A 4S seems pretty quick. The cops love to hide in their fishing holes and nail everyone as it is. So what makes you want a Turbo? Knowing that it's the fastest? An ego / macho thing? Does it really handle that much better? I do like that alacantra lining though...
Just wondering what motivated you turbo owners....before I pull the trigger on a Panny.

 

Go for GTS

 

Because it is a LOT more fun.

Why not get the best of something that is offered?

I have a problem with settling for - "eh... not bad."

Some people are okay with second best. To others, they may justify the 4S of being AWD with no F/I. Everybody has a preference. I don't understand half of the 911 lineup. I'm just glad there isn't a Panamera 4 GTS Targa Turbo S yet.

 

If the 4s seems quick, do not drive the turbo, do not go for a ride in the turbo; get the 4s, and you will be happy. If you drive them back to back, you will buy the turbo. The Panamera is a big, comfortable, well built car; the turbo is a completely different animal on boost. Truth be told, harder to justify the price difference between the v6 and v8 than the jump to the turbo; without the beast under hood, the v6 is more than enough car to drive around.

 

This is my exact perception.

If you are not after power, the V6 is perfect, comfortable, everything a sport sedan is great for. Just don't drive the Turbo.

 

They say...once you go turbo, you never go back. Drive one to know one IMO.

 

I agree, don't go near the Turbo if you like the 4S. However, I'm an automotive journalist, and I just had the GTS for a week back in September... HOLY ****! Honestly, that car is perfect. You really don't need the Turbo, because it's just right in every way.

And I also agree with the V6 vs V8 comments. I was sent a V6 when they first came out, and I said in my review that there was no need for the S, because the V6 is better on gas, thousands cheaper (depending on options), and just as good to drive. However, I wouldn't mind a bit more power and torque for more fun straight line performance.

 

I like how you all think. Since I also have an S 600, you kind of get spoiled by the smooth power. While I thought that the V12 Benz would be a neck jerking acceleration (like in parking lots) it's actually pretty smooth and gradual. Real nice power when you want it. I imagine it's the same for the Panamera Turbo. The depreciation is a killer though, but with cars like this I suppose you just have to say wtf.

 

That's the crazy thing: In a straight line, the Panamera 4S isn't too far off your S600 (depending on the year). The Turbo will embarrass an S600, S63, or S65 AMG to the point of ridiculousness. Around town the Turbo is less smooth than the S600, but still very easy to drive.

That's why I say you get a GTS. Its performance is close to that of the S600, and it handles and drives just like the Turbo, only without the motor. But it does have 430 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, which seems like nothing, until you drive it. HOLY **** is it good... It's damn near stupid fast.

 

I have a PTT and before had an M5 as my DD. I think you will find the main differnce between the Turbo and the 4S is the 4S is a great car. Very nice to drive around town, great throttle response etc.

When you get out on the open road the Torque of the Turbo is very nice to have. Passing and just general driving fun is enhanced by the added power. Sometimes it is nice to be able to just stomp on the gas getting on the freeway and in just a few seconds say that was fun and settle into traffic.

The GTS is a noisier and sportier version and if you are conisdering a 4S you may prefer a GTS if you like "sport" over "luxury". It has more sport, more exhaust sound and more speed than the 4S along with some enhancements to steering response and suspension tuning. The Turbo offer more luxury and better overall performance.

If your S600 is a later model that is turbo chrared you may miss the power in hte 4S, the Turbo will never leave you wainting.

I have a good friend who has an 2011 S63 with some software changes adding another 100 hp or so. It is every bit as fast as my PTT, it is more luxurious, larger, but not nearly as fun to drive. As luxo freeway cruiser I would choose it, but as an all around luxury/sport Sdedan the Panamera Turbo/TurboS can be beat.

Drive all of them and then decide what things you place the most value on. They are all great cars, so their is no bad choice, unless it is not the best choice for you.

Gook Luck getting what you want.

 

Porsche Turbos are very very addicting. I really like the Jackal & Hyde personality traits (comfort & power).

 

If you test drive both and still dont get why a ptt, the 4s is the perfect car for you. I like my cars comfy, but at a press of a button I get a supercar. The gts is hard and sporty all the time, not for me. The 4s just doesnt do it for me optically or thrillwise, in this segment I would have taken something like a Audi S6, for the same money. For me after test driving the 4s, the turbo was the only choice. Drive them, you will know.

 

Turbo, if you are worried about depreciation, buy a 2010 for 33% off. That's what I did, best sedan we have ever owned. Love it!

 

While the PANAMERA TURBO is an incredible machine
... a TUNED ECU S600 V-12 from (2006-2013) in a straight line will hang with the turbo from 0-150. They make about 650 hp and over 700 lbs of torque.

 

exactly. had a buddy just buy a 2010 with under 20k on the dial for $84,000
another 8-12 months and it'll be half price of a new one.