Porsche Panamera · 970
Generation 1 2009–2016
Porsche's first four-door GT. The naturally aspirated 4.8 V8 in S, 4S and GTS is the enthusiast's engine; the Turbo is astonishingly fast; the Diesel is the sensible high-mileage cruiser with Audi mechanicals. The 2013 facelift brought a prettier rear end and, controversially, a V6 twin-turbo for the S/4S. The GTS is the collector's pick: V8, air suspension, Sport Chrono and PSE as standard.
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Recognition
How to tell it apart
- •Pre-facelift (2009–2013): small rear window, bulbous rear end, tail lights that wrap up the hatch
- •Facelift (2014–2016): wider, lower rear glass, slim horizontal tail lights, reshaped front with larger intakes
- •Turbo: quad tailpipes and adaptive rear spoiler that splits into a wider wing; GTS: black trim, red calipers, Sport Design front
2013 facelift (MY2014)
- Wider rear window, new tailgate and slimmer tail lights; front bumpers with larger intakes
- S and 4S switched from the 4.8 V8 to a new 3.0 V6 twin-turbo (420 hp)
- GTS up to 440 hp, Turbo to 520 hp; Diesel to 300 hp; S E-Hybrid plug-in introduced
- Executive long-wheelbase versions added; LED headlights with PDLS+ optional
Engines
Engines
3.6 V6 · 300 hp
2010–2013
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic / Manual · RWD / AWD
Entry V6 derived from the V8. Adequate rather than exciting; the Panamera 4 adds all-wheel drive. Rare 6-speed manual RWD cars exist.
3.6 V6 · 310 hp
2013–2016
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · RWD / AWD
Facelift entry V6 with 310 hp.
4.8 V8 · 400 hp
2009–2013
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic / Manual · RWD / AWD
Naturally aspirated V8 with PDK; the S is rear-drive, the 4S all-wheel drive. Sonorous and durable when the bore-scoring and coolant-pipe checks come back clean.
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 500 hp
2009–2013
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
500 hp, air suspension and PDK as standard. Supercar acceleration with limousine comfort; running costs to match.
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 550 hp
2011–2013
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
Turbo S with 550 hp, PDCC and PTV Plus as standard. Rare.
4.8 V8 · 430 hp
2012–2013
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
The driver's Panamera: 430 hp naturally aspirated V8, air suspension lowered 10 mm, Sport Chrono and sports exhaust standard. Pre-facelift GTS is scarce.
3.0 V6 Diesel · 250 hp
2011–2013
Diesel · Automatic · RWD
Audi-derived V6 TDI with 8-speed Tiptronic S and rear-wheel drive. The cheapest Panamera to run and the most common in Poland; the least Porsche-like to drive.
3.0 V6 supercharged hybrid · 380 hp
2011–2013
Hybrid · Automatic · RWD
Sought after Robust
Full hybrid with the supercharged Audi V6 and 8-speed Tiptronic. Niche; battery age matters.
3.0 V6 twin-turbo · 420 hp
2013–2016
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · RWD / AWD
The V6 twin-turbo that replaced the V8 in S and 4S. Quicker in practice than the old V8, lighter over the nose, less voice.
4.8 V8 · 440 hp
2013–2016
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
The last naturally aspirated V8 Panamera. Air suspension, Sport Chrono, PSE and Alcantara interior as standard. The version enthusiasts hunt for.
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 520 hp
2013–2016
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
520 hp facelift Turbo; Executive long-wheelbase version available.
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 570 hp
2014–2016
Petrol · Dual-clutch automatic · AWD
570 hp; very rare in Poland.
3.0 V6 Diesel · 300 hp
2013–2016
Diesel · Automatic · RWD
300 hp facelift diesel with 650 Nm; the strongest case for a diesel Panamera.
