PORSCHE is launching a revised version of its big Panamera saloon. The news for company car drivers is the arrival of a 416PS plug-in hybrid version that delivers tax-dodging CO2 emissions of 71g/km.
The S E-Hybrid can travel up to 22 miles in electric-only mode
Porsche already offers a hybrid drivetrain in the Panamera but the plug-in version – badged Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid – has a more powerful electric motor turning out 95PS rather than 47PS.
Plus it gets a beefier battery with five times as much capacity and which can be charged externally from the mains.
The Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid can travel for up to 22 miles in electric-only mode and also reach 84mph without using its petrol engine. With the electric motor providing an acceleration boost, 62mph comes up from rest in just 5.5 seconds.
There’s also a coasting feature which shuts off the petrol engine and generates electricity via energy recovery under certain conditions. A wide range of hybrid drivetrain functions can be monitored or controlled via a smart-phone app.
Besides the plug-in hybrid, the revised Panamera range also includes a new twin-turbo V6 petrol option for S and 4S models. Despite its smaller size and the loss of two cylinders, it provides 20PS more power and 18 per cent better fuel economy than the 4.8-litre V8 it replaces.
All Panameras get a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard.
The revised Porsche Panamera makes its official market debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.
UK prices will be confirmed closer to the new cars’ arrival here in July.
But with CO2 emissions as low as 71g/km, not only will the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid qualify for a company car tax band of 5% – yes, 5% company car tax! – but 100% first year writing down allowance too.
It looks like a great performer – both on the road, and potentially on your tax bill!
