Test drive regular hybrid vs ST?
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Instructor
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Test drive regular hybrid vs ST?
Having a real tough time finding an ST hybrid near me. But there are a number of non-ST hybrids of the same vintage/options/condition of what I'm looking for in an ST. I'm thinking of test driving the non-ST's to get a better handle on what trim (4, 4S, Turbo) and options I want. Are there major differences in the ST and the non-ST other than aesthetics that will impact the comparison? I see the weight difference for the Turbo e-hybrid is about 31 lbs (ST heavier) but I suspect I won't notice that.
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No major differences except you can't get the power rear sunshade in an ST. Every Porsche tech I talked to said avoid the e-hybrid, so I bought a regular Turbo ST. Nationwide search was required, I found mine in Virginia, flew out from Colorado and drove it back.
Burning Brakes
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From: Williamsburg, Virginia
I have driven a GTS ST and a 4EH, so not apples to apples, but I doubt very seriously you will notice anything besides the obvious.
If forced to comment, I would say that the ST felt a "little bit" light over 140mph (a little less planted?), but I haven't had a non-ST that fast so who knows. Maybe it was just confirmation bias because of the spoiler not being there.
On the other hand I really don't think the ST has any significant advantage in cargo space (that I need) so I would say it sort of comes down to looks. YMMV
If forced to comment, I would say that the ST felt a "little bit" light over 140mph (a little less planted?), but I haven't had a non-ST that fast so who knows. Maybe it was just confirmation bias because of the spoiler not being there.
On the other hand I really don't think the ST has any significant advantage in cargo space (that I need) so I would say it sort of comes down to looks. YMMV
Last edited by orca15; Nov 4, 2022 at 02:37 PM.
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Racer
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From: Charlotte, NC
These cars are complex enough before you add a hybrid system on top of it. I've driven a regular Panamera 4 and now own a ST Turbo and I would advise you test drive the turbo. That 4.0 V-8 is a blast to run and has plenty of low end torque!
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Regardless there appear to be many e-hybrid owners here on the forum who are happy with their cars so IDK. At the time I was not active here on the Panamera forum so I based my decision on what the techs told me.
I also personally owned another higher end make of PHEV in the past and was underwhelmed with the hybrid/electric side of it from a functionality/usability perspective. This was not a Porsche, but it influenced my decision not to go that way.
Last edited by Nickshu; Nov 5, 2022 at 12:37 AM.
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Thanks Nickshu. Yes, complexity and long-term reliability remain open issues. But I've decided not to get any more daily drivers that get low MPG - and the way I drive, I suspect strongly that a non-hybrid would return single digit or low teens at best.
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On road trips I have gotten over 32mpg with the cruse set at 90mph in normal mode.
The 4.0L V8TT has some pretty cool cylinder deactivation trickery. IDK if the EH has that too, I'd assume yes.
Never seen single digits, or even close to low teens.
Last edited by Nickshu; Nov 5, 2022 at 06:19 PM.
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From: Northern Colorado, USA
It's interesting. We have a 22 Macan GTS (Same V6 as in the Panamera's with that engine) and our Panamera Turbo V8TT gets better mileage on the interstate than the Macan.
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I daily drive my 18 ST Turbo (Non-EH) and get about 16.5mpg. I drive in Sport or Sport+ all the time. I have never seen below 15mpg. If I drive in normal mode and "act civilized" I get about 22 mpg. This is mixed city/highway about 60/40, maybe 70/30.
On road trips I have gotten over 32mpg with the cruse set at 90mph in normal mode.
The 4.0L V8TT has some pretty cool cylinder deactivation trickery. IDK if the EH has that too, I'd assume yes.
Never seen single digits, or even close to low teens.
On road trips I have gotten over 32mpg with the cruse set at 90mph in normal mode.
The 4.0L V8TT has some pretty cool cylinder deactivation trickery. IDK if the EH has that too, I'd assume yes.
Never seen single digits, or even close to low teens.
