Panamera, After a Wash

Perhaps due to pollen and yellow dust, the Panamera had gotten quite dirty, so I decided to have it hand-washed at our usual nearby gas station. Since it was dirtier than usual, I opted for the premium wash that helps repel dirt after cleaning.

The Panamera’s wash was completed in about an hour, and when I went to pick it up, it was shining like a brand-new car. I’m so grateful… washing really does make a difference…!

Afterwards, I took the Panamera for a short drive around the neighborhood. Recently, having driven the 718 Cayman, 911 GTS, and our own 911 GT3, I often felt that Porsches can be a bit stiff for city driving… but the Panamera’s ride comfort in town is truly wonderful.

It’s smooth, luxurious, and genuinely pleasant, absorbing shocks even on rough roads with almost no residual vibrations. I’m not a fan of overly soft suspensions typical of luxury cars, but I love the Panamera because it’s fundamentally firm, yet wonderfully smooth.

Even in busy city traffic with many stops and signals, it’s so comfortable and enjoyable that you want to keep driving endlessly.

Our Panamera is also equipped with the rear-axle steering option. (At low speeds, the rear wheels steer opposite to the front wheels, making the car easier to maneuver and reducing the turning radius. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels, improving driving stability and agility during lane changes.)

This option was something my husband insisted on having, saying it was a must-have, and it really makes a difference. It allows the large Panamera to make tight turns and park without wide arcs. It’s amazing how such a big car can still be so nimble.

Personally, I feel that despite the Nissan Note my husband drives for commuting being more compact, the Panamera is far easier to maneuver and park than the Note.

Thanks to options like this, driving the large Panamera in the city is stress-free.

The Panamera is undeniably a large car, but after a while, you get used to its size. In fact, this big body gives a sense of security, and at one point, I even thought, “I’d actually be scared if it were any smaller or lighter.”

That day, I only drove around the neighborhood, but the Panamera’s performance on the highway is outstanding. Its stability, road grip, and smooth, precise lane changes at high speed are incredible. It glides quietly and effortlessly like a bullet train. I’m also amazed at how it accelerates smoothly even from 8th gear as if nothing is happening.

Among all the cars I’ve driven, the Panamera is by far the most reassuring car to drive on the highway.

I’ve driven nearly 1,000 km round-trip alone from home to Fuji Speedway several times using the highway, and I never felt tired. I think this is partly because there’s almost no aggressive cutting in or tailgating, and also because it’s equipped with ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control).

Ah… writing this makes me want to hit the highway in the Panamera again… but I’ll have to hold off for now.

Winding Roads and My Husband’s Thoughts on the Panamera

The Panamera’s performance on winding roads is also fantastic. I’ve driven it on the nearby Royu Driveway and the Hakone Turnpike, and perhaps thanks to the rear-axle steering, it rolls very little and corners so sharply it feels like the car has shrunk in size.

Of course, it still feels bigger and heavier than the Boxster or GT3, but I’m always amazed thinking, “It’s incredible that such a large and heavy car can be this nimble.”

As I’ve written many times on this blog, the Panamera’s ability to combine comfort and sportiness at such a high level is truly amazing. Whether in the city, on the highway, or on winding roads, it’s a fun, stress-free all-rounder.

My husband, who recently drove the Panamera again, said:

I switched to Sport Plus after a long time and drove on winding roads, and even though it’s been almost three years since delivery, I’m still amazed.
On winding roads, the car feels so light and agile, it’s like it’s shrunk. Where did that heavy feeling go? That transformation is the Panamera’s charm, I think.

He has already ordered a 911 (992) Cabriolet as a replacement for the Panamera, but due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, production slots haven’t been confirmed yet, and we don’t know when delivery will happen.

I even told him, “If they say they can’t secure a production slot this year, I’m fine with just continuing to drive the Panamera… actually, I’d be happier that way.” (Sorry, Mr. H at the dealer! lol)

Since the Panamera’s mileage is approaching 30,000 km, I’ve been driving it less recently, but once things settle down, I want to take it out again. The Panamera really is amazing.

On a slightly different note, I recently drove the Boxster on Thunderbolt Clink. I’ve put together a video of the drive, so please have a look if you’re interested.