While both offer roomier cabins, find out how these two Porsche wagons stack up against each other
by Amrit Balraj on June 26, 2024, 11:00More than just a wagon, the Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo has a gorgeous design. But the beauty wasn’t just skin deep. This powerhouse packed a punch close to 700 horsepower, rivaling the thrill of a 911 while offering the everyday functionality of a Cayenne. With seven trims to choose from, the GTS hit the sweet spot in the middle, delivering both stunning looks and exhilarating performance. Unfortunately, Porsche has discontinued the Sport Turismo for the latest generation of the Panamera.
The all-electric Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo seamlessly blends practicality with pulse-pounding performance. Borrowing the sleek front end from the Taycan sedan, the Sport Turismo boasts a stunning extended roofline that culminates in a stylish lip spoiler. Unlike its lifted sibling, the Cross Turismo, the Sport Turismo maintains a lower stance, emphasizing its sporty character. Paired with a variety of cool alloy wheel options, it’s a head-turner guaranteed to impress.
These Two Wagons Are Poles Apart When It Comes To Performance
The Panamera is available across seven trims Porsche offers a range of powerful options in the Panamera Sport Turismo. The base model, 4S, 4 E-Hybrid, and 4S E-Hybrid all come equipped with a versatile 2.9L V6, offering a spectrum of outputs from a spirited 325 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque to 552 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
A 4.0L twin-turbo V8 sits at the heart of the GTS, churning out 473 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque But that’s not all. The King of the Hill is the Turbo S E-Hybrid which combines a V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering a jaw-dropping 690 horsepower and 641 pound-feet of torque
The Taycan Sport Turismo comes in GTS and Base Trims. The base Taycan Sport Turismo prioritizes efficiency over neck-snapping acceleration. Its single rear-mounted electric motor delivers a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, ensuring a smooth and capable driving experience. Range anxiety is a thing of the past, with the standard 79.2 kWh battery offering an impressive 269 miles. Opt for the larger 93.4 kWh battery pack, and you can extend your adventures to up to 306 miles on a single charge.
Both the Taycan GTS sedan and Sport Turismo wagon share a thrilling electric drivetrain. A permanent magnet single-speed front motor teams up with a larger rear motor – featuring a unique two-speed transmission. This powerhouse combination unleashes 590 horsepower with Launch Control, launching you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo | Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo | |
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External Features | Boasts an aggressive SportDesign front fascia. High-gloss black accents flow from the sleek side skirts, emblazoned with GTS logos, to the window trim. The rear diffuser echoes this theme with a matching black inlay, while the matte black badges add a touch of stealth. Standard 20-inch wheels in a unique satin black finish complete the imposing stance. Even the LED headlights and rear light strip with a blacked-out Porsche logo exude a sense of sophistication. | Features a sleek sportback design that blends coupe style with wagon practicality. Large 20-inch or even larger wheels showcase its performance potential. A quad-exhaust system hints at the powerful engine lurking beneath the hood. Body-colored bumpers and door handles maintain a clean look, while a panoramic sunroof (or optional sunroof) and discreet puddle lights enhance convenience and luxury. |
Internal Features | The Race-Tex interior package, a hallmark of other GTS models, sets the tone. Two large digital displays dominate the dashboard: one for the instrument cluster and another for the central infotainment system. A third passenger screen is optional. The seats are 18-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats with memory functions. Brushed black aluminum door sill guards and trim complement the black accent package. The Race-Tex treatment extends to the roof lining and steering wheel, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel. | Porsche swaths the cabin in supple leather, the standard choice, or optional Race-Tex for a more aggressively bolstered feel. Regardless of material, meticulous stitching adorns the seats, dashboard, and door panels. The GTS treatment shines through with logos on the headrests and door sills. A panoramic sunroof bathes the interior in natural light, while ambient lighting lets you personalize the mood. In the driver’s seat, a thoughtfully designed center console with a high-resolution touchscreen keeps all the controls within easy reach. |
Options | The optional GTS Interior Package. With Carmine red or Chalk stitching adorning the dashboard, doors, armrests, steering wheel, and seats. Matching seat belts complete the coordinated look. "GTS" embroidery on the headrests and a Sport Chrono instrument dial add sporty touches. A matte carbon fiber trim elevates the center console, door panels, and steering wheel. The performance package includes Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport for exceptional handling and Rear-Axle Steering for unmatched agility. There is also an optional 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels | The Sport Chrono Package. This performance-oriented package adds launch control for explosive acceleration and a coveted driving mode dial on the steering wheel for on-the-fly adjustments. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, rear-axle steering, and ceramic brakes are also added. |
Ground Clearance | 5.7 Inches | 5.04 Inches |
Tires | Front: 245/45 R20 103Y XL. Rear: 285/40 R20 108Y XL. | Front: 275/40 ZR 20 Rear: 315/35 ZR 20 |
Cargo Volume (Behind Seats) | 15.8 cu ft | 18.3 cu ft |
Cargo Volume (Seats Folded) | 42.8 cu ft | 45.9 cu ft |
Storage | Glove box, center console storage, door pockets, frunk | Glove box, center console storage with armrest, door pockets |
Overall Practicality | More cargo space with folded seats, but less behind seats and lower headroom. Lower passenger capacity with optional rear seats. | More cargo space behind seats, slightly more passenger space, and more headroom. |
Performance Numbers Compared: Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo Vs. Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo
While the Taycan GTS shares its suspension and performance hardware with the top-of-the-line model, Porsche has meticulously retuned everything for a truly bespoke driving experience. Standard features like Adaptive Air Suspension and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus are meticulously calibrated to deliver sharper handling and a more connected feel to the road. Innovative features like adaptive cylinder control and active cooling ensure peak performance and efficiency.
But the magic truly happens in the suspension department. A combination of a double-wishbone front axle, multi-link rear axle, and adaptive air suspension provides exceptional handling and comfort. Porsche’s 4D-Chassis Control analyzing real-time data, further elevates the experience by anticipating your every move. The crowning touch? Standard 20-inch staggered wheels that combine stunning looks with dynamic performance.
Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo | Porsche Panamera GTS Sports Turismo | |
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Engine | Dual permanent magnet synchronous motors, one for the front axle and one for the rear | Turbocharged 4.0-Liter V8 |
Horsepower | 509 horsepower (590 with overboost) | 473 Horsepower |
Torque | 626 Foot-Pounds | 457 Foot-Pounds |
Transmission | 2-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed PDK |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.5 Seconds | 3.7 Seconds |
Top Speed | 161 MPH | 180 MPH |
Weight | 5,152 lbs | 4,453 lbs |
Starting MSRP | $ 141,200 | $138,250 |
Out On The Road
The Taycan GTS Sport Turismo transcends its electric persona, transforming drivers into confident handlers with its precision steering and superbly balanced chassis. The standard Adaptive Air Suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management adjusts on the fly, keeping the car glued to the road during spirited drives. Sticky summer tires and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus further elevate cornering prowess. Select the Sport Chrono Package, and you’ll unlock an even more dynamic character with sharper throttle response and a more communicative steering feel.
The Panamera GTS Sport Turismo takes a different approach. While not as razor-sharp as the Taycan, its luxurious character takes center stage without sacrificing agility. The standard Adaptive Air Suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management delivers a comfortable ride that transforms into a surprisingly capable handler when pushed. Porsche’s 4D-Chassis Control analyzes real-time data, anticipating your inputs and adjusting the dampers for optimal cornering and stability. Optional Rear-Axle Steering enhances agility, especially in tight corners, making the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo surprisingly nimble for its size.
Amrit Balraj
When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio