4) Porsche Performance Impressions After Ownership

① Engine

For my usage—city driving plus highway cruising and occasional suburban trips—there’s no way I could be dissatisfied with the output of the world-class sports car manufacturer Porsche Panamera 4S.

When I suddenly need to accelerate and press the pedal hard, the sound transforms dramatically, and the acceleration feels like a storm, reminiscent of Honda’s VTEC engine.

The phrase, “Speed is freedom or solitude,” a famous racehorse’s slogan, comes to mind, and I’m moved every day by its swift performance.

Regarding the engine sound, whether starting the engine by turning the control unit, driving normally, accelerating, downshifting, switching to sport or sport plus mode, or pressing the accelerator strongly, I’m genuinely satisfied with the Panamera 4S’s fierce and exciting roar every time.

By the way, after purchase, I learned that the Panamera 4 (2995cc) uses an Audi-made V6, while the 4S (2894cc) uses a Porsche-made V6. This might have influenced my choice. It may vary by model year, but this is the case for MY2018.

② PDK

Comparing to the M3’s DCT: At low speeds, DCT tends to hold gears longer and delay upshifts, but PDK shifts quickly and smoothly with no shock.

During deceleration, DCT quickly downshifts to keep the engine response at the ideal point (always ready to accelerate), while PDK downshifts gently and smoothly, making it very comfortable for passengers.

Regarding shift response, DCT was lightning-fast, while PDK feels a bit slower.

Also, DCT’s blipping sound was quite aggressive, whereas PDK’s is more refined (relative comparison). These impressions are from normal mode; sport and sport plus modes may differ.

Though different models, detailed info is available in the main blog post about Porsche’s PDK response.

③ Handling

Driving the Panamera, I truly feel it’s not just “horse and rider as one,” but “man and car perfectly fused.” It shows no unnecessary behavior and follows the steering input exactly as intended. It’s simply amazing.

I’m always impressed by the Panamera’s agility and speed.

④ Fuel Economy

About 6–7 km/l in the city and 10–12 km/l on highways. The tank is large, so it’s hard to say, but I don’t feel I refuel very often. Considering the engine output and vehicle weight, it’s impressively efficient.

⑤ Ride Comfort and Feel

The ride is best described as “supple.” Whether it’s highway joints, small bumps, or rough snowy roads typical of northern regions, the road contact feels very comfortable.

It’s a simple expression, but it truly feels “pleasant.”

Though the Panamera’s body is large, the sense of width is very easy to grasp, and checking safety from all directions is surprisingly easy. This shows Porsche’s philosophy and consideration for practicality.

⑥ Family’s Reaction

Compared to our previous car, the rear seat comfort has greatly improved, earning praise from my family, especially the kids.

They particularly like the cozy feeling, spacious foot space, and seat heaters. They also cheer every time the 4-zone automatic climate control screen shows the engine start demo (though they’ll probably get used to it eventually).

My wife doesn’t understand why I spend so much on a car but seems to accept it as “if it motivates her husband’s work.” (laughs)

⑦ Favorite Points

I enjoy the combination of Saddle Brown / Luxor Beige, the smooth leather texture, and the luxurious instrument cluster. The display is especially beautiful in the evening when it gets a bit dark.

Speaking of light, the rear view with taillights on is breathtakingly beautiful. I think it’s no exaggeration to say, “There’s no other saloon as elegantly refined as this.”

5) Options

– Options I’m Glad I Chose

① Saddle Brown / Luxor Beige Leather Interior

Though it stains easily, I chose it hoping “cleaners and conditioners can manage it.” Indeed, I immediately clean any stains with genuine cleaner, keeping it in good condition.

② Park Assist with Surround View

Essential for the large Panamera. Initially unplanned, but very useful.

③ Air Outlet Grille (Body Color Finish)

The stored vehicle had a high gloss black air outlet, while the lower door mirror was body color, creating a mismatched look. After delivery, I changed the air outlet to body color via equipment accessories.

The paint and labor cost as much as the part itself, but I’m glad I matched it to the body color.

④ Comfort Access

I thought keyless entry was standard (standard on Turbo models). Porsche requires turning the control unit to start the engine, and some owners might prefer inserting and turning a key, but for me, this is essential.

– Options I Didn’t Choose but Wish I Had

① 14-way Memory Electric Seats (Front)

As mentioned in a previous blog post about controlling the passenger seat from the driver’s seat, I wish I had known beforehand that the standard 4S seats don’t support this, and the 14-way memory electric seat option is required.

The shock of discovering no “passenger seat position” setting after navigating the touch panel was significant.

Also, this option includes electric steering column adjustment, improving easy entry. (Standard seats only open windows; seats and steering don’t move.) I will definitely add this next time.

② 8-way Rear Comfort Seats

I preferred a 4:2:4 split backrest, but didn’t want to choose this option just for that. The stored vehicle’s 6:4 split is somewhat inconvenient for my use. I plan to insist on 4:2:4 in the future.

– Options I Chose but Now Think Were Unnecessary

① LED Matrix Headlights

They make highway signs easier to see, but overall, I don’t feel much benefit. PDLS-equipped LED headlights are sufficient.

② Soft-Close Doors

My wife still slams doors loudly despite reminders, so this feature might be ahead of its time for us. I like the refined scenario of gently closing doors when escorting others.

