2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

US fuel-economy numbers still to be determined

Fuel economy figures haven't been released yet, but it's not unreasonable to expect them to be similar to the Cayenne S Hybrid with which it shares the powertrain. According to Edmunds Inside Line, Porsche says the Panamera S Hybrid will return an average of 33 mpg on the European driving cycle. That test is different than the one used to determine U.S. EPA fuel-economy ratings, however, so expect a lower number when the numbers do come out. Still, if it can approach 30 mpg on the highway, that will give it better fuel economy than its current luxury hybrid competition but still inferior numbers to the most efficient nonluxury hybrid sedans like the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid (Base MSRP: $28,600) and 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

In Car and Driver's brief "First Drive" review, tester Juergen Zoellter says, "We estimate the EPA will rate it at 23 mpg city and 28 highway, commendable for a 4400-pound sedan." He then describes his observed fuel economy during the car's media launch in South Africa, saying, "After three hours of driving in and around Capetown, the infotainment screen indicated that the V-6 had been resting for 88 minutes of our drive, or almost half the time. We drove a total of 1100 miles at an average speed of 53 mph and recorded 27 mpg."

On the other hand, the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid produces  380 horsepower and is expected to run 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds with its eight-speed automatic transmission. Porsche says the hybrid four-door's top speed is more than 160 mph.

Early returns suggest an engaging all-around performer

Several media outlets have had some brief seat time in the Porsche hybrid sedan, and the early feedback is positive. Writing for Popular Mechanics, Ben Wojdyla says "the Panamera outperforms expectations, hybrid or not." He reports that cornering is "gloriously flat" and that the hybrid system itself is "completely transparent and never intrusive." Performance lives up to the Porsche reputation, and ultimately, the Panamera S Hybrid's "best trick is being an excellent luxury sports sedan and an excellent hybrid at the same time -- something unseen until now."

The 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is expected to be released in the second half of 2011. Base MSRP will be $95,975, and we will update this report once media outlets begin to publish full comparison tests and individual comprehensive reviews of Porsche's new "green" luxury performance car.