L.A. Auto Show 2016: Porsche's Panamera Hybrid

L.A. Auto Show 2016: Porsche’s Panamera Hybrid

Nov. 16, 2016 10:15 AM PT

What is it?

Porsche is adding a pair of hybrids and an extended wheelbase to its line of Panamera luxury sports cars. The Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive, making its world premiere at this week along with the Panamera Turbo Executive, will feature more horsepower, more performance and more amenities — and a higher MSRP — than previous Panameras.

Why it matters

With the second generation of the Panamera, Porsche is pushing deeper into the luxury market, and perhaps thinking more about China, by increasing the rear seat real estate but keeping the brand’s traditional sports car performance specs. These vehicles are specifically designed for sports car enthusiasts who want someone else behind the wheel.

The competition

With Panamera price points extending past $100,000 for the hybrids and $150,000 for the turbo, Porsche is begging for comparisons with the world’s finest performance touring cars. Cross-shoppers could include folks in the market for a Mercedes-Benz S Class, Audi A8L or even Bentley Flying Spur.

The details

The new four-door premium passenger Panameras get extended wheelbases and make use of the extra room — 6 inches more legroom — with more luxurious rear seat compartments. Seats are eight-way adjustable. Ten-inch entertainment screens, one for each seat, slide out and turn into tablets when the ride is over. Engine options increase too. Now available with a V-6 turbo, the Panamera line can also be had with powerplants that pump out 330 horsepower (the Panamera 4 Executive), 440 horsepower (the 4S Executive), 462 horsepower (the 4 E-Hybrid Executive) and 550 horsepower (the Turbo Executive).

More to Read

Autos

Charles Fleming

Charles Fleming writes about automobiles and motorcycles for the Los Angeles Times’ Business section. He also writes the urban hiking column LA Walks. A former staff writer for Newsweek, Variety and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, he is the author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller “High Concept: Don Simpson and the Hollywood Culture of Excess,” the New York Times bestseller “My Lobotomy,” and “Secret Stairs, A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” and its sequel, “Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles.”