Vehicle Tested
2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid (3.0L V6 Supercharger Hybrid 8-speed Automatic)
Driven On
11/29/2011
Ratings Summary
This rating has been carried forward from a prior year because the newer model has no substantial differences.
The Panamera S Hybrid might be the world's best hybrid sedan. Yet, because of its price, other even more mind-blowing Panamera variants available, and because the Panamera seats only four adults, we reluctantly award it a B rating.
B
Performance
Sure, it's a gasoline-electric hybrid-powered sedan. But make no mistake, this is still a Porsche.
| Acceleration |
B
|
A combined output of 380 horsepower propels this hefty sedan to 60 mph in about 5 seconds. That's quick in anybody's book, hybrid or not. |
| Braking |
B
|
The feel of, and reaction from, the Panamera hybrid's regenerative brakes is definitely not as linear or intuitive as a non-hybrid Panamera. Track results are still outstanding. |
| Steering |
B
|
Porsche had sorted the Panamera's electric-assist steering prior to the hybrid's introduction. It doesn't have a perfectly transparent feel, but it's still a very good system. |
| Handling |
B
|
One of the best-handling large sedans in existence, hybrid or otherwise. A sophisticated dynamic stability control system is standard. It allows for some serious driver fun. |
| Driveability |
B
|
The driver-defeatable automatic engine stop/start feature is apparent. Once underway, the delivery and blending of either power source is barely noticeable. |
A
Comfort
With equal parts luxury, performance and efficiency, the Panamera S Hybrid is a very comfortable sedan despite its seemingly mixed-purpose mission. Excellent seats, ride and quietness.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
Only seats four, but standard 8-way power front seats (optional heat and active bolstering) plus optional 8-way power rear seats all offer exceptional comfort. |
| Ride Comfort |
A
|
Standard multi-mode adaptive air suspension envelopes all but the largest road imperfections. |
| Quietness |
A
|
Excellent aerodynamics and very good seals keep wind noise to a minimum while ample measures ensure road isolation. Have to look hard to find a more hushed cabin. |
B
Interior
Clever ergonomics, large-sedan spaciousness and flexible cargo capacity provide the Panamera S Hybrid with a useful, welcoming interior.
| Ergonomics |
A
|
What initially looks like an intimidating waterfall of buttons and rockers is truly an ergonomic triumph. Even the touchscreen navigation and audio systems are intuitive once used. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
Typical sedan entry/exit up front with only a slightly lower door opening in the rear. |
| Space/Room |
C
|
It looks confining from the outside, but the Panamera is truly spacious inside with adult-size seats (for only 4 however) and plenty of headroom all around. |
| Visibility |
C
|
Front and rear parking sensors as well as a reverse camera are all optional for a reason, as there are some problematic rearward sightlines. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
There's 12 cu-ft of trunk room with all seats occupied and 40.7 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down. Plus, it has an easy-loading hatchback. |
B
Value
Nobody will argue the fact that there are more cost-effective, more fuel-efficient hybrid sedans. But none perform or drive as well as this Panamera S Hybrid.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
Porsche is renowned for its uncompromising engineering, construction and quality of materials. Typical Porsche-perfect build quality inside and out. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
In an effort to keep the car's cost and weight down, many features found standard on other sport/luxury sedans are optional on the Panamera S Hybrid. |
| Cost |
D
|
At $95,000 to start, the Panamera S Hybrid is no bargain, even if you add up all the tech and performance baked into it. |
| MPG |
B
|
With an EPA rating of 20 city/30 highway/25 mpg combined, the Panamera S Hybrid is respectably fuel-efficient, especially since it will run to 60 mph in 5 seconds. |
| Warranty |
C
|
With so many manufacturers offering up to 100,000-mile warranties, Porsche's 4-year 50,000-mile basic and drivetrain warranties seem weak. |
| Ownership |
A
|
The Porsche ownership experience is one of the best with high-quality dealerships and various owner's clubs. A 4-year/50,000-mile roadside assistance program doesn't hurt either. |
B
Fun To Drive
Were it not for the compromises of the hybrid powertrain, the Panamera S Hybrid would have scored higher.
| Driving Experience |
B
|
The electricity-regenerative brakes and the automatic engine stop/start system make themselves known. Otherwise, the Panamera S Hybrid amazes with its performance and polish. |
| Personality |
B
|
There's no mistaking the Panamera for anything else on the road, and nothing else drives like it. Plenty of personality inside and out. |
