The 2025 Porsche Panamera GTS: A Masterclass in Balance and Brilliance
In a world of increasingly digitalized and hybridized sedans, Porsche’s 2025 Panamera GTS arrives as a statement piece—a car that reminds us what grand touring and performance driving should feel like. In a deeply detailed and honest review, MotorTrend put the Panamera GTS through its paces on real-world canyon roads, and the verdict was clear: this is a four-door sports car in every sense.
Their experience? One day. One car. And one unshakable impression that the GTS is, once again, Porsche at its best.
V8 Power, Delivered with Precision
MotorTrend’s test car came fitted with Porsche’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, putting down 493 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed PDK transmission to all four wheels. No electrification, no artificial enhancements—just raw, mechanical excellence.
According to MotorTrend, the V8 “fires with a noisy blat” before settling into a satisfying rumble. It's a powertrain that feels equally suited for refined city driving or high-speed assaults on canyon roads. And with a tow rating of 4,850 pounds, it's surprisingly versatile for a car this focused.
Driving Feel That Rivals a 911
Once the road turns twisty, the GTS transforms. The MotorTrend review praised the seamless shift from relaxed cruiser to razor-sharp backroad athlete, stating, “We’re no longer driving a Panamera; now we’re in a Porsche.” That’s a critical distinction—and exactly what sets the GTS apart from its luxury sedan rivals.
From sharp turn-in to neutral cornering balance, the car carves corners with conviction. Even over bumps and mid-corner imperfections, the chassis stays composed. The review highlights how the GTS confidently handled Decker Canyon—one of Southern California’s most technical driving routes—with poise that even a 911 GT3 RS would respect.
A More Focused, Modern Cabin
The Panamera’s interior has also undergone a thoughtful evolution. Gone is the crowded button bank from previous models. In its place is a minimalist, modern layout with touch-sensitive climate controls and a relocated gear selector, creating more visual breathing room. As noted in the MotorTrend piece, it’s a welcome return to clean design and driver-centric functionality.
And while some Porsche purists may lament the shift to more digital interfaces, the review emphasizes how this version balances sophistication with simplicity—delivering both modern amenities and classic driving engagement.
The GTS Formula, Intact and Improved
What stands out most in MotorTrend’s review is the confirmation that Porsche hasn’t lost its way with the GTS formula. Despite the temptation to electrify or over-digitize, the 2025 GTS keeps things visceral. It’s powerful, communicative, and just raw enough to keep enthusiasts grinning.
Their final assessment was as honest as it was glowing: the GTS manages to hit that elusive sweet spot—a perfect ratio of sensibility and sportiness. Comfortable enough for long commutes. Serious enough for spirited drives. And unlike many luxury sedans in this price bracket, you never feel like you're sacrificing fun for luxury—or vice versa.
Final Thoughts: The GTS Delivers, Again
So, did the 2025 Panamera GTS “shatter our dreams,” as MotorTrend provocatively asked in the headline? The answer, as their review makes clear, is a hard no. If anything, it deepened the dream.
This isn’t just a trim level—it’s a performance statement. And thanks to MotorTrend’s real-world impressions, buyers can have complete confidence that this GTS lives up to the hype.
