Porsche Shows You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It With the 2017 Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

If you think hybrid vehicles are only built for squeezing every drop of gas, Porsche would like to have word with you.

Later this month at the Paris Motor Show, the German sports car builder will unveil the 2017 Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. This hybrid can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, reach a top speed of 172 mph, and return an average of 2.5 lt/100 km (about 94 mpg on the European cycle). Impressed?

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid's powertrain is comprised of a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 (330 horsepower and 331 pound-feet) and an electric motor (136 horsepower and 295 pound-feet). Total output stands at 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. A new eight-speed PDK transmission routes all this power to all four wheels. One key change Porsche made to the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid was to make the full brunt of the electric power available whenever you depress the pedal. Previously, you had to put the pedal almost to the floor to get the shove of the electric motor.

The liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery has been increased from 9.4 to 14.1 kWh. What's impressive about this is the new battery isn't any heavier than the old one. Porsche says the battery can deliver an electric-only range of 31 miles. Charging the battery takes about 5.8 hours when plugged into a standard, European-spec 230-volt outlet. Opt for the quick charger and the time drops to 3.6 hours.

For Europe, you can place an order right now for Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and expect delivery next April. For North America, you'll have to wait till next summer.

Pic Credit: Porsche