3.0 V6 supercharged plug-in hybrid · 416 hp
2013–2016
Plug-in hybrid · Automatic · RWD
Plug-in hybrid with roughly 30 km electric range. Battery condition drives value.
| Engine | For sale now | Years | Gearbox · drive | Sought after | Robust | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.6 V6 · 300 hp Petrol · Panamera / Panamera 4 · M46.20 | 24 | 2010–2013 | Dual-clutch automatic / Manual RWD / AWD | Entry V6 derived from the V8. Adequate rather than exciting; the Panamera 4 adds all-wheel drive. Rare 6-speed manual RWD cars exist. | ||
3.6 V6 · 310 hp Petrol · Panamera / Panamera 4 · M46.20 | 21 | 2013–2016 | Dual-clutch automatic RWD / AWD | Facelift entry V6 with 310 hp. | ||
4.8 V8 · 400 hp Petrol · Panamera S / 4S · M48.20 / M48.40 | 34 | 2009–2013 | Dual-clutch automatic / Manual RWD / AWD | Naturally aspirated V8 with PDK; the S is rear-drive, the 4S all-wheel drive. Sonorous and durable when the bore-scoring and coolant-pipe checks come back clean. | ||
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 500 hp Petrol · Panamera Turbo · M48.70 | 11 | 2009–2013 | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | 500 hp, air suspension and PDK as standard. Supercar acceleration with limousine comfort; running costs to match. | ||
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 550 hp Petrol · Panamera Turbo S · M48.70 | 3 | 2011–2013 | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | Turbo S with 550 hp, PDCC and PTV Plus as standard. Rare. | ||
4.8 V8 · 430 hp Petrol · Panamera GTS · M48.40 | 13 | 2012–2013 | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | The driver's Panamera: 430 hp naturally aspirated V8, air suspension lowered 10 mm, Sport Chrono and sports exhaust standard. Pre-facelift GTS is scarce. | ||
3.0 V6 Diesel · 250 hp Diesel · Panamera Diesel · Audi EA897 (MCR.CA) | 13 | 2011–2013 | Automatic RWD | Audi-derived V6 TDI with 8-speed Tiptronic S and rear-wheel drive. The cheapest Panamera to run and the most common in Poland; the least Porsche-like to drive. | ||
3.0 V6 supercharged hybrid · 380 hp Hybrid · Panamera S Hybrid | 0 | 2011–2013 | Automatic RWD | Full hybrid with the supercharged Audi V6 and 8-speed Tiptronic. Niche; battery age matters. (some details unverified) | ||
3.0 V6 twin-turbo · 420 hp Petrol · Panamera S / 4S (facelift) · MCW.AA | 11 | 2013–2016 | Dual-clutch automatic RWD / AWD | The V6 twin-turbo that replaced the V8 in S and 4S. Quicker in practice than the old V8, lighter over the nose, less voice. | ||
4.8 V8 · 440 hp Petrol · Panamera GTS (facelift) · M48.40 | 20 | 2013–2016 | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | The last naturally aspirated V8 Panamera. Air suspension, Sport Chrono, PSE and Alcantara interior as standard. The version enthusiasts hunt for. | ||
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 520 hp Petrol · Panamera Turbo (facelift) · M48.70 | 3 | 2013–2016 | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | 520 hp facelift Turbo; Executive long-wheelbase version available. | ||
4.8 V8 twin-turbo · 570 hp Petrol · Panamera Turbo S (facelift) · M48.70 | 2 | 2014–2016 | Dual-clutch automatic AWD | 570 hp; very rare in Poland. | ||
3.0 V6 Diesel · 300 hp Diesel · Panamera Diesel (facelift) · Audi EA897 (MCR.CB) | 4 | 2013–2016 | Automatic RWD | 300 hp facelift diesel with 650 Nm; the strongest case for a diesel Panamera. | ||
3.0 V6 supercharged plug-in hybrid · 416 hp Plug-in hybrid · Panamera S E-Hybrid | 10 | 2013–2016 | Automatic RWD | Plug-in hybrid with roughly 30 km electric range. Battery condition drives value. |
Versions
What the badges mean
Panamera / Panamera 4
commonbase
2010–2016
V6 entry models; 4 = all-wheel drive. Steel springs unless air suspension was optioned.
S / 4S
commonperformance model
2009–2016
Pre-facelift: 4.8 V8 400 hp. Facelift: 3.0 V6 twin-turbo 420 hp. 4S = all-wheel drive. PASM standard; air suspension optional.
Watch out: Sellers sometimes list a facelift 4S as a V8; the 2014+ S/4S is a V6.
GTS
rareperformance model
2012–2016
Naturally aspirated V8 (430/440 hp), all-wheel drive, air suspension, Sport Chrono, PSE, Alcantara and black trim as standard.
Watch out: GTS styling parts and badges are sold aftermarket; the VIN, engine code and standard equipment list settle it.
Turbo / Turbo S
uncommonperformance model
2009–2016
Twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, air suspension and adaptive spoiler standard; Turbo S adds PDCC, PTV Plus and more power.
Diesel
commonperformance model
2011–2016
Rear-drive V6 TDI with Tiptronic S. The most economical Panamera; PASM and air suspension optional.
S Hybrid / S E-Hybrid
rareperformance model
2011–2016
Hybrid (2011–2013) and plug-in S E-Hybrid (2014–2016), rear-drive, Tiptronic S.
Executive (long wheelbase)
very rarespecial edition
2013–2016
150 mm longer wheelbase with rear comfort seats; offered on 4S, Turbo and Turbo S at the facelift.
Options
Options that matter
uncommon
Adaptive air suspension with PASM
Standard on Turbo and GTS, optional elsewhere; the car rides and sits properly with it.
Struts and compressor age; budget 5,000–9,000 PLN per strut.
rare
Burmester High-End Surround
The rare flagship audio; a marker of a no-expense-spared order.
uncommon
Sport Chrono package
Sharper drivetrain mapping, launch control on PDK cars and the dash clock; buyers pay for it.
uncommon
Sport exhaust (PSE)
Switchable sports exhaust; transforms the V8 soundtrack and is highly sought after.
uncommon
Adaptive sport or comfort seats (14/18-way) with ventilation
Ventilated, multi-way seats separate a rich order from a base one.
rare
PDCC active anti-roll
Hydraulic active roll stabilisation. Rare, impressive, and very expensive when it leaks.
Actuator and pump repairs run into tens of thousands of PLN.
rare
Soft-close doors
Luxury detail from a high-spec order.
uncommon
LED headlights with PDLS+
Facelift LED lights with dynamic cornering; better than bi-xenon.
uncommon
Adaptive cruise control
Makes a Panamera the continental cruiser it is meant to be.
uncommon
Extended leather / carbon or wood interior package
Full leather dash and doors or real carbon/wood trim: expensive originally.
very rare
Ceramic brakes (PCCB)
Very rare on Panamera; replacement discs cost more than a small car.
Check disc condition carefully; a worn set is a 60,000+ PLN problem.
common
BOSE Surround Sound
The common audio upgrade.
uncommon
Four-zone climate
Rear passengers get their own control; often present on well-specced cars.
uncommon
Panoramic roof
Large glass roof; some buyers insist on it.
uncommon
SportDesign package
Aggressive front and side skirts; cosmetic but valued.
uncommon
Reversing / surround cameras
Useful on a five-metre car.
rare
Rear seat entertainment
Rare, dated, but signals a top-spec original order.
common
Porsche Entry & Drive (keyless)
Keyless entry and start.
rare
Thermally and noise insulated glass
Quieter cabin; another sign of a rich order.
common
20–21 inch wheels
Visual; the 20-inch Turbo II wheels are the classic look.
Before you buy
What to know
Strengths
- +Real Porsche steering and body control in a car that seats four adults in comfort
- +The 4.8 V8 and PDK are strong when serviced; many cars have lived pampered lives
- +Facelift cars fix the awkward rear end and gain LED lights and better infotainment
- +Depreciation has largely happened; good examples now hold value
Expensive when they fail
PDK gearboxAir suspensionPDCCCeramic brakesHybrid batteryV8 engine work
Polish market
Diesels and 4S models dominate Polish supply; genuine GTS cars are scarce and priced accordingly, and facelift GTS cars command a premium as the last naturally aspirated V8. Pre-facelift Turbos are close in price to a facelift 4S: for most buyers the 4S is the smarter buy, for enthusiasts the Turbo or GTS is the special one.
Known weak points
- seriousCylinder bore scoring (4.8 V8)Naturally aspirated 4.8s can develop bore scoring, showing as ticking when cold, oil consumption and soot on one tailpipe. Rare on twin-turbo engines.Check: Ask for a cold-start video and a borescope inspection before buying; check oil consumption history.
