THE Geneva Show will see the debut of the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) flagship for a Porsche model range with the stunning new 192mph Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid that combines an electric motor with a 4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine.

The result is super sports car levels of performance in a luxury saloon car. The total system power of 680hp brings acceleration from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds and yet up to 31 miles range in fully electric mode.

Priced from £137,140, the four-door four-seater is available to order now in standard and long wheelbase for delivery from July for the ultimate business executive travel.

As a consequence of the performance characteristics of the hybrid technology, the all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid offers 850Nm of torque effectively from idle speed. That means it can sprint from standstill to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with launch control, and go on to reach a top speed of 192mph.

The E-Performance boost strategy of the new Panamera is derived from the Porsche 918 Spyder super sports car.

Balancing this best in class performance are typical Porsche levels of efficiency that are also best in class. In addition to the capability to drive on electric power alone for up to 31 miles, in the New European Driving Cycle the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid can achieve up to 97.4 mpg.

With the announcement of this latest model, for the first time Porsche introduces a plug-in hybrid as the flagship of a model range. Joining the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid that was launched last autumn, the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid further underlines the high importance of electro-mobility at Porsche.

This new type of ‘E-Performance’ delivering higher power, higher driving pleasure, higher efficiency – is seen by Porsche as the performance kit of the future on the road today.

Unique drive concept with V8 engine and electric motor

After the successful début of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which combines a V6 engine with an electric motor, the new Turbo S E-Hybrid demonstrates once more the performance potential of Porsche hybrid technology.

The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid combines an electric motor (100kW/136hp) with a V8 twin-turbo petrol engine (550hp). The transition between power units is managed by a de-coupler installed in the Porsche hybrid module in the drivetrain. This is operated electro-mechanically by an electric clutch actuator (ECA), as in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The result is short response times and a high level of comfort.

As in all other second-generation Panamera models, a fast-shifting eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch transmission is featured. This drives all four wheels via the adaptive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system, and provides assured traction at all speeds and road conditions.

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and also adds adaptive, three chamber air suspension as standard. This offers a unique balance in the market segment: the comfort of a luxury saloon paired with super sports car performance.

Further dynamic features include Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and 21-inch diameter alloy wheels in the 911 Turbo Design.

The electric motor is supplied with power via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 14.1 kWh. Within six hours, the high-voltage battery (integrated under the luggage compartment floor) is fully charged with 10A via a 230V connection. If the optional 7.2 kW on-board charger and a 230V connection with 32A instead of the standard 3.6kW charger is used, the battery can be fully charged in just 2.4 hours.

The charging process can also be started using a timer via Porsche Communication Management (PCM) or the Porsche Connect app (for smartphones and Apple Watch). Moreover, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is fitted with auxiliary air conditioning to cool or heat the passenger compartment remotely, even during charging.

Performance, comfort and efficiency combined

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid starts in the purely electric “E-Power” mode as standard, and the four-door sports car can drive locally over a distance of up to 30 miles with zero emissions. When a specific pressure point is passed in the accelerator pedal, or when the battery charge level drops below a minimum value, the Panamera switches to “Hybrid Auto” mode, at which point the power of both engines is available. Consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) for plug-in hybrid models amounts to 97.4 mpg (2.9 l/100 km), equivalent to 66g/km of CO2, and 16.2 kW/h/100 km for electric power.

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid celebrates its world première at the Geneva Motor Show (March 7 to 19). The four-door saloon Gran Turismo will also be offered in a long wheelbase version, with the rear passenger compartment extended 150mm (six inches).

The new flagship of the second generation Panamera is now available to order from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland and first customer deliveries will arrive in July this year.

The recommended retail prices including VAT for the Turbo S PHEV in the UK is £137,140.00 and £146,545.00 for the long wheelbase version.

Customers will also be invited to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the unique tracks at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.