Should You Buy a PORSCHE PANAMERA? (Test Drive & Review GTS)

[@mickcanty5508]

I've owned one for 7 years and love the car a V6 diesel Platinum Edition. I bought from a dealer and asked the salesman if the seats folded flat with a boot length of 2 metres, puzzled and assuming I required the space for a set of ski's I told him the reason, I own a flooring company and in an emergency if I can't fit a roll of vinyl in the back I don't want it. He was astonished I would do such a thing in a car of that calibre. Needless to say it works, a fast, comfortable, economical, reliable and practical quality car.

[@JackMeredith1995]

Do the seats go down in the back mate?

[@Czechbound]

Call me strange, but I really like how these look. They're a big beast with a lot of presence ( much more than a sports saloon ). I'm surprised you praised its sound insulation, as I think that ranks as one of the worst in-car background noise videos. Looks nice inside. Much better than a Cayenne.

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

Ok then: You are strange !!!

[@calibreman]

I like it too.

[@nkonzosmagalela3003]

Me and you☝🏼

[@bloodynorahvan2203]

I agree - joile lade as the French would say

[@tupcho33]

The car is nice aside the design from the back doors going back , in my opinion.

[@Alex-qv4nk]

Also just a word of warning to potential buyers of this model Panamera. Please check that the drain channels to the front scuttle and rear spoiler are clear. If the spoiler drains get blocked you will have the battery compartment in the boot flood , and if the scuttle blocks the ECU can suffer water damage and costs around £1k to replace. Both happened to me during my ownership.

[@GGoblin1]

Don't you just love that German Engineering

[@kevalbertmooka]

Yep, I know how that feels, it happened to my BMW 535d e61.

[@YHBW1001]

Happens on Mercedes M class too.

[@stuartpeacock8257]

Thank you Alex

[@stuartpeacock8257]

Only a Mother’s Love

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

I don't understand how ppl think the car doesn't look good from the back. I think it looks great and very unique. Looks amazing to me Matt

[@Stoney_Valentine]

Followers

[@tramlad2]

I always defended the Panamera when people knocked it, yeah its not fancy Italian job, but its a great drivers car, well built and can shift, love that v8 engine sound, great review, i love Porsche my favourite sports car , keep your Lambos and your Ferrari's Porsche all day for me

[@joaorodrigues-dy9rm]

Yeah for me too, since i was a kid, a ferrari or a lambo never really did it for me, i find the discreet, subtle but carefully designed porsche, with their amazing build quality, way more appealing. I had the biggest crush on the brand, and i still love porsche the most. Porsche fan boy all day everyday👌

[@porscha901]

Join Porsche club gb

[@tungstencarbide7255]

I thought I was the only hopeless Porsche fan boy

[@marvinsamuels1237]

I’ve always been a Porsche fan (preferred the 959 to the F40 as a kid), love the 911 too. I’d go for the 2nd gen as a family car if I had the money.

[@marvinsamuels1237]

@@tungstencarbide7255 you’re not alone 😉

[@williamdrijver4141]

Styling isn't that bad. Especially in this color it's quite okay imo.

[@soaunknown]

I really love that interior, especially the centre console with all the buttons and everything. Feels like you’re in a cockpit of a proper machine unlike most cars nowadays with an iPad controlling everything.

[@Mos41f]

Automobile manufacturers these days lack ideas when it comes to designing a cockpit. Take the new Mercedes S Series as an example; it's nothing but 3 giant screens kept close to each other.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

With you. I can't stand touch screens. I also find them quite dangerous, as my finger wobbles about trying to touch the right bit anc I have to keep taking my eyes off the road. I like buttons and dials. If the car resembles an aircraft cockpit, that's not a bad thing for me. I'm sure most blokes would agree. At least most blokes over 30....

[@lioneldawson3688]

I really enjoy all your honest reviews. I now live in the USA but love the insights into the high end motors, and the test drives around my old familiar stomping ground. Thank you!

[@davidarmstrong4934]

I remember reading somewhere that the boss of Porsche at the time the Panamera was being designed was about 6 foot 7inches tall, and the rear seats had to accommodate him comfortably in the back, hence the bulbous design. I think the Mk2 looks much better

[@robertpoll4030]

Mentioned in Harry Metcalfes review of the diesel

[@adamharris2674]

This story has been told almost as much as the death of Jesus..

[@justinlinnane8043]

Excellent. `i was waiting for you to do the Panamera . I have started to love them recently and they represent astonishing value. Strangely the ugliness is part of the appeal for me too !! totally unique and a bit of a bruiser for making trans continental journeys in pure comfort with a sting of wicked performance . Its quirkiness is its attraction.

[@peter466]

The second generation was a massive improvement looks-wise. In terms of audience, I always thought they were for powerfully built directors with too large a company car budget!

[@gaudam514]

Fun fact, the Panamera is styled the way it is to ensure there was enough head room for the tall ceo of Porsche at the time. Rear headroom was such a priority that they compromised on styling

[@yanston]

Every time I watch one of your videos I find myself on AutoTrader immediately afterwards. Keep up the good work Matt.

[@MyCold1]

lol,me too.

[@adriankeys6245]

I love the way you grin when the engine noise kicks in, shows your a Petrol Head at heart ... lovely lovely car

[@popeye2089]

Passed a few of these earlier. They look much better in the metal and even better at cruising speed 😍

[@MyCold1]

Another quality video is nice to see a car dealer that actually cares for the cars he sells. top bloke.

[@IanHobday]

The Panamera styling has grown on me over the years. It got that bulbous butt because of the requirement that it be able to seat two tall adults in the back seats, which it absolutely can. It reminds me of the similar vintage Bentleys with the round rears. Overall it has aged pretty well and still looks contemporary today, almost 15 years after launch.

[@rob808]

each to his own , but I love the looks of the Panamera always have.

[@scalecrawlnl]

Excellent way to wrap up the week, a virtual drive with Matt in a Porsche limousine! Thank you✌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching!

[@iandonkin6762]

I quite fancy a later version of this, post 2016. The early ones just weren’t pretty… Edit having watched the whole video: but I wouldn’t swap it for a Rapide!

[@s..a893]

Lol that’s a kind way of putting it

[@bonniedrasco8166]

The inside of a rapide is hugely compromised and dated and cramped and was never worth the price tag

[@jaysimpson6857]

Fifty grand plus though! Lots of nice cars about for that money.

[@hummerchine]

I think it’s gorgeous! I should know, I owned a 2010 Panamera 4s for over a decade and loved it! Recently upgraded to a 2021 Panamera Turbo S Executive….HOT DAMN

[@peterbutcher4848]

I thought it looked like a modern take on a four door 928. It looks good from some angles but that profile. It was like two people designed the front and the rear separately and only met when the car was built. " oh is that what you were doing !!, we should have talked sooner"

[@e36_btg31]

Awesome car, great video Matt. Used to work at a Porsche Centre and Keith Flint was a customer there. He always had a black Panamera GTS and his plate had RAT. Wonder if this is his old one?

[@SCD-BOY]

Completely agree! Everything is brilliant except it's rear end! Let's face it we all like a nice rear end!

[@GarnockReviews]

I see these a lot over here and on paper, they are the best cars in the world. Whenever I see them though, I just never get that urge. Love the review, especially for being as honest, and wish you well in the sale

[@Strato777]

I remember back in 2010 I worked for Aston Martin North America. We just got our 1st Rapides and we were getting destroyed in the sales market by the Panamera which was nearly $100k cheaper and could genuinely seat 4 people comfortably. Mind you the sound of the 6.0 V12 in the Aston was nearly worth the extra money.

[@TrulyUniqueOne]

Aston martins are some of the most overrated cars ever.

[@diegolove173]

@@TrulyUniqueOne fact

[@martinfiala3910]

Disagree about looks and proportions. You're right they didn't follow the rules and that's unique and refreshing. Liked it from the first time I saw it. Panamera owners are unique and refreshing...honest perhaps definetly a member of the herd.

[@rolonow12]

I had the facelift version, the back end was less offensive and with the spoiler up looked quite good. However it was too big for Norfolk country roads so I sold it. It was fabulous on long Euro drives though.

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

That's the main problem with "fancy"/luxurious cars! They're all way too big to be driven on narrow country roads and through old villages. I had a massive car once and sold it for that exact reason. I live in a small village, most buildings are 350+ years old. I guess you can imagine how tight everything is here. Anyway, it's the reason I never want a big car again. I don't feel the need to impress anyone, I can go with something mid-sized and be happy with it.

[@davidstuart4915]

@@barbarusbloodshed6347 'too big and / or most controls now touch / via screen' ...is said sooooo many times with modern designs, when will manufacturers listen?! 2 Series BMW is big enough for most needs....I drive a Zoe.'Gt'...which has more than enough space for me and is a hoot down the back lanes, and ultra quiet through the villages :)

[@Trollin-Trio5321]

I never understood the knocks this car got, I have always liked it. Thanks for the review.

[@neilmccaughan5149]

The rants are always entertaining. This one is classic.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Now you can get the Porše Panamera as an estate variant (called the Sport Turismo).

[@JohnHoganN8]

Love these! The back was because the rear seats had to accommodate the very tall CEO of Porsche at the time.

[@alastairmcburnie1249]

I bought a Carmine Red GTS just last week and absolutely love it. Very few alternatives if you have two kids and want some fun.

[@jovialgent9963]

The gearstick area looks like something out of the movie Prometheus!

[@yeahno....]

Space 1999 eagle cockpit

[@HAYDNBBH]

I actually love the styling of these and I'm not just being contrarian but I like the back end, it's not my favourite looking car but I do like it

[@liamsce5082]

I love the Panamera personally, as a car lover when you see one coming you think corrr they’ve got a bit of money as even used ones sit around the 20-30k mark (not including the essential maintenance) but then you see the rear and like you said it’s a real shame! That engine sounds mean though. Great to see you back at it with the oooo XKR again 😂

[@martinwhite6770]

I have the 2014 facelifted 3.0ltr diesel version with the 300bhp updated engine which gives just over 50mpg on a run and just over 30mpg around town, it has the big turbo wheels & the optional Porsche PCM Bose sound system with 40gb jukebox but it is an utter pain to but get any music into as it has to be down loaded from a memory stick not straight from a cd. I must say i love the front of the car and have grown used to the rear view. the reason the rear is hunched is because the designer wouldn't compromise on full size adults being able to sit in the back and he is 6'4" tall!!!!.anyway as always a good honest review

[@simonbeer8528]

They have always reminded me of the Chrysler Crossfire’s back end and the analogy of Clarkson’s description of ‘a dog taking a dump!’

[@sharif5866]

I'm working in Q8 as an Expat teacher. In Feb 2022 I bought a 2010 v8 model with 48,000km with full Porsche Main dealer History for approx £12,500 here in Q8. Previously I'd driven a BMW V8 TwinTurbo from Q8 to Dubai and reached 200km/h. A few months later I drove to Mecca in a 2008 Merc CL500. Reached 200km/h using Radar Cruise control, and then 250km/h flat out thereafter. I was excited about testing the Panamera again from Q8 to Mecca over 3 days covering approx 500km per day, but the 120km/h speed warning chime drove me mad and kept my cruise set at 115km/h. On my return journey I drove the 1500km straight back to Q8 without any issues. A truly beautiful car which I hope to purchase again one day. The ride was a little too firm for me (compared to the Merc's flying carpet ride) but otherwise the perfect car for me. The 'cooled' seats are the best I've tested. An absolute must here in the summer heat. The rear seats had lots of adjustment options which was great. The dealer was happy to offer between 25% and 30% discount on parts and labour charges and so the charges were very reasonable for me. PS - My home town is Derby (Uk) and so I hope to visit High Peak Autos in the near future.

[@Salubrious101]

I agree on everything except the looks, it's aged so well, as most modern cars now look alike, at least the panamera can't be mistaken for anything other than a Porsche.

[@louisjames1062]

that hydraulic split opening spoiler is a masterpiece

[@markoneill2819]

Everything is positive when your driving the car, so just cover your eyes when getting in. I’d bloody love one.

[@smarte.r.1450]

Matt I have a confession..... I love it... and yes, the styling. I am a Porsche fan...I think its the only way I could justify getting a Porsche. The Cayenne is simply too big... yes, I know the Panamera isn't a Smart car, but... it is more sporty looking, feeling and embodies the qualities of a Porsche from the driving seat without feeling like Admiral Nelson on a V8 Turbo Charged column. I'd happily take one the sumptuous cabin and ergonomic cosseting of the cockpit would keep me entertained for.....EVER!... Did I say I was a Porsche fan? thanks Matt another fab insight into another car I won't have the chance to own until I retire and petrol is then £5 a litre :(

[@nickdoughty518]

Just watched your video and, for the very first time, I thought the styling looked good! That I can't explain.

[@tungstencarbide7255]

4:24 reminds me of your "What's the point of the Nissan Juke?" video. I've always been a fan of the button fest (coupled with a decent screen, of course). Great review as always.

[@P.Galore]

Never wanted one until I rode in the BACK of one.....great car.

[@zn5204]

I’ve done 163000 in my merc,interior is in very good condition Matt

[@binio28]

I used to criticise Panamera for its looks but I guess it was driven by imposed opinions. What this car bring to the table is performance and quality of Porsche brand available for four adults ...and it is not a SUV. I have never driven one but I suppose if I was I would be so excited that exterior design would not be as important. Good review, thumbs up!

[@joaorodrigues-dy9rm]

It is always subjective, i find the this panamera good looking, in the same way i find the bmw x6 first gen good looking. They have large tyres, large wheels, big performance, premium badges, well built german rockets. They could be discribed as distastful, but i like them and i also like tasteful stuff

[@reececollison5101]

I’m glad it’s not just me! I’ve always thought the Panamera was a really good looking car and have never seen the ugliness myself!!

[@ssb8344]

Dude! Finally. I been waiting for a review on this car for ages. Also you have a proper mix of personal cars. AMG GT is the dream….

[@siphamandlamthethwa6153]

I have a 2014 base model 3,6 pdk, it is the best thing! I like the styling though, something different and serious head turner. Build quality is great, it is almost looks new with 98 00km

[@dixon296]

Absolutely spot-on review every time I see you on I just think why

[@kenny1514]

It was quite hard to hear you over the road noise in this video! Otherwise a good review.

[@katzicael]

I Always loved the Panamera, I love the shape, and it looks Sinister in black.

[@Hustwick]

Interior Team: How many buttons do you want? Porsche: Yes.

[@marcuswilson9381]

Best car I ever had! Almost perfection

[@mfld719]

Who buys a Panamera?Interesting question..Can’t wait for the “Should I buy a Porsche Macan” video. Thanks for the content Matt.

[@davidhay9699]

Personally I adore the Panamera…I think the looks are epic…it looks like a big panther…I’ve always loved them…I’d rather have the Porsche than the Aston Martin equivalent…it sounds fantastic…it’s just a big auto ban cruiser. As for Matt,yet another fine video…why’s this dude not on the tele with his own Thu Nite 30min say channel 4 motoring show…

[@astront917]

Speed camera alert @8m .31 secs 😀 Great video as always

[@i.s.3458]

Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid has 690bhp which is insane in shooting brake form. Almost double the horses in thie. Crazy.

[@Alexander_l322]

I like the Panamera to be honest. I can understand why people think it’s ugly but I just don’t. I also like the new BMWs with the massive kidney grill 😃

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Second generation with the 4.0 diesel V8, perfect balance between performance and economy.

[@garys7828]

When I’m on the Porsche configurator, a base Panamera 4, in metallic brown, with tan seats.....cool😎

[@mikanunx]

Apart from the tail lights, I like how it looks.

[@Chazaxl]

Oddly Ive always liked the look. And this is coming from someone that currently drives an M6 Grand Coupe Competition which is very eye pleasing.

[@oldwarrenpointforum]

Complete with the optional black gaffa tape spoiler protection kit - as for the mic, it sounds as if its not plugged into the camera (or phone) and you are getting camera audio and not the external mic. If it is plugged in check the settings to make sure its using the external mic and not the on board one.

[@irfandin6513]

Brilliant video. That Porshe Panmera looks like one of the Audi models.

[@sethbrundels]

Thank you, I have been in search if a used Panamera

[@ligett]

Matt I really suggest you use a (better) microphone, there's plenty of road noise as you speak. Oherwise, I enjoy your reviews, keep up the good work!

[@stevemarshall3481]

Driving around in a perfectly acceptable Porsche and an XKR still catches your eye, you can take a man out of a Jag but you can't take the Jag out of the man lol, another great video Matt 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha exactly

[@kevincroft9848]

I think this Porche is fantastic. I would definitely like one of these cars. Good to drive very smooth. Stylish great car good build quality..yes get me one Matt. Good video as usual. Kevin

[@davidscott3996]

Additionaly, have you seen the new panamera's back? They took it to the next level! It looks absolutely amazing.

[@stuartpeacock8257]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and as they say is more than’Skin Deep.’ It’s in the engineering and the quality of materials

[@simonhobbs9097]

To coin a phrase 'you're not really selling it'; good luck getting rid of it, would love to be a 'fly on the wall' when you start giving the sales pitch, particularly its looks 😁

[@NH00531]

Great review Matt, only criticism is the sound, the mike seemed to be picking up a lot of background noise.

[@chrisali2173]

I used to think they were hideous as well, but now I don't mind the styling, but then I've also owned a Jeep Commander and Ford Scorpio, so clearly don't mind a challenge 😆

[@robertsmith1553]

Great video as always Mat, I had one of these beauties for 18 months. You are rght about the seats though, blooming uncomfotable !!. If memory serves me, mine was a bit quieter 😂😂😂

[@HighPeakAutos]

My mic is acting up again. It wasn’t that loud

[@robertsmith1553]

Olny kidding, any chance you could review a real classic ? The BMW E38 740i. I reckon it woud be very poular

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@robertsmith1553 I’d love to. I love those

[@innit1407]

The looks are definitely subjective. I think it looks absolutely beautiful!!

[@edwardmurray8507]

I know what you mean about the seats Matt, my wife (marginally overweight) has just bought an Alfa Giulia and I think she will struggle to get back out of the driver's seat... I am going to invest in a couple of shoe horns to help her get out when she returns home from work each day.

[@cjoel2379]

‘’FUGLY’’ is beautiful. This cars shape has grown on me. In fact I have long decided it’s going to be my next car!

[@flyme195]

To be honest, I’ve never been a big Porsche fan. Having said that, this one, might just tempt me. It’s a good looking car , well, so long as your not looking at the back.

[@philjones6449]

Great video Matt, I can’t believe you never showed the active spoiler in action on the GTS. When u see that in action you can forgive the bulky rear end. Optimus prime would be proud of that!

[@filipmarkovic9858]

Fun Fact: The Porsche Panamera has such a weird design because the development leader was a tall man from the Netherlands (I forgot his name), he was 204cm tall (6"8) and he didn't want a 4 door car in which he couldn't sit comfortably in the back. The tall roof line is literally just there for people to sit comfortable. I mean it looks kinda silly, but I for myself love it because it's one of few cars I don't dash my head in when I sit in the back (I'm 6"6)

[@MrDallman]

Excellent as always Matt….I love the fact that you noticed the XKR whilst driving a GTS ….a petrol head through and through .. I’m just the same …my wife calls it “ An illness “ LOL Cheers .

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@redred1758]

Surprised by all the comments on the car's looks. It's a 4-door hatchback by Porsche! In spite of the looks alert, I find myself wanting one after watching this review.

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, car does look very impressive, number plate ruins the car though.

[@bs7157]

could we have reviews of cars we can afford like every day sort of cars. they're very nice all these you show us. but average 'joe blogs' can't really afford such luxury for every day run abouts. i love these vids. so keep em coming.

[@dog1ac]

I’m rather curious about how would you compare it to your recently purchased 640d Grand Coupe.

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Another great video, Matt. Thank you. Cheers from Canada.

[@HighPeakAutos]

My pleasure!

[@frankiemcp11]

Great video review as always!

[@viduransivakumar3192]

The noise that thing makes is awesome, still can't get over its looks though 😂

[@cabottaxi]

2 of these around the corner from me. Great cars but to be honest too wide for our roads and parking them in multistorey car parks is surely a nightmare. Great informative video as always.

[@Alex-qv4nk]

Had a 3 litre 300 hp version ( Diesel) and easily got 40 mpg on a run. I just found the Panamera too big and to be frank "an old man's" car. I replaced it with a Macan S but as Porsche had discontinued all diesel engine I now only gat 25 MPG if I'm lucky. A good green move by Porsche?

[@Alexander_l322]

So you replaced it with a footballers wife car , only joking I like the macan and the panamera

[@colinalcock4812]

Got 47.6mpg in mine last week, 300mile round trip.

[@colinalcock4812]

@Teamgeist doesn't drive like a diesel.i took it up to 145 mph on the way back still pulling well. Its a Brilliant all rounder. Mine is upto 93k now and not a single problem with it.

[@petebee2541]

As an Old Man, it will suit me fine I think.

[@colinalcock4812]

@@petebee2541 I'm old, suits me😂

[@jamsxr]

The news ones look so much better.

[@PrettyGreenMonk]

The new pan looks loads better at the back

[@SirTeabag]

Bit of random trivia - Jim Carrey drove one of these back in around 2010 - used to see him in it around Brentwood in LA

[@54mgtf22]

Very similar internally to our Boxster with 2 more seats and a hardtop. Put it in Sport or Sport Plus and plant your foot from the lights. That will have it in 1st. I agree about the seat. My wife loves it but it’s very tight across my upper back. Love your work 👍

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

I love the look of the mk1 panamera it’s big and brash and the side is my favourite angle it’s beautiful the new panamera looks tame in comparison

[@kevinjones7732]

This whip is a vision of beauty !! If tonight’s lottery numbers come up there’s only one Porsche on order for me and this one is it. 👌🏻

[@gt7940]

I agree, although I’d like to see the updated model review, they look better As usual great entertainment 👍