- moderateCoolant pipes, thermostat and water pumpPlastic coolant components under the intake and the water pump age; a coolant smell or low level needs investigation.Check: Ask whether the coolant pipes/thermostat were replaced and check for residue under the intake.
- seriousPDK gearboxGenerally durable, but early cars had temperature sensor and mechatronic faults; the gearbox is not officially serviceable and repairs are very expensive.Check: Confirm PDK oil changes (every 60,000 km is prudent); feel for hesitation or slurred shifts when warm.
- moderateAir suspension and PASMStruts leak and the compressor tires. Cars standing on one low corner overnight are the tell-tale.Check: Ask for a morning photo after the car stood overnight; ask when struts were last replaced.
- seriousPDCC hydraulic leaksActive anti-roll actuators leak with age; repairs run into tens of thousands of PLN.Check: If PDCC is fitted, ask about leaks and check for warning messages in Sport mode.
- noteSticky interior buttonsSoft-touch coatings on switches and trims go tacky. Cosmetic but expensive to refurbish properly.Check: Look at close-up photos of the centre console buttons.
- moderateAudi V6 TDI ageing items (Diesel)Intake manifold flaps, EGR cooler, DPF and thermostat are the usual V6 TDI items; parts are shared with Audi and reasonably priced.Check: Ask about intake manifold and EGR work; confirm DPF is original.
- seriousHybrid battery healthOriginal hybrid packs are now old; capacity loss and failures are expensive to fix.Check: Ask for a battery health report and realistic electric range.
- noteBrakes and tyresLarge discs and 20-inch tyres are consumables that cost real money; PCCB replacement is enormous.Check: Ask for disc thickness and tyre dates.
- moderateImports and historyMany Polish 970s are US or German imports; US cars may have salvage titles and different specification.Check: Ask for the VIN and check origin and title history before travelling.
From the market
Real cars on sale right now
From the market
Engines actually on sale
Grouped from 170 live listings: what people are selling, at what price and mileage.
| Engine | Share | Typical price | Median mileage | Gearbox · drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.8 Petrol · 400 hp 4S | 20% | 89 999 PLN | 188 000 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
3.6 Petrol · 300 hp PDK | 14% | 79 900 PLN | 155 094 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
3.6 Petrol · 310 hp 4 Edition | 12% | 95 900 PLN | 154 000 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
4.8 Petrol · 440 hp GTS | 12% | 129 900 PLN | 156 000 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
4.8 Petrol · 430 hp GTS | 8% | 112 999 PLN | 164 000 km | Automatic · AWD |
3.0 Diesel · 250 hp Diesel | 8% | 79 900 PLN | 234 800 km | Automatic · RWD |
4.8 Petrol · 500 hp Turbo | 6% | 85 900 PLN | 213 000 km | Automatic · AWD |
3.0 Petrol · 420 hp 4S | 6% | 119 000 PLN | 139 560 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
From the market
Price by model year
Typical price and mileage for each model year on sale.
From the market
Most common versions
- 4S20
- GTS17
- 4S PDK8
- Turbo7
- Diesel7
- GTS PDK6
- PDK4
- 4 Edition4
From the market
Equipment seen most often
Electric driver seat 100%Electric passenger seat 100%ESP stability control 100%Radio 94%Rain sensor 94%Electric front windows 94%Electric rear windows 94%Rear parking sensors 94%Electrically folding mirrors 94%ABS 94%Driver airbag 94%Passenger airbag 94%Heated driver seat 88%Heated passenger seat 88%
Our picks
Versions worth looking for
Facelift GTS (2014–2016)
The last naturally aspirated V8 Panamera with every driver's option as standard. Rare and worth a premium if bore-scoring checks are clean.
Facelift 4S (3.0 V6 twin-turbo)
Quick, more efficient, fewer engine worries than the V8, the rational choice.
Pre-facelift Turbo with documented history
Huge performance for the money; the twin-turbo V8 avoids the bore-scoring worry of the NA engines.
Diesel 300 for long-distance drivers
The most sensible Panamera to run; look for air suspension and a full spec.