For those that have purchased them, what were the reasons? I'm curious why people go the Hybrid route?

 

Although I didn't purchase the Hybrid, I think it is more of a statement. You really don't save money buying a Hybrid vs. an S and the mileage you get if any, is just a few miles more. Count the $ more it cost vs. a v6 or S, then you probably lose money unless you drive it for 25 years. Plus, with Porsche working out some of the quirks from their first hybrid, i probably wouldn't go for it. Just my opinion.

 

Because some people like to give Porsche some more money to pay for all the repairs and maintenance of those complex systems after the warranty has run out!!

 

A statement of what? I have noticed that people who tend to buy hybrids(here is SoCal at least) seem to perceive themselves as better, than us dirty gas drivers.

The truth is that the Hybrid cost more in every aspect, and pollutes just as bad if not worst. Yeah it gets 2-4 mpg better, but it also cost 4K more than the S, which has better performance in all regards. To offset the annual fuel saving of a few hundred dollars the Hybrid will save you, you need to have and drive it for 10+ years, and at that point it is moot.

Not to mention the disposal and replacement of the battery packs, has a far more detrimental impact than the extra emission the all gas engine produces over the hybrid.

 

A statement that says, I'm more concerned about the environment. It's kinda like buying a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid or an Escalade Hybrid. Intead of getting 12 mpg, you get 15 mpg. But it really means nothing except more $ out of your wallet.

Don't forget the Hybrid is 400lbs more than the S and 200lbs more than the Turbo.

 

My wife just got me a CS Hybrid. Actually, she got the CS for me and Hybrid for her! I don't think I have one in the driveway without it being a hybrid... being who she is... So, while it is a statement, she also believes, and I do to a degree, that I'll get better mileage with this car than an S....

My $0.02

-Chuck

 

So can I ask what the "statement" is that you are making?

As for better gas mileage, yeah it will get 2-4 mpg better, but it also has a $4000 premium over the S, so the money saved in fuel cost is non existent.

This isn't just a Cayenne thing, I'm curious about this for all hybrid vehicles.

In reality they offer nothing and actually have many more downsides on the environment, heck a diesel blows away a hybrid in every way.

 

[quote=CKKrause;3379247]My wife just got me a CS Hybrid. Actually, she got the CS for me and Hybrid for her! I don't think I have one in the driveway without it being a hybrid... being who she is... So, while it is a statement, she also believes, and I do to a degree, that I'll get better mileage with this car than an S....

My $0.02 xxxx

Typical San Francisco Bay area response. Well, I have 3 Turbo's in my garage ( not drive way - not showing off to neighbors ) . They are ALL stallions with big ***** running on big shoes, not on loafers or flipflops... They are thoroughbreds and I like them as they are supposed to be - unforgiving - unashamed and for car lovers only... But... just to make a statement ... one of them is a Turbo Diesel and not a Mickey Mouse Hybrid. or something like that. xxxxxx

 

I think there are also insurance savings to be had in some countries with strict emissions regulations.

But yeah, buying a hybrid to save up on fuel costs seems to be a long term battle.

 

From what I was told by State Farm the hybrid is more expensive due to the traction battery.

 

From an actual 2012 owner.

1. I am regularly getting 26 mpg on my short trips to work, store etc. Sometimes up to 44 mpg if there is no traffic and I can sail/coast! See Photo at end of post. My 2006 cayenne S got 16.5 on the same route. The EPA ratings are way off what's "possible" with careful driving. EPA ratings do not have provisions for the first "parallel hybrid with Sailing" technology. Therefore they don't give appropriate mileage credit. Sailing allows for engine off movement for extended periods of time. On flat roads with little wind, you can coast for extended periods of time. Mileage goes way up. Bottom line, I have cut an entire fill up out of my monthly costs.

2. Running on battery gives an amazing sense of peace and quiet at low speeds up to 40 mph.. Coasting at speeds above 55 is also amazing.

3. Parallel electric/gas engine gives the performance of V8 with WAY lower emissions. The hybrid cayenne was the greenest Porsche (emissions) until the release of the panamera hybrid. -yes including the diesel.

4. Batteries have been tested for the life of the car. Yes there is a disposal impact in 10 years, this is a clear downside to any hybrid. On the other hand, there is no traditional starter motor or alternator to wear out. It's all handled by the battery.

5. Early estimates are that brakes will last 60-80% longer because of regenerative break assist. You barely have to tap the breaks to stop.

It is state of the art tech. In the same family as the 918 and 911 hybrid super cars. Check out this Porsche video comparing the 911 GT3 Hybrid and the Cayenne S Hybrid. http://vimeo.com/32623859 I love it.

David

P.S. State Farm was same price for me.
2012 Cayenne S hybrid

 

2011 Hybrid

Agree with above, wife's car (I drive a 86 Carrera, 997tt). She loves the car- she came from an X5. The car did die out on one occasion. Apparently the electronic system had to be reset. Otherwise no issues with the car.

Yes economically it does not make sense. I personally don't mind paying a few thousand more for the technology and allow the manufacturer to refine it. R&D is expensive. Maybe if more people bought that GM EV-1, they would way ahead of the electric car market now.(knowing GM doubt that would have happened)

 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/louiswoo...rily-bad-idea/

 

Article is pretty specific to Electric Cars. A Hybrid takes the best of both worlds (Gas and Electric). The key point, 100% electric is not "the" solution either.

You don't see hybrids stranded on the side of the road dead without power in snow storm. In fact, the increased mileage provides longer distances between fill ups when there is no gas available because of that same storm.

 

If that is the case... so... why does NOBODY (yet) offer the diesel / hybrid if it is really about gas mileage??? You are being snookered!! I bought a 2011 VW Jetta Sportswagen, a simple proven 140 hp diesel engine... out the door for less than 30K with all the options I wanted and that little sucker does 40+ miles to the gallon with no crap that is going to explode or implode or seize to work especially after the warranty has expired...