New member looking for advice. I am interested in buying a used Panamera and would like owner feedback. Am I correct that the 2015 has
an updated transmission? Any other changes between build years that I should be aware of? I've only sat in one and noticed rear vision is
limited somewhat and wonder if the parking assist is effective? Are reverse camera and surround view recommended? How about lane change assist?
Any other must have features? My aggressive driving days are behind me and now prefer comfort so what tire/rim combinations are more suitable
or does the standard suspension make low profile tires a non issue? Looking forward to your input. Thanks.

 

Old Dog I drive a 2014 V6 with 19". My 2 cents:
1- Can't comment on the 2015 PDK
2- Rear visibility limited ?? Very much so. Back-up camera a must have. Surround ? Don't know. Heard it is very useful. Pan is a big car and anything to aid visibility is a plus.
3-Lane change ? Another must have.
4- I have 19s with standard suspension. Rides great ! Air suspension may ride better but is problematic and not worth the headaches. Heard 20s ride pretty hard.

 

First I've heard that they changed the PDK in 2015. Not saying it didn't happen, I just haven't seen anything about that.

The major changes I know of:

2013+: Face lift compared to 2010-2012.
2014+: Hybrid version doubled the electric motor and increased the battery from 1.7 kWh to 9.5 kWh.

Rear visibility is poor. The rear camera is pretty much a must. Surround View (which I have) is a big help, but not critical. I can say that when I've moved the car around in tight spaces, I've had more confidence that doing the same thing in a much smaller car without the cameras - they really do help that much.

I'd say Lane Change Assist is a must-have as well. It doesn't replace checking your mirrors or doing a head check, but it gives you one extra warning in a car with large blind spots. It's much, much more visible on the driver's side - I can see the warning light without turning my head, which has saved me time now and then.

I think the reversing camera and LCA are the only absolute must-haves. Other options depend on your preferences. I now wish I'd ordered Adaptive Cruise Control, but not everyone needs that.

The adaptive air suspension (which is standard on my e-Hybrid) is nice. With that and 18" wheels, it's been the smoothest car I've ever owned.

My main gripe is that my aggressive driving days are not behind me, and it doesn't feel nearly enough like a sports car.

 

I agree with everything Gus said and would like to add if you like a little extra punch I love the sports plus mode

 

That could be my bad memory. I've been researching a lot of cars lately. Maybe it was the Quattroporte?

 

The LCA not only lights up when a car is in your blind spot on either side, but putting on your turn signal will cause it to flash as an extra warning and that has saved me several times as there are blind spots to the rear.

I bought a used 2012 with 20" wheels and then bought used 19" wheels on ebay for snow tire usage in the winter. You have to be vigilent watching for pot holes if you have 20" as there is very little cushion travel in those short sidewalls.

The V6 has plenty of zip for me at my 73 year old and it gets 30 mpg on the highway even at altitude here in Denver.

 

Actually Gus the refresh is 2014+.