as well as red brake callipers also make the Panamera GTS unmistakable. The standard Sport package also includes body trim elements in satin-matt Black. These include side skirts, insets in the front area, side window trim, and the rear bumper. Porsche has kept the tailpipes of the sports exhaust system in Dark Bronze to create an exciting contrast. A further accent is added by the 21-inch Turbo S centre-lock wheels in Anthracite Grey.

In the interior, Porsche is lavish in its use of the suede-like Race-Tex. It covers the roof lining, armrests and door panels, as well as the centre panels of the adaptive sports seats with 18-way adjustment. Porsche also offers two GTS-specific interior packages in Carmine Red or Slate Grey Neo. The decorative stitching and belts also come in the colour of the selected package. An interior package in Carbon matt is also available. The standard equipment of the Panamera GTS also includes a Bose sound system and the Sport Chrono package with a stopwatch and the push-to-pass function.

Pricing

Panamera GTS – R3,223,000

Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid – R4,808,000