I am thinking about buying a Panamera. I'm not new to Porsche but I have never owned a modern one. I have owned an '87 951, an '85 911 Targa, an '87 930 Coupe and currently own a 1992 968. I think, after some research, I am leaning towards a 2014-2016 Panamera 4 with the base engine. From my research it seems like this is a no-nonsense configuration with a reputation for durability and lower maintenance costs (especially if it has steel springs). But how is the driving dynamic? Is it a numb feeling cruiser or is it sharp handling? I have owned BMW's too. A 2004 E39 540i Sport and a 2007 335i Sport. Feedback requested

 

The earlier cars are way behind the modern cars.
I have a 16 GTS , best driving car in many ways . My car does have air ride and I love it !
Recently I have considered selling ? Running tight on space .
Only Panamera I have driven is my car so I can't honestly compare to other variants .

 

I'd encourage you to consider the 971. 2017-2024. Much better all around. Prices are very low on these as well.

 

I replaced my E92 335i Sport with my Panamera. Compared to my bimmer, my Panamera rides better because it does have air suspension. Handling is crisper, but I think that is mostly due to it being a bit newer and having fresh suspension components. I had a Dinan tune on my bimmer, but even with that the Panamera is MUCH faster in a straight line. I haven't tracked the Panamera whereas I had thousands of track miles on the bimmer, so I won't comment on handling at the limits. I wanted a great GT car and needed four doors because my kids are getting bigger and I needed the rear seat room. I've driven 996, 997, 986, 968, 944, 911 and 914 on track before. The Panamera definitely shares DNA with those cars but it is much bigger and heavier and that is noticeable when cornering. Some of that was supposedly addressed with the updates to the 971, but there is only so much you can do about the physics. In my opinion, it communicates well and isn't numb. We're not talking about Buicks after all. I've never driven a Panamera with the steel suspension, so I can't really speak to that. I am very happy with my car and am budgeting for when there will be a big repair bill.

 

I have 2018 4S non air suspension and it's amazing. I turn off stiffness on highway and it swallows up dips or turn it up when needed.
Very nimble ride.

 

Thank you all for the feedback!

 

I have a 993, 986 and my mom has a Macan. I just bought a 2020 Panamera GTS ST - after driving it for about 3 hours, I can't imagine not having a Panamera from now on. Its an incredible car and very comfortable to travel in.

 

Yeah my 2018 4 is a FANTASTIC car, bought it for 35, put 10 into it to bring it up to current (all fluids, plugs, rubber, control arm) had 20k on it when i got it so i have a fairly valued car all in thats PERFECT!

 

Go for a 14-16 GTS, you really can't go wrong with at the price point they are at.

 

I had a 1994 968 coupe just previous to my Panamera, and the driving dynamics of a 2018 Panamera 4S (971) with sport package feels like a heavier, quieter, more powerful 968. Body roll is about the same, and handling at the limits is similar even though the Panamera has more weight in the front. The 968 is more agile, while the Panamera is more comfortable. On a rough mountain road the Panamera is more compliant.