Hello, everyone! I’m Mina, the editor of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.” Our “Porsche Owners’ File” series was created in response to readers who wanted to hear firsthand accounts from Porsche owners. For installment #14, Kazukun shares his buying story, options, and driving impressions of his 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

〘Owner Profile〙
・Featured car: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
・Pen name: Kazukun
・Location: Hyogo Prefecture
・Family: Wife (usually drives a Wagon R, but occasionally takes the Panamera), one son (22, owner of a Cadillac Escalade), and one daughter (no driver’s license)
・Previous cars:
Toyota MA70 Supra → Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 GT-V → Cadillac STS → Chevrolet Suburban → Chevrolet C3500 Dually → Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD → Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
・A message for readers: With the all-electric Taycan on its way, I think a Porsche hybrid is worth considering, too. It may not be the most popular trim at the moment, but it’s an exceptionally well-engineered car.

1) How I Chose My Porsche

From American Cars to German Cars

I used to drive American cars, but for various reasons I had to let mine go. For a while, I got by without a car.

(My first C3500)

(The C3500 after its color change)

(When I bought the 3500HD)

I found myself thinking, “What should I get next? After an American car, I’d love to own a German car I’ve always admired.” But Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen models were everywhere around my neighborhood. (Laughs.)

Seeing so many of them brought home just how popular Mercedes-Benz and Audi were. But I had one particular preference:

“I want to avoid being stopped at a traffic light next to another car just like mine.”

So I started paying closer attention to the cars around me, thinking, “Maybe I’ll get a Porsche next?” A few months later, I’d made up my mind: I was going to buy a Porsche.

Cayenne or Panamera?

I wanted a car for everyday use, so I ruled out two-door models. The Macan was also out because of its size. I’ve always liked large-displacement engines, so the Cayenne and Panamera made the final shortlist, and I took both for several test drives.

I preferred the way a supercharger delivered its torque and the overall feel of a supercharged car over a turbocharged one, so I narrowed my search to the S Hybrid.

After comparing and test-driving the Cayenne and Panamera, I found the Cayenne Hybrid a little sluggish. By contrast, the Panamera Hybrid felt more agile(probably because of its size and weight), so I chose the Panamera S Hybrid.

Fortunately, I knew people in the automotive industry, and after asking around, I found a pristine, dealer-sold, left-hand-drive car that was almost exactly what I wanted. That’s the one I bought.

2) Options and Specifications

I made sure the car had Sport Chrono, plus features you can’t add later if you change your mind: a sunroof and left-hand drive. I also wanted ventilated seats, but there are some good aftermarket options available now, so I was happy as long as the car had them.

I spent about six months looking. Then a longtime automotive-industry contact in Tokyo tipped me off about this car, and I bought it without even seeing it in person. (Laughs.)

Options and Features I Know It Has

The car has a sunroof, Sport Chrono, a Sport steering wheel, 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, heated seats, and colored wheel-center caps. I’m not sure which of the following were standard: privacy glass, a factory Clarion navigation system, side steps, wood interior trim, an ashtray, and Panamera S-branded door-sill plates.

3) The Wait Until Delivery

I wasn’t placing a specific order—I’d simply asked to be contacted if a good car came along—so the search took about six months.

4) Porsche Performance: What It’s Like to Own a Panamera S Hybrid

① Engine

What I like:
The supercharger feels fantastic. I think it pairs beautifully with the V6. Unlike a turbo, it responds directly to the accelerator, which suits my driving style.

It’s also so quiet that I sometimes look down and realize I’m already doing ○○○ km/h. (Laughs.)

What I don’t like:
With the hood closed, I don’t notice it, but with the hood open, it seems to make more mechanical noise than American or Japanese cars. For a V engine, though, it revs smoothly.

② Transmission and Hybrid System

As a parallel hybrid, it delivers power without compromise and can shut off the engine even at highway speeds, which makes it very fuel-efficient. (16 km/L on the Tokyo–Osaka drive) The transition between electric motor and engine is so smooth, you can hardly tell it’s happening unless you’re watching the tachometer.

③ Handling and Brakes

The brakes are every bit a Porsche’s—they stop incredibly well. I’d like to say there’s nothing to complain about, but brake dust is the one drawback. The steering feels like that of a sports car, even though this is a sedan. It has a response I haven’t experienced in Japanese or American cars, and I really like it.

④ Fuel Economy

I’ve driven only about 2,000 km so far, but I’m getting 14–16 km/L on the highway. Even in the city, it hasn’t dropped below 10 km/L.

⑤ Ride Comfort and Driving Feel

I believe the car has active air suspension, and the ride in PASM Comfort mode is excellent. I have heard that air suspension can fail, though, so that’s a slight concern.

For a car billed as a sports sedan, I also think the ride height is a little too high—it doesn’t look great.

In Sport Plus mode, the suspension feels just right on twisty mountain roads, making for a really enjoyable drive.

Unlike a conventional gas-powered car, the hybrid prioritizes electric power when pulling away, so I feel a slight delay—about half a second—between pressing the accelerator and the car responding. Maybe I’ll get used to it.

I don’t feel the extra weight of the electric motor that you might expect from a hybrid. In fact, for a midsize sedan, its agility is more than enough.

When you consider that a Lexus GS F, for example, has a more luxury-oriented feel despite being called a sports sedan, you could say the Panamera occupies a new category that Japanese cars don’t offer.

⑥ What My Family Thinks

My kids said, “Oh, it’s a Porsche!” But after I’d owned four American cars in a row, they also told me it “doesn’t suit me.” (Laughs.) When my wife rode with me from Osaka to Tokyo, she did say that the passenger seat was comfortable.

⑦ My Favorite Thing

Everything. (Laughs.)

5) Must-Have Options for My Next Porsche

Hmm… I’m interested in the Matrix LED headlights and PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes).

6) Things I’m Still Getting Used To

I’m conscious of people looking at me… (Laughs.) Getting in and out feels a little cramped, but I suppose I’ll get used to that, too.

7) Overall Verdict

A generation ago, Porsche models belonged in the supercar category. But after owning a Panamera S Hybrid, I’ve come to feel that Porsche, in a good way, no longer fits the traditional definition of a supercar.

A Porsche is a supercar you can drive around town every day. I think that’s what sets it apart from supercars made by other manufacturers today.

That said, Porsche’s passion and commitment are clear in the car’s supercar-level performance. And the way the company brings its motorsport technology into production cars is impressive.

8) What Does Porsche Mean to You?

To me, Porsche is like a mistress? A girlfriend? (Laughs.)

Of course, my wife comes first. (Laughs.) But even when you have a wife, a Porsche is someone special you want to cherish. I’m pretty sure our Panamera is a girl.

〘Editor’s Note〙
I used to wonder, “What’s a Porsche hybrid really like?” But after reading the reviews in our Porsche Owners’ File and the comments from readers, it’s clear that these are exceptionally well-engineered, impressive cars. This is definitely one I’d love to try! Thank you, Kazukun!