Seven Months Have Already Gone By

It’s been seven months since our Panamera Turbo was delivered on October 12 last year. Only seven months? Somehow, it feels like longer. So, after seven months of ownership, I’ve put together the things you can’t learn from a test drive—the things you only discover once you’ve bought the car.

For context, here’s how often we drive it. For the first month or two, my husband used it for his commute almost every day. Since then, it’s been more like “my husband commuting once or twice a week, me using it for short trips around town two or three times a week, and a longer drive or a run on the Royu Driveway two or three times a month.”

Panamera Mileage and Maintenance So Far

・Mileage: 8,200 km
・First service inspection: At around 1,400 km (October 26)
・Oil change: At the dealer during the first inspection (October 26)
→Related article: The first oil change for our Panamera Turbo cost ¥47,558.
・One oil top-up (at 6,500 km)
→Related article: The oil top-up warning came on at 6,500 km—our guide to topping up the Panamera’s oil.

That’s where things stand. So, after seven months, here are seven things I’ve noticed about the car and how it has changed.

1) The Engine Sounds Louder

The engine—or maybe I should say the exhaust—definitely sounds louder than it did when the car was delivered. The other day, I got in and thought, “Wait, was it always this loud?” When I mentioned it to my husband, he agreed: “Yeah, it’s gotten louder. Maybe the exhaust has bedded in nicely, so the sound flows more freely now.”

It’s not a bad thing at all. If anything, I’ve come to appreciate its great V8 rumble.

2) It’s Fun Even for an Average Driver

My husband’s Boxster—especially because it has a manual transmission—asks a lot of the driver. You need to be comfortable with throttle control, steering, and the timing of your shifts to really bring out the car’s potential. Of course, that’s part of the appeal.

But the Panamera Turbo is fun to drive no matter who’s behind the wheel—even someone like me, who wouldn’t call herself a particularly skilled driver and is much too nervous to push hard. Around town, it feels composed; on the highway, it’s stable at speed; and on mountain roads, it glides along with ease. The Panamera takes care of it all, as if to say, “Leave it to me,” so I can simply relax and enjoy the drive. (Laughs)

If you prefer a car that makes you work for the fun, the Panamera might feel a little too easy. But I feel safe and have a great time driving it.

3) The Whole Family Can Enjoy a Road Trip

As I mentioned, the Panamera adapts beautifully to all kinds of driving. That means we can head out on a road trip with our two young children and enjoy the drive without any trouble.

“It only has two seats, so my wife has to stay home.” “It seats four, but the kids hate how cramped the back is.” “It’s a luxury sedan, so it can’t be fun to drive.” The Panamera, to me, solves all of those problems.

4) Fuel Economy Ranges from 4 to 10 km/L

When I’m just taking our daughters to preschool or daycare and popping to the supermarket, fuel economy is usually around 4 km/L. The display won’t show anything lower, so it might be worse… (-_-). But cruise steadily on the highway and it can get close to 10 km/L.

We fill up about twice a month. The tank holds 90 liters, so unless we’re going on a particularly long trip, we don’t need to stop for gas very often. It’s easy to think, “Wow, this thing goes a long way between fill-ups!” Then you fill the tank and pay around ¥13,000, and remember: it’s not especially fuel-efficient—the tank is just huge.

5) The Black Leather Interior Hides the Mess

Well, it’s not that it stays clean; it’s just that you don’t see the dirt as much. (Laughs) We have a four-year-old and a one-year-old, so the interior gets scuffed by little shoes. Our older daughter even threw up in the car shortly after it was delivered. If we’d gone with a light-colored interior, I’m sure we’d be looking at plenty of stains by now.

Beige or a pale gray interior would look incredibly stylish, but with young kids, black is definitely the practical choice.

6) The Factory Navigation System Isn’t That Clever

Maybe Porsche’s factory navigation system isn’t all that smart. I often find myself wondering, “Why is it taking me this way?” Its traffic information is often off, too, so it doesn’t always avoid congestion—in fact, it sometimes sends us straight into the middle of a traffic jam (with the engine idling the whole time, of course!).

In that respect, Google Maps is much more reliable. If I absolutely can’t be late, or I suspect the roads will be busy, I’ll check Google Maps before setting out.

7) I Could Do Without Seat Ventilation

This is just my personal opinion. Our Panamera has ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger, but I could do without them. My husband, on the other hand, thinks they’re worth having. The reason I don’t like them is that they get too chilly.

…Though this may be more about me than the Porsche. My thighs tend to get sweaty, and when the seat ventilation cools them down, I get so cold I start shivering. (-_-) If you don’t tend to sweat much, though, you might find it really comfortable. (Laughs)

Until the Day I Can Buy One Myself

So that’s how it’s been. One thing is certain: every day brings a new delight, and I love the car more each time I drive it. I’m incredibly grateful to my husband… truly, thank you. And I’ll keep working hard until the day I can buy a Panamera of my own outright, with cash!