UK Drive: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo adds a little extra practicality to an already excellent package

What is it?

Porsche has given the Panamera, its executive class hatchback, the estate treatment. Not only is the Sport Turismo more practical than others in the range, to our eyes it’s better looking, too.

However, this being a style-conscious product there isn’t a Volvo-style obsession with practicality, rather a bit more space in a handsome package. The result is that you won’t be able to fit three adults across the back seats and might be confined to flat-packed furniture rather than fully assembled wardrobes in the boot – but if that’s not an issue there’s a lot to like about the Sport Turismo.

What’s new?

As this is based on the standard Panamera’s platform, there’s not a great deal that’s new, aside from the enlarged boot, of course. The roof is a few millimetres higher too, which helps cabin space. However, this hybrid model’s boot is slightly smaller than its non-hybridised equivalents thanks to the packaging of the drivetrain, with 425 litres of seats up boot space and 1,295 litres with the seats down comparing with 520 litres and 1,390.

That means that while it is practical, buyers do need to make some spatial concessions in the name of badge appeal and style – or opt for a rival such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

What’s under the bonnet?

There are three hybrid models – a short and long wheelbase 4 E-Hybrid, and a high-performance 4 E-Hybrid Turbo based on the smaller chassis. We tested the short wheelbase 4 E-Hybrid, so performance comes from a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electric motor.

With 326bhp and 134bhp respectively, they produce a combined 456bhp, which is more than enough performance to make brisk progress. However, because the powertrain is so punchy, it does make the official fuel economy figure of 113mpg a tad optimistic – we saw high 40s across the duration of our test.

What’s it like to drive?

As you’d expect from a model in the premium executive market, the Panamera is silky smooth to drive. The hybrid powertrain suits it down to the ground, too, because the hush of the electric motors around town only amplifies the refinement. The eight-speed automatic transmission is slick too, so you’ll barely notice as it shifts cogs.

The driving position is also spot-on – unsurprising for a brand that made its name making some of the greatest sports cars on the road. You sit lower than you expect for a large estate, but it quickly becomes intuitive, and the cosseting cabin is fantastically cosy over long distances.

How does it look?

The first generation Panamera was a bit frumpy to most eyes, but the latest updates have given it a more sleek and sophisticated appearance. It arguably looks even better in Sport Turismo estate form, gaining an elegance that’s arguably missing from the saloon versions.

There’s bundles of badge appeal, too. Porsche has a reputation for making premium products, and the Panamera simply oozes this classy, upmarket appeal in a way most rivals could only dream of.

What’s it like inside?

Owners of Panamera models gone by will feel instantly at home in the latest model, which continues to combine a spacious interior with a cosseting, sports car-like driving position. Those coming from Porsche’s rivals might find the driving position odd in such a big car at first, but it quickly becomes second nature and makes you wonder why all manufacturers don’t dedicate so much time to nailing the driving position.

Elsewhere, the newly digitised dashboard is a delightful tech-fest, from the instrument binnacle with built-in screens for the satellite navigation system and other useful information, to the widescreen, high-definition display in the centre console – it’s up there with the best of them.

What’s the spec like?

As you’d expect from an expensive, premium product, the Panamera’s specification is impressive. The most obvious thing from the driver’s seat is the digital displays that dominate the dashboard, but the soft leather and general use of high quality materials throughout is also worthy of note.

Meanwhile, Porsche Connect is a genuinely useful bit of kit. It allows you to connect your car and phone to sync up your diary, accessing information such as trips to the airport or meeting friends so you have all the information you need to get where you’re going.

Verdict

The Panamera Sport Turismo effortlessly combines sports car prowess, long distance cruising ability and decent practicality into one highly desirable package. If you’re looking for pure mile-munching comfort then alternatives from BMW might be better, but those who enjoy attacking a winding country road from time to time will find the Porsche to be the perfect package. And in hybrid form running costs are decent, too, making it tick all the right boxes.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo 4 E-Hybrid
Price: £81,141
Engine: 2.9-litre V6 petrol and electric motor
Power: 456bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Max speed: 172mph
0-60mph: 4.4 seconds
MPG: 113
Emissions: 56g/km