③ Tinted LED Taillights

An unplanned extra option. Since the body color is white, standard lights are perfectly fine.

④ Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist

After several months, I haven’t used it yet. It might be premature to judge, but currently, I consider it unnecessary.

6) Concerns

The Carrara White body color sometimes looks bluish depending on light, which occasionally doesn’t match my preference. I’ve always bought white cars out of habit, but black and blue Panameras are also beautiful.

Next time I buy a Porsche, I want to consider various colors.

7) Overall Impression

Quoting the catalog, the Panamera is a “four-seater sports car that combines a luxurious atmosphere with agile and dynamic driving” and a “true sports car with excellent practicality.” I think this is spot on.

8) What Porsche Means to Me

To me, Porsche is

“a teacher who taught me what a sports car truly is and the real joy of driving,” and “a good partner.”

I want to gradually raise my car knowledge and enjoy a thrilling, exciting car life, and I’m deeply grateful to the Porsche Panamera for inspiring these feelings.

Panamera 4S Additional Notes

Six months after this article, Manma-san kindly shared the following updates. Please compare the initial impressions with those after six months. [Update 2019.7.10]

① About Choosing the Panamera 4S

Upon reflection, as a car novice who couldn’t possibly have fully unleashed the true power of my previous M3 Sedan, I now think there was no rational reason to choose the 4S from a power balance perspective, and the Panamera or Panamera 4 would have been sufficient in performance.

Certainly, the 4S accelerates impressively when flooring the pedal, but since I rarely take it to circuits or mountain passes, it’s more power than I need.

The phrase, “Both the M3 Sedan and Panamera 4S are monsters,” often runs through my mind like a manga line.

I bought the M3 Sedan largely for its looks, so power wasn’t a big concern. Even if it had a V8 instead of an inline-six, I probably would have bought it.

Now that the 280-hp limit era is over, 333 hp of the S4 is enough. It’s strange that horsepower increased with each car change; looking back, I was somewhat superficial.

Also, the price difference between my fully optioned Panamera 4S and a moderately optioned Panamera GTS (which has many standard features) is minimal, making the 4S’s position unclear.

In short, I don’t see much benefit in buying the 4S at that price. So, if I reconsidered buying a Panamera, I’d carefully select the model and options.

Regarding models, I leave that to buyers’ circumstances, but I’d like to share my thoughts on options.

② About Options

The 14-way seats are definitely essential and highly recommended. I often want to recline the passenger seat for a sleeping child from the driver’s seat, so being able to control the passenger seat remotely is invaluable.

Also, manual steering adjustment on such an expensive car is disappointing. With easy entry included, I will definitely add 14-way seats next time.

Regarding matrix headlights, I consider them a delete option. While matrix high beams are convenient, you must always pass through normal high beam to deactivate matrix mode, and sometimes on matrix mode, oncoming cars flash their lights at you.

Maybe my usage was unusual, but standard PDLS seems sufficient.

Adaptive cruise control, initially considered unnecessary, has been useful on highways, but I feel the deceleration shock is stronger than other brands. I’d like Mina’s opinion on this.

(→ From the blog admin: Keeping the longest following distance reduces this shock, but at closer distances, braking feels delayed and the shock stronger.)

Soft-close doors, initially undervalued, have become indispensable after trying them. The silent closing is elegant and I love it.

Also, Panamera doors stop firmly at any opening angle. Usually, doors stop with a slight jolt at a certain angle, but Panamera stops smoothly at any angle, which is great for avoiding damage to nearby cars or walls.

I don’t think other German cars have this; I wonder how other brands handle it.

Finally, choosing between 4-zone climate control and 5-seat configuration is tough. I personally dislike the large storage compartment in the latter.

Choosing 5 seats means inevitably comparing with the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

Since the 4-seater isn’t yet introduced in Japan (or maybe never), the Panamera is the only choice for a 4-seater.

③ Overall Concerns

I’m frustrated by the shallow and small trunk capacity. Compared to the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe’s deep and spacious trunk, the Panamera falls short.

Despite the larger body, I often have to be creative or can’t fit luggage that fit easily in the M3 Sedan. This was disappointing.

Also, this might apply to Porsches in general, but you feel others’ gazes strongly, for better or worse (maybe overly conscious though, haha).

Female staff at work get excited when I bring the car, showing Porsche’s magnetic appeal. Ah, if only I were younger…

④ Final Thoughts

The description, “a four-seater sports car with a luxurious atmosphere and agile, dynamic driving,” is neither an exaggeration nor falsehood—it’s absolutely true. This feeling hasn’t changed since delivery.

The phrase “a true sports car with excellent practicality” also fits perfectly, as my family of four can get in and out without stress and relax comfortably inside.

Comments on trunk size and cost performance depend on usage and personal preference; I’m a typical late-40s office worker mainly using the car for family drives and leisure.

The Panamera’s exterior design surpasses competitors by a wide margin. If you love this design, it’s definitely worth buying. Sorry for the long and rambling post. I hope it helps those considering a Panamera.

〘Blog Admin’s Thoughts〙
Reading Manma-san’s report, I learned that even within the same Panamera, some options and specs are unavailable depending on the grade. If you’re buying a Porsche, you want to get exactly what you want, so I plan to introduce these subtle differences in the blog. Thank you, Manma-san!