Handling and Ride Comfort

This particular car didn’t have rear-axle steering, but the Panamera’s athleticism is undeniable. It feels almost disrespectful to compare it to typical sporty sedans made for family men, as the cornering speed, stability, and everything else are on a completely different level.

I drove my usual route that I often take in the Boxster, and at medium and higher speeds, it feels as fast as or even faster than the Boxster. Truly amazing.

Especially when exiting corners, all four wheels grip the road firmly, and the car accelerates aggressively—a feat only possible with all-wheel drive.

Also, this GTS’s PDK control is clearly smarter and shifts faster than the Turbo I owned. I believe improvements have been made. While not quite at the level of a 911, the paddle shifts are very quick and sporty-sounding, completing almost instantly. This is a very positive point.

The true appeal of the Panamera lies in this sporty driving experience. While most Panameras in Japan probably spend their time cruising slowly in the city, I highly recommend taking one on a mountain road at least once.

You’ll experience driving performance so impressive it’s hard to believe it’s a sedan.

Moving to the highway, I led the pack in the passing lane. The stability is impressive. Compared to the Taycan’s razor-flat ride, it’s a bit less composed, but it still slices through like an arrow, accelerating quickly and safely overtaking any car ahead—even mid-corner, shifting seamlessly from inside to outside lanes and vice versa.

It completes lane changes smoothly in any situation without a hint of unease, a testament to its Nürburgring heritage. For the Panamera, Japanese highways are a breeze.

The wide rear wing is a feature exclusive to the Turbo and GTS

Ride comfort in the city feels a bit “bumpy” compared to the Turbo, likely due to the GTS’s sports PASM suspension lowered by 10mm. It’s not a cheap “clunky” feeling, so the driver won’t find it unpleasant, but passengers sensitive to ride quality, like a wife in the front seat, might complain since it’s a bit firm for a sedan. (If you think of it as a Panamera, you might notice the ride; if you think of it as a 911, the ride is excellent.)

The absence of rear-axle steering is especially noticeable in tight corners. The Turbo I owned with rear-axle steering would turn in sharply, almost wrapping around the corner, but without it, the GTS feels like a normal cornering experience.

That said, this “normal cornering” is still at an incredibly high level for the GTS, so unless you’re a driving enthusiast, you might not even notice.

Is the GTS Grade Worth Buying?

If you haven’t experienced the Turbo, 4S, or E-Hybrid, the GTS might seem like a perfect all-rounder. It has many exclusive features inside and out, looks very cool, is fast, sounds great, and is comfortable. I think most people would be very satisfied with this car.

However, knowing the existence of the Turbo with the same V8 engine, you can’t help but feel the engine is somewhat detuned. It’s understandable since it’s down 90 hp compared to the Turbo, but the acceleration and response feel a bit unrefined, as if something is holding it back.

If the GTS had used a tuned version of the 4S’s V6 engine instead of the V8, I think the evaluation would be very different. Personally, I would have preferred a highly tuned V6.

Also, in terms of ride comfort, the GTS doesn’t compare as favorably to the Turbo or E-Hybrid. Since its driving performance is so high, this is understandable, but if you prioritize comfort, I recommend test-driving other grades as well.

For winding roads and city driving, I recommend the 4S. The V6 engine feels more agile, and the lighter front end gives a livelier feel. If I were mainly driving in the city, I’d choose the 4S or E-Hybrid.

This review may sound a bit harsh, but it’s my honest personal opinion. There’s no problem with the performance, but the more you know about the grades above and below, the more you realize that the GTS is an all-rounder that feels a bit indecisive.

So if I were to recommend the Panamera GTS grade, it would be for those who love the GTS’s exclusive interior and exterior styling, prioritize resale value, and most of all, want a sporty feel. In other words, it’s probably the best choice for those who want to use it more like a 911 Carrera 4 or Carrera 4S than a typical Panamera.