Panamera desire but also confusion? Such is life in the fast lane.

This hugely-successful model has bloomed into an eight-strong fleet this year.

What is new? The Turbo S, Panamera LWB, Diesel and even this all-new plug-in e-Hybrid. (Versions outlined and pricing comparisons here in previous article.)

The Panamera S e-Hybrid slides in between the Panamera S and the Panamera 4S on price.

Surely, luxury limo’s are passe company cars for those with more dollars than actual eco guilt? No longer.

The Panamera S e-Hybrid is the first-ever plug-in luxury car in existence. Doubtful? Count them down.

1. Tesla = 100% EV

2. Fisker Karma = EREV with plug-in functionality, but company is defunct.

3. S400 Hybrid, BMW ActiveHybrid 7 series? = mild hybrids, both

4. Lexus LS600Lh = dual-mode hybrid without plug

5. Acura RLX Hybrid = dual-mode hybrid without plug

6. Infiniti Q50S Hybrid = dual-mode hybrid without plug

Unless you count the (very unfortunate) Chevrolet Volt — plug-in hybrid technology has been much trickier to achieve in real life than many luxury brands will openly admit.

This part-electric Panamera is also the fastest plug-in electric four-door on Earth!

How does 5.2-seconds to 60mph and a 167MPH top speed sound? Both are amazing achievements — especially when paired with the 20-plus miles of EV-only cruising in silence and the real-world economy figures in the high 20’s city, mid-30’s on the highway.

The official EPA stats are not yet available, so the above are ball=park figures. But the eMPG rating is likely to start with a 60 or 70 tally. This triple threat makes the new Hybrid Panamera a huge leap above any of the hybrids or EVs listed above.

 

How is this possible when there is barely a normal hybrid anywhere in the VW Group lineup?

Two words: 918 Spyder.

 

The shared plug-in dock of the 918 and the Panamera e-Hybrid is no coincidence — they share many core parts the skin. More doubting?

Why do I love Panameras so? A family member owns a 2009 Panamera S that drives better than any luxo-barge, ever. Crisp responsives, huge power — but little choppiness and a comfy ride. Magic. (Link opens previous BlackMagic TireWet Foam article.)

So: no more doubting.

Let’s imagine you are on-board and in agreement. How to buy the coolest Panamera e-Hybrid out there in the littlest time possible?

Let us guide you on the trip — with selections and 720 images (snapped as screenshots) while configuring my dream hybrid limousine.

Sidebar: oh, your computer monitor does not snap a photo every second of every day? Huh. Weird! Just kidding. I am the weird one.

All the below configurations are viewable and customizable here via my Porsche.com configurator share link.

http://www.porsche.com/microsite/porsche-code/?c=/PFPAXJM8

ALL WHEEL CHOICES

COLORS — ALL

INTERIOR — Selected Configurations Shown

OPTIONS — Selected Configurations Shown

“My” Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

I have configured a Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid. You can find my configuration at www.porsche-code.com/PFPAXJM8.

 

 

 

 

Engine	Tiptronic S
Engine layout	Front Engine / Rear wheel drive
Cylinder layout / number of cylinders	V engine / 6
Displacement	3.0 Liters
Horsepower	Combustion Engine: 333 hp Electric Motor: 95 hp Total Output: 416 hp
@ rpm	5500 rpm
Torque	Combustion Engine: 325 lb.-ft. Electric Motor: 229 lb.-ft. Combined: 435 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio	10.5 : 1

Performance	Tiptronic S
Top Track Speed	167 mph
0 – 60 mph	5.2 s

Price	Tiptronic S
	MSRP $ 99,000.00

Drive

Engine	Tiptronic S
Engine layout	Front Engine / Rear wheel drive
Cylinder layout / number of cylinders	V engine / 6
Displacement	3.0 Liters
Horsepower	Combustion Engine: 333 hp Electric Motor: 95 hp Total Output: 416 hp
@ rpm	5500 rpm
Torque	Combustion Engine: 325 lb.-ft. Electric Motor: 229 lb.-ft. Combined: 435 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio	10.5 : 1