Porsche’s foray into the four-door sedan market with the first-generation Panamera was… divisive, to put it mildly. While Porsche may have envisioned a stretched 911, the initial design, particularly the rear end, drew comparisons to less flattering shapes. However, as Porsche refined the Panamera over generations, culminating in models like the anticipated 2025 Porsche Panamera, the first generation has quietly become a surprisingly appealing used car option, especially the Panamera GTS.
First generation Porsche Panamera GTS rear view
While opinions on the aesthetics of the original Panamera remain varied, its performance credentials were never in doubt. Fast forward to today, and these first-generation Panamera models, especially the GTS trim, are available at a fraction of their original price. The Panamera GTS, in particular, once a $110,000+ vehicle, can now be found for around a quarter of that price. Let’s delve into what made the first-generation Panamera GTS special and why it might be a compelling bargain in today’s market, especially for those considering the lineage that leads to the modern 2025 Porsche Panamera.
From 911 Ambitions to Four-Door Reality
The idea of a four-door Porsche wasn’t entirely new when the Panamera debuted. Back in the 1980s, as the Porsche 928 gained popularity, Porsche considered expanding beyond its two-door sports car image. The “989” project, spearheaded by Dr. Ulrich Bez and designer Harm Lagaay, aimed to create a luxurious, dynamic four-door version of the 911. Lagaay’s design echoed the 911’s styling, elongated to accommodate the extra doors and passenger space.
Porsche 989 Prototype Design
However, by the late 1980s, Porsche faced sales challenges, and the 989 project was shelved in 1989. The focus shifted to a more accessible Porsche, leading to the development of the first-generation Boxster. This proved to be a wise move, as the Boxster, along with the Cayenne SUV, played a crucial role in Porsche’s financial recovery.
The Four-Door Idea Returns
Two decades later, the concept of a four-door Porsche sports sedan resurfaced. Michael Mauer took on the design challenge, retaining the front-end styling cues of the 989. However, the rear design of the first Panamera took a different direction, employing convex lines that some felt resulted in a somewhat bulky and less refined appearance.
The First-Gen Panamera GTS: Rocket Performance, Debatable Looks
Despite the design criticisms, the first-generation Panamera delivered on the performance front, particularly in the GTS trim.
Panamera GTS: Key Highlights
- Debut: Shanghai Auto Show, April 2009
- Design: Michael Mauer (in-house)
- Production: Leipzig, Germany (alongside Cayenne)
- Platform: Shares platform and drivetrain with Cayenne
- GTS US Launch: 2013 model year
- GTS Starting Price (2013): $110,875
The Panamera launched in 2009 in Shanghai, a market known for its appetite for luxury and larger vehicles. It shared its platform and production location with the Cayenne SUV, utilizing the Cayenne’s 4.8-liter V8 engine. The initial models included the S, 4S, and Turbo, with the Turbo variant featuring a twin-turbocharged V8. In 2011, Porsche expanded the lineup with diesel, hybrid, and Turbo S versions.
Porsche Panamera Generations Overview
While the Panamera’s styling sparked debate, its performance and handling consistently upheld Porsche’s high standards.
GTS: The Driver-Focused Panamera
The GTS variant was specifically designed to appeal to a younger demographic seeking a more engaging driving experience. It featured distinctive black styling elements on the exterior (handles, badging, exhaust tips, spoilers) and Alcantara and contrast stitching in the interior for a sportier aesthetic.
However, the true differentiator was under the hood. The Panamera GTS used the same 4.8-liter V8 as the 4S, but with enhanced tuning, boosting output to 430 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque (up from 395 hp and 369 lb-ft). A sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes delivered a more aggressive sound, and a two-stage rear wing added to the sporty character.
The GTS also benefited from standard performance features such as air suspension, Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and active anti-roll bars on the rear axle. These technologies combined to create a genuinely sporty sedan that prioritized driving dynamics.
Porsche Panamera GTS Interior Detail
Second Generation Refinement: A Design Evolution
Porsche addressed the design criticisms with the second-generation Panamera, unveiled in 2016. Peter Varga’s design presented a more refined and cohesive aesthetic. The tailgate adopted a straighter profile, and a redesigned bumper with a sharper edge and a full-width LED taillight strip contributed to a more modern and assertive look.
The second generation also introduced the Panamera Sport Turismo wagon variant, further expanding the model’s appeal.
Second generation Porsche Panamera rear design
Used First-Gen Panamera GTS: A Value Proposition
Despite the availability of newer, more refined Panamera models, including the upcoming 2025 Porsche Panamera, the first-generation GTS offers compelling value on the used market.
GTS Price Drop: Performance Bargain
Used Panamera GTS models can be found starting in the $35,000 to $39,000 range. Considering its original MSRP of over $110,000 in 2013, this represents a significant depreciation. While the first generation’s styling may not be for everyone, the GTS delivers genuine performance. With a 0-60 mph time of around 4 seconds and seating for four, it blends family-car practicality with sports car thrills, approaching the performance of the higher-tier Turbo model but with a more distinctive character.
The V8 engine in the first-generation Panamera is known for its robustness, particularly in later production years after initial minor issues were resolved. The engine’s lineage traces back to the Cayenne, giving Porsche ample time to refine its reliability. However, as with any used performance car, a thorough service history is crucial. While the purchase price may be similar to a new mainstream sedan, maintenance costs will reflect its Porsche heritage and the need for OEM parts.
Conclusion: Quirky Looks, Undeniable Value
Porsche’s initial attempt at a four-door sedan might not have been perfect in the eyes of all, but the first-generation Panamera, especially in GTS guise, has aged into an intriguing proposition. For buyers willing to look beyond the polarizing rear design, a used Panamera GTS offers a potent blend of performance, luxury, and Porsche DNA at a significantly reduced price point. As Porsche continues to evolve the Panamera with models like the 2025 edition, the first generation GTS stands as a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess and a surprisingly accessible entry point into the world of Porsche performance sedans.
Sources: Porsche Official Press, Wikipedia, AutoTempest Used Car Listings
