The Porsche Panamera infuses the brand’s high-performance credentials with family functionality. The third-generation model was launched late in 2024 with comprehensive tweaks, and minus the Sport Turismo cousin that's now retired.
It’s tested here in GTS specification and hobnobs with other hot four-door coupes including the Audi RS 7, BMW M8 Gran Coupe and Mercedes-AMG GT 63. Performance aficionados looking at the boxier BMW M5 may also be enticed, and so too will traditional limo buyers.
Updates include a wider nostril for better cooling of the more powerful engine, and slimmer rear tail light cluster design. The silhouette has an understated elegance, especially when the adaptable rear deck that splits and expands to create more surface area for downforce is retracted. When deployed, it amps up the styling.
A 5,054mm length yields easily accessible and sufficiently capacious living quarters, with rear spaces which lanky adults can also stretch out in. Business types looking for back-seat sumptuousness such as reclining seats and screens can tick the optional rear seat entertainment, and the boot with electric tailgate can fit a golf bag or two.
The high quality interior has an airy feel and is now minimalist deluxe. The analogue driver’s binnacle has been replaced with a digital and 10.9-inch unit that's complemented by a newer and larger 12.6-inch main infotainment hub. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen was also fitted in the test car.
The hand-held gear lever is gone, too, traded in for a finger-toggle switch that requires a longer arm stretch to operate. The centre console that houses cup holders and storage compartments is cleaned up and now has flush climate control buttons. It’s all appealing, and adequately ergonomic.
Performance is the marketed avenue for any model with a Porsche crest, and the Panamera GTS is powered by a 4.0l V8 biturbo petrol engine with driving modes, developing 368kW and 660Nm, representing a 20kW and 40Nm increase compared with the previous GTS model. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving all the wheels.
Though not as quick as the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid range-topper, it takes just 3.8 seconds to flash to 100km/h from standstill. For perspective, we tested the previous-generation 911 GT3 RS to 3.6 seconds, and the Panamera feels it. Wind the bombastic eight-cylinder more and it will hit 302km/h without a struggle.
Even more impressive is how it curtails all that speed, and how it handles its heft will come as another surprise. Sport Plus mode opens the pipes and sharpens the steering, throttle response and transmission shift ratios. The GTS gets a sport tuned chassis and Porsche active suspension management (PASM) as standard fitments. It’s got remarkable poise and grip in the corners for a two-tonne barge.
Rear axle steering is another option that can give more cornering skills, though it isn’t offered with the advanced new hydraulic-electric Porsche Active Ride suspension, another physics-defying trick. But the Panamera GTS that's aimed as an outwardly sportier beast can also dial down and cruise in comfort mode.
The air suspension irons out surface imperfections. The wafting is right up there with the best in the business. Wind and road noise are also kept in check and if it’s a bother, and which I doubt, the bass acoustics of the engine can be toned down through the digital menu.
Eight Panamera models are on sale in SA, and the GTS straddles the middle ground of daily luxury and sports. It consumed 14l/100km on average, and the R3,181,000 asking price is a R1.6m saving on the top Turbo e-Hybrid model and a R928,000 premium on the entry-model.
It’s sold with a three-years/100,000km warranty optionally extended to five years.
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