2020(ish) Panamera Owners Reviews
Discussion
Hi All,
Considering a new road trip car (Denmark / France / Italy) on a yearly basis.
Doesn’t need to go around tracks but also don’t want something gutless.
Currently considering the Panamera 10 - I think this is using the 3.0 V6 turbo from the Audi S4 (2017-2019 ish).
I would like a 2.9T as used in the RS4 but don’t want a hybrid - or am I foolish to discount the hybrid?
Those who have had cars new, have you needed warranty work?
Thanks in advance
Considering a new road trip car (Denmark / France / Italy) on a yearly basis.
Doesn’t need to go around tracks but also don’t want something gutless.
Currently considering the Panamera 10 - I think this is using the 3.0 V6 turbo from the Audi S4 (2017-2019 ish).
I would like a 2.9T as used in the RS4 but don’t want a hybrid - or am I foolish to discount the hybrid?
Those who have had cars new, have you needed warranty work?
Thanks in advance
fastgerman said:
Hi All,
Considering a new road trip car (Denmark / France / Italy) on a yearly basis.
Doesn’t need to go around tracks but also don’t want something gutless.
Currently considering the Panamera 10 - I think this is using the 3.0 V6 turbo from the Audi S4 (2017-2019 ish).
I would like a 2.9T as used in the RS4 but don’t want a hybrid - or am I foolish to discount the hybrid?
Those who have had cars new, have you needed warranty work?
Thanks in advance
Just tried a 2019 E-Hybrid with the 2.9 V6 engine.Considering a new road trip car (Denmark / France / Italy) on a yearly basis.
Doesn’t need to go around tracks but also don’t want something gutless.
Currently considering the Panamera 10 - I think this is using the 3.0 V6 turbo from the Audi S4 (2017-2019 ish).
I would like a 2.9T as used in the RS4 but don’t want a hybrid - or am I foolish to discount the hybrid?
Those who have had cars new, have you needed warranty work?
Thanks in advance
Was horrible. Very poor integration between battery & engine.
Engine sounded boring.
We have a 2.9 V6 Macan (same engine, different tune).
Sweet spot for me was the Panamera GTS, but rare as hen's teeth.
I have a 12 month old Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo.
Apart from a ridiculously long name, there's very little not to like about this car - I've owned upwards of 100 cars and am on my 4th Panamera because they're the best all rounder I've come across. They're the only other VW group car based on the Bentley GT Continental platform and it feels it - they're so over engineered and feel a considerable step up from say an M5 / RS6 (of which I've had many, but keep coming back to the Panamera).
DCT gearbox is somewhat unique in this sector now, it's fabulous and so much better than the ubiquitous ZF in almost everything else.
Body control and composure is world class - it's laughable going from the harsh, unsettled ride of an M5 or the sloppiness of an RS6 to the composure of a Panamera which (especially when fitted with PDCC) has a vastly better ride and yet tighter body control than either of the others.
Quality is decent, but not faultless. Three of my four examples have generally been reliable with mainly just niggles (my current one is in the dealer now having a new window seal fitted to correct some wind noise). One example was perpetually faulty - watch out for squeaking front suspension!
Personally I would only have a V8 Panamera - I've had two GTS, a Turbo and now the Turbo S. The GTS drove the best, the Turbo offered nothing more (even in performance terms, it was only faster above 5k rpm). The Turbo S E-hybrid is a different proposition with a very well integrated hybrid system, a stonking sound from the V8 (the facelift 971.2 sounds so much better than the 971.1, somewhat unexpected due to the later car having OPF's)...it does 25-30 miles on electric (this is the later 17.9kwh version), and when in hybrid mode it easily averages over 40mpg and I've never seen it dip below 30mpg which is phenomenal for a 700hp 2.5 tonne car. However, it is very heavy and it feels heavier than the non-hybrids so for dynamic supremacy, I'd easily give the much lighter GTS the nod.
I agree with the post above about the V6 e-hybrid - it's not great for a number of reasons. The V6 doesn't sound good in the Panamera and really, the wheezy nature of this engine (in this car) really doesn't suit the sporting luxury ethos of the Panamera.
My current loaner is a new shape Panamera V6 e-Hybrid which is now a vastly improved and superbly integrated powertrain, but it still sounds relatively poor. There's also plenty to dislike about the newer car in terms of the technology and interfaces...some of it legislative...some of it just poor design.
If your budget allows, especially if this is a road trip car, I would strongly urge you to try a GTS - there's a few on the market. Even better if you can stretch to a facelift 971.2 (2021>) as they sound so much better, and the PCM update is usefully improved too.
HTH.
Apart from a ridiculously long name, there's very little not to like about this car - I've owned upwards of 100 cars and am on my 4th Panamera because they're the best all rounder I've come across. They're the only other VW group car based on the Bentley GT Continental platform and it feels it - they're so over engineered and feel a considerable step up from say an M5 / RS6 (of which I've had many, but keep coming back to the Panamera).
DCT gearbox is somewhat unique in this sector now, it's fabulous and so much better than the ubiquitous ZF in almost everything else.
Body control and composure is world class - it's laughable going from the harsh, unsettled ride of an M5 or the sloppiness of an RS6 to the composure of a Panamera which (especially when fitted with PDCC) has a vastly better ride and yet tighter body control than either of the others.
Quality is decent, but not faultless. Three of my four examples have generally been reliable with mainly just niggles (my current one is in the dealer now having a new window seal fitted to correct some wind noise). One example was perpetually faulty - watch out for squeaking front suspension!
Personally I would only have a V8 Panamera - I've had two GTS, a Turbo and now the Turbo S. The GTS drove the best, the Turbo offered nothing more (even in performance terms, it was only faster above 5k rpm). The Turbo S E-hybrid is a different proposition with a very well integrated hybrid system, a stonking sound from the V8 (the facelift 971.2 sounds so much better than the 971.1, somewhat unexpected due to the later car having OPF's)...it does 25-30 miles on electric (this is the later 17.9kwh version), and when in hybrid mode it easily averages over 40mpg and I've never seen it dip below 30mpg which is phenomenal for a 700hp 2.5 tonne car. However, it is very heavy and it feels heavier than the non-hybrids so for dynamic supremacy, I'd easily give the much lighter GTS the nod.
I agree with the post above about the V6 e-hybrid - it's not great for a number of reasons. The V6 doesn't sound good in the Panamera and really, the wheezy nature of this engine (in this car) really doesn't suit the sporting luxury ethos of the Panamera.
My current loaner is a new shape Panamera V6 e-Hybrid which is now a vastly improved and superbly integrated powertrain, but it still sounds relatively poor. There's also plenty to dislike about the newer car in terms of the technology and interfaces...some of it legislative...some of it just poor design.
If your budget allows, especially if this is a road trip car, I would strongly urge you to try a GTS - there's a few on the market. Even better if you can stretch to a facelift 971.2 (2021>) as they sound so much better, and the PCM update is usefully improved too.
HTH.
Interesting what you say about the new Panamera, I drove a new Turbo S EH at the Silverstone experience centre. Liked it more than I thought I would but the speed warning nag was a pain and i think some of the other safety features always default to ON. My car felt a bit like an antique when i got in it afterwards but I’m not sure which one i prefer. Think i prefer the exterior looks of the new one, but with no ST and likely no Turbo S without hybrid mine’s a keeper.
You’re spot on about the 971.2 sports exhaust, I had a 971.1 Turbo with PSE in it was pathetic. This one is fantastic, and really suits the character of the car. BTW the PCM is a lot better but I think it’s only later 971.2s that got it. The reviews of the first cars had the old clunker. Steering wheel is much better too.
You’re spot on about the 971.2 sports exhaust, I had a 971.1 Turbo with PSE in it was pathetic. This one is fantastic, and really suits the character of the car. BTW the PCM is a lot better but I think it’s only later 971.2s that got it. The reviews of the first cars had the old clunker. Steering wheel is much better too.
Totally agree the new car is a great update design wise, inside and out although I’m irritated by the lack of gear-lever, mainly because the architecture is the same so my muscle memory tells me to reach for the gear-lever. I hate the new toggle…I’ve also got a 992 and hate it in that too!
It’s not a fair comparison to mine because it’s a V6 vs my V8, and I don’t think the V6 suits the car (at least not after having the V8…you probably wouldn’t miss what you’ve not had). The new V6 hybrid powertrain is good, virtually imperceptible transition between EV and ICE mode, but this loaner is only a 4 (not S) so isn’t especially punchy.
What is impressive is the new Active Ride - a good step on from PDCC bar one thing. It rides well (better than 971’s) and the anti roll / pitch / dive is even more effective. In mine, the extra weight of the hybrid really tests the PDCC - it still holds the car flat, but you can tell it’s working hard to do so (vs the lighter cars with PDCC) - but Active Ride feels more relaxed and even more effective. The one thing I don’t like in the new car is everything is behind a PCM menu - no individual mode (perhaps because I’m only in a 4?) and every time you change the drive mode from EV to hybrid the ride height resets (in my car you set the suspension low and it stays there) or moving from sport to hybrid mode the sports exhaust turns off - again in mine if you turn the exhaust on once, it stays on for that journey…but also I can programme my steering wheel shortcut for that function instead of wasting it on turning off the intelligent speed assist (this car needs more shortcut buttons!).
Other controls and functions are a retrograde step - there’s no knob for the sat nav, as I said almost everything is behind a menu and don’t get me started on the ISA and lane keep nonsense that needs turning off on every drive (this I know is not Porsches fault and they do make it easy(ish) to turn off, unlike some other manufacturers)…and it doesn’t get the speed limits any more accurate than in my car which means it’s often showing the wrong limit.40mph down the M69 for no reason anyone? That said, the autonomous driving functionality is generally better in the newer car.
I guess I’m just frustrated with the new car for reasons beyond the cars’ core performance capability because these control functions impede on the daily ease of use, and therefore enjoyment. The actual car is generally a good step forward, but I’d hesitate changing anytime soon because I just prefer the functionality of the older car.
It’s not a fair comparison to mine because it’s a V6 vs my V8, and I don’t think the V6 suits the car (at least not after having the V8…you probably wouldn’t miss what you’ve not had). The new V6 hybrid powertrain is good, virtually imperceptible transition between EV and ICE mode, but this loaner is only a 4 (not S) so isn’t especially punchy.
What is impressive is the new Active Ride - a good step on from PDCC bar one thing. It rides well (better than 971’s) and the anti roll / pitch / dive is even more effective. In mine, the extra weight of the hybrid really tests the PDCC - it still holds the car flat, but you can tell it’s working hard to do so (vs the lighter cars with PDCC) - but Active Ride feels more relaxed and even more effective. The one thing I don’t like in the new car is everything is behind a PCM menu - no individual mode (perhaps because I’m only in a 4?) and every time you change the drive mode from EV to hybrid the ride height resets (in my car you set the suspension low and it stays there) or moving from sport to hybrid mode the sports exhaust turns off - again in mine if you turn the exhaust on once, it stays on for that journey…but also I can programme my steering wheel shortcut for that function instead of wasting it on turning off the intelligent speed assist (this car needs more shortcut buttons!).
Other controls and functions are a retrograde step - there’s no knob for the sat nav, as I said almost everything is behind a menu and don’t get me started on the ISA and lane keep nonsense that needs turning off on every drive (this I know is not Porsches fault and they do make it easy(ish) to turn off, unlike some other manufacturers)…and it doesn’t get the speed limits any more accurate than in my car which means it’s often showing the wrong limit.40mph down the M69 for no reason anyone? That said, the autonomous driving functionality is generally better in the newer car.
I guess I’m just frustrated with the new car for reasons beyond the cars’ core performance capability because these control functions impede on the daily ease of use, and therefore enjoyment. The actual car is generally a good step forward, but I’d hesitate changing anytime soon because I just prefer the functionality of the older car.
Pistonheads is so dangerous, fine GTS it is haha :-)
There is a really nice one circa 56k with brown leather interior for sale. Looks very cool.
Thanks for all the feedback above. I’m seeing some expensive battery refurb costs starting to appear now on various forums. Worst was £50k on a Taycan?? Even if it’s £10k, that is still not justifying the cheap mpg.
Anyway, a 2019 ish GTS or a 2020 Panamera 10 (no hybrid) + maybe mapped to similar bhp are on my short list.
There is a really nice one circa 56k with brown leather interior for sale. Looks very cool.
Thanks for all the feedback above. I’m seeing some expensive battery refurb costs starting to appear now on various forums. Worst was £50k on a Taycan?? Even if it’s £10k, that is still not justifying the cheap mpg.
Anyway, a 2019 ish GTS or a 2020 Panamera 10 (no hybrid) + maybe mapped to similar bhp are on my short list.
Palm ball and others have covered pretty much everything but 2020 onwards saw a big upgrade to the Panamera, especially as far as suspension and overall refinement are concerned. I’ve had 3 Panameras (first gen GTS, facelift Turbo S and then a 971 Turbo, which I sold a couple of months ago) and they are incredible all rounders, the only thing that bothered me on my 971 was the road noise on long journeys but I think the facelift addresses that. I’m also firmly in the V8 camp, the 6 cylinder models are just as thirsty and they feel wheezy / strained.
The GTS is the pick of the bunch and from 2020 onwards had a decent power hike - I found the pre-2020 had a slightly flat power delivery compared to the Turbo but with 480hp v 450hp, I’m sure the newer car feels more sprightly. A late Turbo S (non-hybrid) must be an incredible car and got fantastic reviews on release. A word to the wise though, I wouldn’t run one without warranty; they’re complex, heavy cars and suspension components need replacing from time to time. Porsche’s track record on this is less stellar than it used to be and I had plenty of warranty work done on all my cars.
I ended up trading mine in against a Quattroporte Trofeo because I wanted more space and refinement but I still miss how the Panamera felt glued to the ground in all conditions, they really are incredibly useable and I can’t imagine why anyone would want anything quicker.
The GTS is the pick of the bunch and from 2020 onwards had a decent power hike - I found the pre-2020 had a slightly flat power delivery compared to the Turbo but with 480hp v 450hp, I’m sure the newer car feels more sprightly. A late Turbo S (non-hybrid) must be an incredible car and got fantastic reviews on release. A word to the wise though, I wouldn’t run one without warranty; they’re complex, heavy cars and suspension components need replacing from time to time. Porsche’s track record on this is less stellar than it used to be and I had plenty of warranty work done on all my cars.
I ended up trading mine in against a Quattroporte Trofeo because I wanted more space and refinement but I still miss how the Panamera felt glued to the ground in all conditions, they really are incredibly useable and I can’t imagine why anyone would want anything quicker.
Edited by Mosdef on Friday 20th December 23:54
P.S the car you referenced is a 2018 and has been for sale for months, if not longer. There are good deals to be had I expect. Personally, I’d want the 4 zone A/C, which that one doesn’t have - spec makes a big difference to the resale of these cars and plenty have been on sale for over a year as a result.
P.P.S my 2019 Turbo is for sale at a dealership in Bourne End for just under £50k. It’s got some miles on it but is in amazing condition, having had a £5k suspension overhaul prior to sale and it’s got a Topaz PPF wrap. Hand on heart, I could recommend it to anyone, but with c. 60k miles, it might not be for everyone.
P.P.S my 2019 Turbo is for sale at a dealership in Bourne End for just under £50k. It’s got some miles on it but is in amazing condition, having had a £5k suspension overhaul prior to sale and it’s got a Topaz PPF wrap. Hand on heart, I could recommend it to anyone, but with c. 60k miles, it might not be for everyone.
Edited by Mosdef on Friday 20th December 23:56
NickyF said:
JohnnyUK said:
That will be my next purchase.
Wise. There are very few Turbo S Sport Turismos non EH out there but they are the best option in my opinion. Mine has had a stage 1 from DMS and is an absolute rocket.Cannot find any secondhand and obvs don't make them anymore!
The Panamera 10 is stunning I think and DMS offer the same tuning as on the last petrol S4:
In terms of a long term, used purchase with less to go wrong, I’m assuming the running costs would be less than a GTS? Budget circa £50k.
https://www.dmsautomotive.com/car/porsche-panamera...
In terms of a long term, used purchase with less to go wrong, I’m assuming the running costs would be less than a GTS? Budget circa £50k.
https://www.dmsautomotive.com/car/porsche-panamera...
A GTS will cost slightly more to run than a 4, the brakes are the same as the Turbo, so around £2.6k per axle for disks and pads. Servicing will also be slightly more but based on my experience with both a 3 litre and also the V8, the fuel consumption won’t be that different. The Panamera 10 will have some decent spec and if it gets you a newer car you’ll get all the benefits of the facelift.
Mosdef said:
A GTS will cost slightly more to run than a 4, the brakes are the same as the Turbo, so around £2.6k per axle for disks and pads. Servicing will also be slightly more but based on my experience with both a 3 litre and also the V8, the fuel consumption won’t be that different. The Panamera 10 will have some decent spec and if it gets you a newer car you’ll get all the benefits of the facelift.
I'm being a bit thick here, but what's a "Panamera 10"?JohnnyUK said:
Lovely! From new?
Cannot find any secondhand and obvs don't make them anymore!
Yes, picked it up in May 23. According to howmanyleft.com they only sold 15 across all model years. Keep your eye open, one will turn up and you’ll likely get it for a good price as they tank in value despite the rarity.Cannot find any secondhand and obvs don't make them anymore!
JohnnyUK said:
I'm being a bit thick here, but what's a "Panamera 10"?
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/porsches-10-years...10 years of the Panamera special edition
NickyF said:
JohnnyUK said:
Lovely! From new?
Cannot find any secondhand and obvs don't make them anymore!
Yes, picked it up in May 23. According to howmanyleft.com they only sold 15 across all model years. Keep your eye open, one will turn up and you’ll likely get it for a good price as they tank in value despite the rarity.Cannot find any secondhand and obvs don't make them anymore!
JohnnyUK said:
NickyF said:
JohnnyUK said:
Lovely! From new?
Cannot find any secondhand and obvs don't make them anymore!
Yes, picked it up in May 23. According to howmanyleft.com they only sold 15 across all model years. Keep your eye open, one will turn up and you’ll likely get it for a good price as they tank in value despite the rarity.Cannot find any secondhand and obvs don't make them anymore!
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