S63 vs Panamera

In a recent article, I shared my thoughts on owning the AMG S63 Coupe, but this time I want to write about comparing the Panamera Turbo and AMG S63 Coupe.

メルセデス・ベンツAMG S63 4MATIC クーペ （C217）を所有してみた感想

However, regarding this comparison, my husband said,

Since we have the experience of owning both the Panamera Turbo and AMG S63 Coupe, I wanted to share my impressions comparing the two… but honestly, these two cars have such different characters that if you want to compare properly, it should be with the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, which is coming to Japan soon.

With that said, I’ll share the report my husband put together this time as well.

Comparison by Driving Scene

As I’ve mentioned many times on this blog, I want to reiterate upfront that the Panamera Turbo and S63 are cars with completely different personalities.

City and Regular Road Driving

In city driving, with lots of stop-and-go and monotonous roads, many people will find the S63 more comfortable. The Panamera’s cabin feels like ‘Let’s drive!’, while the S63 has a ‘relaxed, comforting’ atmosphere.

You feel less fatigue while driving and can focus more on conversations with the passenger. So, if you’re thinking of using the car mainly for commuting or simple transportation, the S63 is definitely preferable.

Winding Road Driving

From the perspective of ‘fun’ on winding roads, the Panamera clearly takes the crown. The S63 can’t quite match the Panamera in terms of “weight,” “body roll,” and especially “handling precision.”

On the other hand, the Panamera surprisingly doesn’t feel heavy or bulky on winding roads and sticks to corners as if glued to the ground. Its handling is spot-on.

One major difference is the perceived center of gravity: the S63 feels higher, as if driving a taller car. The Panamera feels like it pivots around a point just behind the driver’s seat, making it easier to grasp, while the S63 feels like it turns as a whole.

However, if you look at it from a ‘comfort’ standpoint, this evaluation reverses, so ultimately it depends on what you want from your car.

Engine Sound

When you switch the S63 to Sport mode, it emits a deep, throaty American V8-like growl at a satisfying volume. However, it’s not as loud as the Panamera’s Sport Exhaust when turned on.

The S63’s sound is deeper, while the Panamera’s has more high tones. The S63’s V8 rumble is stronger, whereas the Panamera’s tone feels more refined and consistent.

By the way, the blip sound on downshifts is flashier on the S63, and in Sport mode it gives a very satisfying ‘Vroom!’ as it matches the revs.

Suspension

Even when you set the S63’s suspension to Sport, the difference from Comfort mode isn’t that noticeable. The amount of body roll doesn’t change much, and the road contact feels similar.

In fact, it can feel a bit choppy, so personally, I prefer Comfort mode on the S63. Compared to the Panamera, the S63’s Sport mode feels softer than the Panamera’s Normal mode.

Highway Driving and Acceleration

On the highway, the S63 accelerates gently and powerfully, as if gliding smoothly over a carpet. The Panamera, on the other hand, accelerates as if it’s tearing up the road, delivering “sticking” cornering no matter the curve.

Incidentally, in terms of full-throttle acceleration, the Panamera is noticeably quicker.

Having experienced the Panamera Turbo’s acceleration, I honestly felt ‘Oh, so this is it’ when accelerating the S63. Beyond the physical speed difference, factors like “throttle play” and “response timing” probably make it feel that way.

Even though the S63’s engine specs look better on paper, the Panamera is clearly faster. This is another example of how Porsche’s official figures often underestimate the real performance.

What’s the Biggest Difference Between the Panamera and S63?

Based on all this, I think the biggest difference when comparing the S63 and Panamera is

the “handling,” or more precisely, the “feel transmitted through the steering wheel.”

With the S63, it’s hard to distinguish differences in asphalt texture; it feels like you’re driving on a carpet no matter the surface.

But this doesn’t mean the steering feedback is weak like some Japanese luxury cars; the NVH is well isolated, yet the steering still provides solid feedback.

The Panamera, on the other hand, clearly communicates the asphalt’s condition and always delivers a strong sense of road contact. All four wheels grip and hold firmly, letting you feel the roughness, smoothness, and bumps of the road.

That said, the ride isn’t harsh at all. It’s hard to explain, but maybe calling it a “firm yet comfortable ride” helps a bit.

The second point is the difference in “throttle response.”

The S63’s throttle response feels like the driver has to clearly express the intention to accelerate. This doesn’t mean it lacks power or the engine is slow to respond.

It’s more like the car seems to confirm the driver’s intent, with a slight pause before accelerating. When you press the throttle firmly, the car responds, “Okay, I’m accelerating now,” and then the acceleration begins.

On the other hand, the Panamera responds instantly to even slight changes in throttle pressure. There’s no “confirmation time” between driver and car; the throttle and engine feel directly connected, so when you press the pedal, it accelerates immediately.

So, if you ask which is easier to drive in the city, the S63 is more comfortable, gentle, and easygoing. But it offers less “fun to drive.” That’s a major difference.

Overall Impressions from the Comparison

If you’re torn between the Panamera and S63, I recommend first and foremost clarifying your own preferences for a car.

If you’re not that interested in driving itself and prioritize “comfort,” “luxury,” and “features,” the S63 is the way to go. Conversely, if you love “driving,” “fun,” and the act of driving itself,” the Panamera is the clear choice.

From owning both, I’ve realized that depending on a person’s preferences, completely opposite evaluations can be made for these two cars. This is what makes car reviews so interesting and challenging.

…That’s the report from my husband comparing and summarizing the AMG S63 4MATIC Coupe (C217) and 971 Panamera Turbo.