Nah, I'm going for the hybrid version ...
OK, hybrid-powered Porsches are sounding cool these days in Thailand because they can be sold at attractive prices _ thanks to tax perks _ while maintaining thumping performance.
But the Panamera Diesel isn't a slouc. It gets a 250hp 3.0-litre V6 engine that can catapult the car from 0-100kph in 6.8sec. The Panamera S Hybrid has a 380hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and electric assistance, good for a 6.0sec time. That isn't a big difference.
- But the hybrid version is still frugal ...
Considering all that 380hp performance and a claimed 14kpl, you could say so. But the Cayenne Diesel can do 15.9kpl, and Porsche is also boasting a theoretical touring range of 1,200km with 80 litres of black oil on board. Doesn't that attract you?
The Panamera diesel is capable of 15.9kpl.
- Nah, and the hybrid version costs less ...
OK, the S Hybrid is slated to cost some 11.2 million baht in Thailand, while the Diesel should cost a little higher at 11.5 million. They are expected to go on sale this June and August respectively.
In Germany, the S Hybrid commands a 25% premium over the Diesel. But the former is cheaper in Thailand due to the 10% excise tax; the latter is subject to 50%.
- See, the hybrid version is better value ...
From that point of view, certainly. You may ask why a more frugal (and cleaner) Panamera needs to bear a 40% tax burden more than another sibling ... that's the Thai excise tax regime.
But on the other hand, diesel fuel is still capped at no more 30 baht per litre in Thailand (thanks to those debatable subsidies). From this view, the Panamera Diesel can be regarded as better value in terms of running costs. Cool?
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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