971 Panamera GTS experiences? - Page 1 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

Hello, I'm expecting my first child so I'm in the market for a bigger car, and believe I have (almost) settled on a 2019 Panamera GTS (I think this is the 971?). There's one I've seen with a decent enough spec sheet and has depreciated enough to make the man maths work, but unfortunately I ran out of time for a test drive (which I'll arrange this week). Performance figures suggest it's no slouch though. Can any owners or people who've driven them share their experiences? Or even how it compares to a turbo? A 2018 turbo can be had for similar money (although more owners/miles/less toys) but a lot of the reviews seemingly say the GTS is the "sweet spot". Another possible question is the possible mapping potential. I've read that the V8 engine and turbos vs the panamera turbo are exactly the same other than a lower state of tune, but one website suggests the turbo used a stronger gearset (or something). Can't seem to find any information to verify this, so if anyone knew that would help. I am hoping though that out of the box the GTS would be powerful enough! I currently have a W205 C63 so I'm used to the effortless torque and asbo level noise. I know I'll have to sacrifice some for the sake of a kid, but hopefully not too much. I've also considered the E63s and M5 competition, and although not having driven either, the porsche just feels a lot more special to me. Unfortunately the sport turismo GTS is slightly out of budget, but I've grown to like the normal version with the funny spoiler. Any input welcome! And I'm hoping I won't hear any "you don't need a fast car anymore" remarks which my non petrol head friends love to tell me

I’ve got a 2019 Panamera Turbo, having had previous generation GTS and Turbo S. I’ve only driven the GTS at the Porsche Experience Centre but had 45 mins to an hour in it, back to back with the Turbo. It’s a more sporting set up than the Turbo with some attractive GTS only options. I suspect on the road this might not be the case but I found the GTS felt noticeably down on power compared to the turbo, but by no means did it feel slow. This could also be down to the GTS being marginally more composed than the turbo on corner exit and ending up feeling overly capable. It’s definitely an impressive drive. The turbo is more of a luxury express but far better to drive than similarly sized 7 series, A8 and obviously the S Class. I went with the turbo for that reason and also because I wanted extras like ventilated front seats. Compared to the E63, M5 etc, the Panamera has a different focus. If you want out and out speed, either of those will be quicker but I found them unrefined with dreadful ride quality and they can’t hide their much more humble origins, even if their drivetrains, brakes, suspension etc are significantly upgraded. I think it depends on what you want the car for and what your tolerance is for a much harsher ride, plus what you expect in terms of interior quality. As far as mapping is concerned, I am sure a GTS will be plenty for road driving but only a test drive will confirm that for you. I sold my Panamera in September 2022 to an OPC and bought it back late last month for a very good price. Demand for the Taycan has not helped Panamera prices (some on AT have been on sale for 12 months plus) but they are very different ownership propositions, particularly as far as range is concerned. The must haves for me over and above the standard spec (air suspension, sports exhaust, sports chrono etc) are: Pano roof Four zone climate control Bose as a minimum Rear wheel steer Heated steering wheel Matrix beam headlights Nice to haves: Lane change assist Adaptive cruise Surround view

Mosdef said: I’ve got a 2019 Panamera Turbo, having had previous generation GTS and Turbo S. I’ve only driven the GTS at the Porsche Experience Centre but had 45 mins to an hour in it, back to back with the Turbo. It’s a more sporting set up than the Turbo with some attractive GTS only options. I suspect on the road this might not be the case but I found the GTS felt noticeably down on power compared to the turbo, but by no means did it feel slow. This could also be down to the GTS being marginally more composed than the turbo on corner exit and ending up feeling overly capable. It’s definitely an impressive drive. The turbo is more of a luxury express but far better to drive than similarly sized 7 series, A8 and obviously the S Class. I went with the turbo for that reason and also because I wanted extras like ventilated front seats. Compared to the E63, M5 etc, the Panamera has a different focus. If you want out and out speed, either of those will be quicker but I found them unrefined with dreadful ride quality and they can’t hide their much more humble origins, even if their drivetrains, brakes, suspension etc are significantly upgraded. I think it depends on what you want the car for and what your tolerance is for a much harsher ride, plus what you expect in terms of interior quality. As far as mapping is concerned, I am sure a GTS will be plenty for road driving but only a test drive will confirm that for you. I sold my Panamera in September 2022 to an OPC and bought it back late last month for a very good price. Demand for the Taycan has not helped Panamera prices (some on AT have been on sale for 12 months plus) but they are very different ownership propositions, particularly as far as range is concerned. The must haves for me over and above the standard spec (air suspension, sports exhaust, sports chrono etc) are: Pano roof Four zone climate control Bose as a minimum Rear wheel steer Heated steering wheel Matrix beam headlights Nice to haves: Lane change assist Adaptive cruise Surround view Thank you so much for the reply, and apologies I hadn't picked up on it earlier. I ended up test driving the GTS - it is quick, but as expected the acceleration wasn't as brutal as I'm used to (I think my perception of power has been warped somewhat). In reality though, it felt far more composed, chuckable and actually probably covered point to point ground a lot faster due to the 4WD. This example didn't have the rear wheel steering, but it seemed fine without. Now to make a decision!

Have you ruled out a RS6? They seem to be more for your money compared to a Porsche but with great performance

I haven't... good mate of mine has an RS6 so me buying one would violate the bro code

You’re very welcome, always happy to help. After your AMG, I’m not surprised the GTS doesn’t feel ballistically quick. I also found it lacked the punch in the back that the turbo gives. Also, being big, heavy, well insulated and 4WD, it obviously won’t give the sense of speed or drama that a you’d get in smaller M / AMG cars. RWS is great if you do much urban driving and makes the car more manoeuvrable but the car isn’t a lemon in any sense without it. Happy shopping!! They’re lovely cars for long distances and I have found they really grow on you.