Nargess Shahmanesh Banks takes the new super `green' Porsche for a spin.

Would I pay extra to drive a car that promises to be less damaging to the planet? This was the question floating in my head as I turned the ignition on a Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

At around £87,000, the car is almost £28,000 pricier than the entry-level Panamera and around £25,000 dearer than the new Panamera diesel which boasts similar fuel consumption figures (43.5mpg on the diesel versus 41.5mpg on the hybrid).

Admittedly CO2 emissions are pretty low at 159g/km, but does this justify parting with such a large sum of money to drive a hybrid car?

The Panamera S Hybrid is the latest to join the model line-up and introduced at the same time as the diesel to please customers who require, or desire, a more economical executive ride.

But let's get one thing straight; these are not customers likely to be too bothered about fuel cost.

A part-electric hybrid car, though, given that it's scribbled at the rear bold enough to be seen by a passer-by, surely it will give the driver a little kudos: 'look at me I may be loaded but I care enough for the planet to pay even more' - that kind of thing.

The Panamera story is interesting. Back in 2007 when Porsche announced plans to build a four-seat saloon, puritans became distraught.

To this mainly male group, the 911 sports car is what defines Porsche. Any other model robs the brand of its masculinity. They had to come to terms with the Cayenne sports utility vehicle, but a sober family saloon is a step too far.

The firm ignored their pleas and in 2009 we were introduced to the Panamera. It was an instant success selling over 30,000 worldwide in just two years.

The new diesel is expected to fetch over half the sales mainly from European customers who favour this, while the hybrid will take around 20% worldwide.

The hybrid technology is hi-tech but simple. Essentially a 328bhp supercharged V6 engine is mated to a 46bhp electric motor that delivers power to the rear wheels.

Charged by the combustion engine and through braking, the electric motor can drive the car on its own at speeds of up to 53mph for 1.25 miles after which the engine kicks in.

Driving the Panamera S Hybrid you honestly wouldn't know it is a part-electric car. It can sprint from 0-62mph in just six seconds.

The Panamera isn't easy on the eye at first. It is large, imposing and arrogant. Yet once inside you can't help be seduced by the comfortable cabin where the beautifully upholstered seats are a snug fit, the instrument panel direct, uncluttered, and simple.

This car is about subtle, confident and ultimately adult wealth.