Porsche launches revised Panamera

Porsche has revealed the revised Panamera which goes on sale in the UK this July. The performance saloon gets subtle styling changes with a more angular front end and a new bonnet, bringing it in line with the new Cayman. The facelift also sees the launch of a plug-in hybrid version which can return up to 91mpg according to the claimed figures.

While the design changes aren't huge, there are some key changes, most notably at the back with a new tailgate that sees the number plate dropped down to the lower part of the bumper. Again the bumper is sharper while the tailgate itself is flatter, making the Panamera appear less bulky overall.

But the big news is the introduction of the Panamera S E-Hybrid which builds on the Panamera Hybrid launched in mid 2011. It uses the same parallel full hybrid system but fitted with a more powerful electric motor and a higher performance battery. The biggest change is that it's now a plug-in hybrid and can be fully charged from a standard domestic plus in less than four hours.

As a result fuel economy dramatically improves compared to the previous standard hybrid model with official fuel economy increasing by more than 50 per cent to 91mpg while emissions are just 71g/km meaning zero annual car tax and exemption from the London congestion charge zone. Total power is 416PS and performance has also improved. The S E-Hybrid can get to 84mph in all-electric mode while 0-62mph takes just 5.5 seconds. Top speed is 168mph and it comes with the same eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox as the Panamera Diesel.

The electric motor produces 95PS, more than double that of the previous Panamera Hybrid, while the range is 22 miles, although this depends on how the car is being driven. Porsche reckons a realistic all-electric driving range in everyday conditions is between 11 and 22 miles. An app is available to owners which lets them see the charge status and allows them to pre-heat or cool the car.

There are changes to the rest of the Panamera range too. The 4.8-litre V8 engine from the Panamera S has sadly been dropped, replaced by a new 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine which is more economical. It has 20PS more power than the V8 and 20Nm extra torque while the maximum 520Nm is available over a wider range.

Standard equipment on all models includes xenon headlights, automatic tailgate opening, leather interior, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, Porsche Communication Management satellite navigation with seven-inch touch-screen, Digital radio, eight-way powered front seat adjustment, front and rear electric windows while four-wheel drive models add Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive.