The 2025 Porsche Panamera GTS finds itself as an ambiguous “middle child” in the Porsche lineup, lacking the distinctive roles of its siblings. With the bold, innovative designs of the Macan and Taycan or the established roles of models like the 911 and Cayenne, the Panamera sits somewhere between a sports car and a luxury vehicle, challenging to define. In its 2025 version, it explores multiple directions, offering both hybrid and internal-combustion models, with the latter leaning toward athleticism with its twin-turbo V-8 engine aimed at performance enthusiasts.
The Panamera GTS focuses on raw power, driven by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, delivering 493 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. With improvements for emissions and performance, the GTS now reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and boasts a top speed of 188 mph. Porsche has optimized the V-8 with single-scroll turbochargers, enhancing its response and efficiency. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission further sharpens the driving experience, enabling quick shifts, while the sports exhaust system amplifies the sound for an audibly thrilling experience.
Visually, the Panamera GTS stands out with blacked-out exterior accents, red brake calipers, and 21-inch Anthracite Grey wheels, all of which create a refined, sporty appearance. The GTS offers powerful braking with iron rotors and the option to upgrade to carbon-ceramic rotors. Inside, the Panamera maintains a minimalistic luxury approach with 18-way adjustable sport seats and exclusive color options like Carmine Red and Slate Grey Neo. Although the interior is spacious and elegant, the seats and steering wheel could benefit from additional padding to enhance comfort on longer rides.
Performance-wise, the GTS sets itself apart with a focus on driver engagement and handling. It features lowered suspension with stiffened anti-roll bars and optional rear-axle steering, which aids agility around corners. Equipped with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, the Panamera GTS maintains a low stance for enhanced handling, although the ride may feel stiff, especially on less-than-perfect roads. While these features are a delight for spirited driving, they come with a trade-off in ride comfort, particularly noticeable for passengers in the back.
The Panamera GTS’s ride quality may not satisfy all, especially those expecting a luxurious, smooth experience in all seating positions. With its sporty suspension and road feedback, the car communicates every road imperfection directly to its passengers. While such characteristics are desirable in a two-seater sports car, they can be uncomfortable in a four-door vehicle intended for family use. Passengers in the back experience a much bumpier ride, which may be unexpected for a car marketed as both a performance and luxury vehicle.
Ultimately, the Panamera GTS appeals to a specific niche buyer who seeks both the performance of a Porsche and the space of a larger car without compromising on handling. Priced at $156,195, it’s less costly than the Turbo S E-Hybrid but still offers high performance and aesthetic appeal. Ideal for someone who prioritizes a dynamic driving experience over rear passenger comfort, the Panamera GTS delivers an exhilarating drive but may not be the most practical choice for those needing a comfortable, all-purpose luxury vehicle.
