First time Porsche buyer and getting ready to order a Panamera GTS. Not adding too many things in options at present, but would appreciate any feedback on what I've chosen or not chosen. Only selected Premium Package, leather interior, 21" SportDesign wheels in exterior color, 4-zone climate (have 2 kids), interior leather, interior Anthracite Birch. Don't like the 2+1 option in rear -- seems like the middle person's legs will encroach on the side passengers and make all three folks uncomfortable.

I'm keen on getting exactly the options I want, so I'm resigned to ordering (as I've done with BMW/Audi in the past). Though I expect the dealer (as others) will try to talk me into one they have on-hand or nearby. If the dealer did happen to find a new 2019 fitted as I like, is there anything compelling in the 2020 Panamera GTS that might motivate me to order, or are the '19 and '20 GTS models pretty much the same?

I apologize ahead of time for the basic questions, but reading around a bit on this forum showed that you all seem re-assuringly eager to help even the newbies like myself.

Thanks in advance.

 

I searched forums, articles... anything... trying to find differences between 2019 and 2020 MY Panamera with no luck and assume there will be very few, if any, changes made. With the 2017 redesign I'm guessing it will be 2021 or 2022 models before any meaningful changes will be made.

I drove a 2019 GTS and was really surprised at how fun it was to drive; the sound of a V8 is unbeatable for an old school guy like me... ended up ordering a 2020 turbo (in June) with delivery expected early November.

 

Thanks @LostCowboy . I too scoured the web before posting and also turned up no diffs at all. Dealers I visited also could not name anything different (though they can't really be trusted).

Totally agree on the V8 (as I'm a grizzled old schooler too). Was heading towards a 4S, then I drove the GTS and couldn't go back to a V6 after that.

Congrats on the Turbo! I'd love to follow you there, but I'm already stepping up considerably from the 4S where I started shopping. I'm sure the Turbo will be a blast for you.

 

A couple things I'd recommend: Surround view camera, it's a big car and those help when shoehorning. Depending on your kids age it can be nice to have the shades and be able to access them on a roll. The soft close doors are good for younger kids because the doors require a solid thump to close without them. Mine are all grown but I've seen it with my grandchildren. For that reason I'd go premium plus because you get the soft close in it and none of the options are foo-foo.I don' think you need to worry about the 19 questions on an order, it's all 20s now so what you see on the configurator are your available options.

 

Definitely surround view camera.

I have had in my last 3 cars, and recently I had to buy a car that had just arrived into stock as i needed a car immediately as mine was written off.
The new one has most of what the old one had, and more, but it doesn't have surround view, and frankly its horrible. Its driving me insane,
I have realised I have lost the ability, since having surround view cameras, to park in space accurately.
I'm in UK though and our spaces are typically small.

 

Thanks @krabman and @K777 . Great advice on the surround view and soft close. Kids are 6-year-old twins. Though it won't be our "main" family vehicle, it will be hauling both at times. Was wondering about both the surround view and soft close doors. Wife was wondering about the shades too, but had been leaning towards tinting darker or something to content with that.

 

Not sure how much you've prowled here but check out the various threads on buying still-new (or almost new) 2018s Turbos, especially Sport Turismos. Dealers are puking them out at 25-30% under MSRP, likely less than whatever you'll pay for an ordered GTS. Cargurus and the like can let you search national inventory.

 

At 6 years I think I'd skip the power shades, it's with the young ones I'd feel like it was money well spent because it would come up a fair bit. Poking is right, you really should hit carguru and see what's on the ground before you order. It's unlikely you'll find your exact options but something that's close enough in a Turbo might take the sting out of it and a quick peek cant hurt.

 

Thanks for that. @pokingaround made a good suggestion, but, additionally, has me wondering about the 2018 Turbo alternative. Poking around as suggested just a bit shows a fair bit of nationwide inventory with < 8K miles on a 2018 Turbo easily attainable for ~ $130K (and less). I've been set on "brand new" for this car, but I've generally bought gently used in the past and stepped up a model. What do folks think about an ordered 2020 GTS vs a 2018 Turbo, assuming similar purchase price? Loaded and open-ended question I know, but that's sorta intentional. ;-) All opinions welcome.

 

I think CPO is a great bonus if you plan to keep the car past the standard 50k miles. Very similar options in 2018s as 2020s minus heads up display and one or two other smaller features. 2018 is two years older so worth less out of the gate but there is a steep depreciation curve on these cars in any case. I recently bought a new 2018 Turbo S Sport Turismo close to 30% off so that gives you an indication on which way I’d suggest.

 

Hard to say how long I'll keep in. Historically, I've kept cars a while. But, the past several years I'm consistently doing only about 4K miles per year -- that's it. Not sure if that speaks more towards the 2018 CPO or 2020, but it's additional background on my perspective.

 

So then also look at time. CPO should add 2 years beyond the factory warranty so that gives you 6 years regardless of miles.

As a point of reference my car is 1.5 years into the CPO period and is a 2013 MY so aprox 6 years old. I have already had a few expensive repairs covered under the CPO - at around 30K miles.
Car now has 34K. Interestingly - nothing at all electrical has come up as an issue.
Average miles 5-6K / year during that time period. With high percentage of highway use - at least during the past 2 years.

 

I just got a 18 turbo with 7500 miles, Many options with a $178K build sheet. CPO with 30% off sticker. Check South Florida before you make a move

 

A few comments for your consideration. I currently drive an '18 Turbo. Fantastic car, although full disclosure, I would love to get rid of it for a 992. Such is life. Definitely shop around though. Dealers (at least here) aren't offering anything close too what places like KBB or Edmunds will say for Trade in value.

Regarding the 2+1 rear seat configuration, our Turbo has the standard two seats in the back. One thing I failed to appreciate when buying the Turbo is that our kids' school requires them to exit the vehicle on the passenger side. That center console causes one of the kids to have to climb over it in the morning. Hopefully you don't face something similar.

Definitely agree on the surround camera. It is a larger vehicle, and it is helpful. I'm biased, but I also think Porsche really excels in execution of the 360 camera too, from when the camera displays to the crispness of the image.

Finally, I really enjoy the Sport Chrono Package. That really is where this car can transform from a comfortable family sedan to one hell of a fun drive in Sport+ mode.

 

the rear seats in the 2+2 are very comfortable but we have the bench in our ST and ultimately are happy with that. Awesome to pull into Cars and Coffee and have 5 people pile out of the Porsche. I think if I were to get another Panamera, I'd opt for the 2+1 which I understand is now an option for the sedan version in 2020.