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From: Northern Colorado, USA
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
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I bought a 2018 EHST earlier this year with about 39000 miles and have now done 4000 more which I have hugely enjoyed, probably about 2/3 in E mode. My wife has a Tesla 3 dual motor long range and my prior car was a 2018 718 GTS. Lovely car to drive on twisties but noisy too and the boxer 4 sound did not live up to my earlier 991-2 Carrera. IN between I had a 2020 Macan S which I very much enjoyed too. But the best of the 6 Porsches for me is the present, the 2018 EHST.
Why? It is a multi-functional car - quiet and refined when in EH mode and a loud Porsche with SE in Sport + mode. I have no compunction any longer of nipping out on local errands with fears of excess weak and consumption on the engine. On long distance runs the mileage is significantly better than my Macan S with same engine and lighter car, no doubt due to regeneration. I too felt the 2-stage brake pedal to be a little strange at first but I quickly got used to the switching from regen to real braking. My principal regrets are that my car does not have either surround camera and rear axle steering. It is a long car and I find fitting it into parking spots is not as easy as the Macan and 2 seaters.
I was worried about the battery but after 3.5 years of use and 41,000 miles it still charges to 26-28 miles range overnight and supplies 24-26 miles unless i go bonkers on the interstate. No problems with the car so far - it is just a huge pleasure to drive.
Why? It is a multi-functional car - quiet and refined when in EH mode and a loud Porsche with SE in Sport + mode. I have no compunction any longer of nipping out on local errands with fears of excess weak and consumption on the engine. On long distance runs the mileage is significantly better than my Macan S with same engine and lighter car, no doubt due to regeneration. I too felt the 2-stage brake pedal to be a little strange at first but I quickly got used to the switching from regen to real braking. My principal regrets are that my car does not have either surround camera and rear axle steering. It is a long car and I find fitting it into parking spots is not as easy as the Macan and 2 seaters.
I was worried about the battery but after 3.5 years of use and 41,000 miles it still charges to 26-28 miles range overnight and supplies 24-26 miles unless i go bonkers on the interstate. No problems with the car so far - it is just a huge pleasure to drive.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 301
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From: Charlotte, NC
I bought a 2018 EHST earlier this year with about 39000 miles and have now done 4000 more which I have hugely enjoyed, probably about 2/3 in E mode. My wife has a Tesla 3 dual motor long range and my prior car was a 2018 718 GTS. Lovely car to drive on twisties but noisy too and the boxer 4 sound did not live up to my earlier 991-2 Carrera. IN between I had a 2020 Macan S which I very much enjoyed too. But the best of the 6 Porsches for me is the present, the 2018 EHST.
Why? It is a multi-functional car - quiet and refined when in EH mode and a loud Porsche with SE in Sport + mode. I have no compunction any longer of nipping out on local errands with fears of excess weak and consumption on the engine. On long distance runs the mileage is significantly better than my Macan S with same engine and lighter car, no doubt due to regeneration. I too felt the 2-stage brake pedal to be a little strange at first but I quickly got used to the switching from regen to real braking. My principal regrets are that my car does not have either surround camera and rear axle steering. It is a long car and I find fitting it into parking spots is not as easy as the Macan and 2 seaters.
I was worried about the battery but after 3.5 years of use and 41,000 miles it still charges to 26-28 miles range overnight and supplies 24-26 miles unless i go bonkers on the interstate. No problems with the car so far - it is just a huge pleasure to drive.
Why? It is a multi-functional car - quiet and refined when in EH mode and a loud Porsche with SE in Sport + mode. I have no compunction any longer of nipping out on local errands with fears of excess weak and consumption on the engine. On long distance runs the mileage is significantly better than my Macan S with same engine and lighter car, no doubt due to regeneration. I too felt the 2-stage brake pedal to be a little strange at first but I quickly got used to the switching from regen to real braking. My principal regrets are that my car does not have either surround camera and rear axle steering. It is a long car and I find fitting it into parking spots is not as easy as the Macan and 2 seaters.
I was worried about the battery but after 3.5 years of use and 41,000 miles it still charges to 26-28 miles range overnight and supplies 24-26 miles unless i go bonkers on the interstate. No problems with the car so far - it is just a huge pleasure to drive.
This car is the swiss army knife of cars and I couldn't agree with you more!