2019 Porsche Panamera GTS: First Review

To differentiate the GTS version of the 2019 Porsche Panamera from its siblings, Porsche fits the Sport Design package as standard equipment. GTS models feature unique front and rear fascias with blackened components, black side skirts, gloss black window trim, and black badging - even the taillights have been tinted darker. Inside the cabin, standard Adaptive 18-way sport seats are upholstered in Alcantara and leather, with matching soft material on the armrests, doors, visors, pillars, and headliner (Note: Alcantara doesn鈥檛 breathe, so the cooled seats option requires perforated leather). GTS logos are emblazoned on the doorsills, head restraints and tachometer. Those seeking even more distinction may opt for the GTS Interior Package, with Carmine Red or Chalk-colored embroidering, matching seatbelts, and contrasting stitching. The passenger cabin boasts Porsche鈥檚 Advanced Cockpit, which is highlighted by a vivid 12.3-inch full-HD touch screen running the latest version of Porsche Communication Management (PCM). New on the options list for the Panamera is a high-resolution head-up display (HUD).

The full-color projection is fully customizable, effortless to use 鈥?literally a drag-and-drop process via PCM 鈥?and it puts all relevant information directly in the driver鈥檚 line-of-sight. The standard 3-chamber air suspension on the 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS works in conjunction with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to deliver a comfortable, well-controlled ride. As expected, the overall tone falls on the sporty side of the ride spectrum 鈥?keeping in mind the enthusiast tune - but luxury is the dominant theme. Porsche鈥檚 fame is with race-winning sports cars, but the Panamera is a proper 4-season luxury grand tourer (one reason why the company doesn鈥檛 offer a rear-wheel-drive variant). The company鈥檚 engineers have gone to great lengths to eliminate road and tire roar, wind noise, and many other annoyances - isolation is a key ingredient. At highway velocities the cabin is quiet and comfortable (strict speed laws in Bahrain which hosted the GTS introduction limited us to just over 80 mph).

Individual) steering wheel-mounted dial, which includes the Sport Response Button - standard with Sport Chrono. Press it while underway and the Panamera GTS immediately reconfigures the drivetrain for maximum acceleration for a full 20 seconds (we call it the 鈥減oint-and-shoot passing button鈥?. It is unlikely that few, if any, Panamera GTS owners will venture onto a racing circuit, yet Porsche engineers have the exception covered as we noted during laps on the spectacular Bahrain International Circuit. Mass is the enemy on a track, as a vehicle鈥檚 engine, suspension and brakes must continuously battle to accelerate, stabilize and decelerate weight through the corners and straights. Most svelte sports coupes tip the scales at just over 3,100 pounds, but the Panamera GTS, a 4-place sedan, is a luxurious 4,400 pounds. Despite this handicap, and warm Middle East temps in the mid-80s, the Porsche never wavered. In fact, it did surprisingly well. Four-wheel steering, part of the optional Rear Axle Steering with Power Steering Plus package, improves agility in the twisty sections and stability on the straights.

And, with the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) package, an auxiliary 48-volt electrical system nearly eliminates body roll. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, included in PDCC Sport, ensures the driver鈥檚 steering inputs are followed thanks to an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and torque vectoring - yes, the Panamera GTS will hang its tail out in a corner. The Panamera鈥檚 weight is most obvious in the fast sweeping corners where increasing the vehicle鈥檚 speed exceeds the physical grip of the tires - the sedan is pushed outward. Thankfully, the programming of Porsche Stability Management (PSM) keeps the four contact patches on the track, despite a few judgmental errors in our trajectory. Porsche鈥檚 own 4D Chassis Control (a sophisticated centralized network that is tasked with controlling the vehicle鈥檚 digital systems) works overtime to ensure that the driver鈥檚 requests are seamlessly followed. We really like the new Panamera GTS models as they deliver eye-opening performance (both body styles are equally as competent), innovation, technology, and luxury without compromise. Of course, this level of competency doesn鈥檛 come inexpensively. But if their 6-figure base price dissuades, don鈥檛 look at the GTS models as upgraded and enhanced standard models. 15,000 off the cost of a Panamera Turbo - how鈥檚 that for a value proposition?