Porsche have recently announced a mild revision to their Panamera range and the power in the Panamera GTS has risen marginally to 473 bhp, up from the one tested here which has 454bhp. You are highly unlikely to notice a 19bhp increase and in almost all other respects the car in this video is identical to the new one except minor changes to the rear light cluster. In this summary therefore I have elected to cover the latest GTS specification principally because this is what you would get if ordering one now.
I should start by saying that the new Panamera GTS is unquestionably expensive at around 107K pounds before additions, typical cars are likely to cost north of 130K new. However the GTS combines outright speed, sharp handling and direct steering with generous room for 4 adults and their luggage, all which means the car has few real competitors. M5 and E63 AMG are simply not as roomy and the BMW Seven Series and Merc S63, though equally sizeable, do not have the dynamic capabilities of the Panamera. GTS also looks good too, sporty even, not something that can be said of either the new S class or the Seven Series. Audi's new RS7 is perhaps the nearest competitor but doesn't have the handling characteristics of the Porsche. Of course there is the Merc GT 4 Door but here it's more about outright power than finesse, not so roomy either, and this of course would compete, price wise, with the new Panamera Turbo with 620bhp plus at its disposal.
First and foremost the GTS is an exhilarating car to drive on an everyday basis. The 4.0-litre Twin Turbo V8 engine now produces 473bhp and 457lb ft of torque between 1800-4500rpm. It is certainly quick for such a big car though not perhaps as manic as the Pan Turbo and there are occasions when you do want more. Nevertheless 0-62mph come up in around 3.7 seconds onto a top speed north of 185mph. Overall economy Porsche say should be in the mid twenties though if our experience is anything to go by 30mpg and possibly more should be achievable on a longer run.
Not that economy is exactly the priority when buying a 473bhp Panamera, much higher on the list is how well the car drives, so dynamics if you will. Here for such a big car, using it's brilliant eight-speed dual clutch gearbox to best effect, it performs magnificently giving off a linear flow of acceleration that is available from around 1500rpm right up to the red line, all of which is accompanied by a guttural V8 growl, particularly noticeable when Sport or Sport Plus is engaged in combination with the standard sports exhaust activated.
The GTS handles, steers and rides with a sporty bias using its four wheel steering to great effect, really shortens the wheelbase from a driver's perspective. However it is the linear steering that stands out for me where the feedback on offer is nothing short of outstanding for a car of this size and weight. Brakes are also excellent but then again Porsche has always provided brakes that combine a level of power and feel which other manufactures struggle to compete with. The Panamera is also simply excellent on motorways so firm but comfortable for long journeys, and it also rides poorer laid roads using the car's air-spring suspension to maximum effect whilst still offering excellent body control. You feel in touch with the road something not so perfect in our Panamera e-hybrid which can feel floaty at times unless in sports plus.
Inside, material quality is first rate and the large displays are imo class leading. I really do believe this is the best cabin of any car on sale right now certainly this side of a Bentley Continental GT or Flying Spur. However a lot of these attributes apply to the whole Panamera range so this time around is the GTS the standout model as it has arguably been on previous Panameras? The slightly stiffer set-up could be too harsh for some and the twin-turbo engine is perhaps not as charismatic or vocal as in the first generation which had a normally aspirated 4.8litre. However for me this is to miss the point of such a car, I was throughly impressed with the way the air suspension has been tuned to better keep the driver in touch with the road whilst protecting you from the imperfections of our worst B roads and the noise the V8 makes is simply wonderful. Dial everything back though and it competes with the best luxury cars in isolating you from the everyday journeys if the mood so takes you.
So overall, to my mind, this car offers a sporty ride and rewards keen drivers all wrapped up in a thoroughly impressive package and these abilities make it truly unique within its class.
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