2018 PORSCHE PANAMERA 4 E-HYBRID SPORT TURISMO FIRST TEST

By its very definition, no one wins when you compromise. This is especially true if you're a discerning car enthusiast looking for a one-size-fits-all approach to your family car. More often than not, the cars that are most practical aren't particularly fun to drive, but sportier options are neither roomy nor efficient. That equation gets even more complicated once you bring efficiency, fuel costs, and climate change-causing emissions into the equation. Thankfully, it seems some problems are easily solved by throwing money at them—the 2018 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is the ultimate be-all, end-all family car for the evolved (and let's get this out of the way early—wealthy) car enthusiast.

PRACTICALITY

You're not going to be able to sell your significant other on a family car if it isn't practical. Riding on the Volkswagen Group's MSB platform, the Panamera Sport Turismo shares everything forward of (and beneath) the B-pillar with its non-Sport Turismo sibling. Behind that B-pillar is a revised roofline, ending in a tidy-looking tailgate. The already-roomy rear seat benefits from the extra airiness provided by a larger rear cargo area, and cargo volume in the trunk balloons from 14.3 to 18.3 cubic feet.

The fold-flat back seat is tilted back a bit to improve headroom for taller passengers without ruining the roofline (as was the case with the first-generation Panamera); legroom, although not limolike, is perfectly acceptable for most taller occupants.

Front occupants are well taken care of, too, with comfortable seats, near-SUV levels of visibility, and a large, easy-to-use Porsche Connect infotainment display. Its sole miss—not enough cupholders or storage cubbies for family considerations.

SPORTINESS

Just like a Jeep has got to live up to the badge on its hood, a Porsche does, too. This family-friendly hybrid station wagon delivers in spades there. Developed using technology and know-how from Porsche's 918 Spyder hypercar and Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid, the Panamera Sport Turismo pairs a 330-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 with a 136-hp electric motor wedged between the six-cylinder and Porsche's latest PDK eight-speed twin-clutch automatic. Its total system output is a not-insignificant 464 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That's more power and more torque than the twin-turbo V-8-powered Panamera GTS.