What is the difference between the Panamera 4 and 4S?
3 Answers
The differences between the Panamera 4 and 4S are: 1. Different exterior: The Panamera 4 does not have an 'S' on the rear badge; the Panamera 4S has an 'S' on the rear badge. 2. Different brake caliper colors: The Panamera 4 has black brake calipers; the Panamera 4S has silver brake calipers. 3. Different configurations: The Panamera 4 is not equipped with knee airbags and rear head airbags (curtains); the Panamera 4S is equipped with knee airbags and rear head airbags (curtains). 4. Different top speeds: The Panamera 4 has a top speed of 260 km/h; the Panamera 4S has a top speed of 297 km/h.
I've always been passionate about performance cars and have researched the differences between the Panamera 4 and 4S. The main distinction lies in the powertrain: the Panamera 4 uses a standard V6 engine with around 300 horsepower, making it suitable for daily driving. In contrast, the 4S upgrades to a V8 engine with over 400 horsepower, delivering much quicker acceleration—shaving one or two seconds off the 0-100 km/h time, giving you that exhilarating push-back-in-your-seat feeling. The suspension is also more sport-tuned, reducing body roll during corners, and paired with upgraded brake pads, it offers greater safety and reliability at high speeds. However, the 4S consumes more fuel, and maintenance costs are nearly double, with a significant price gap. It's ideal for thrill-seekers like me, but otherwise, the 4 is more than sufficient.
As a seasoned driver with over 30 years of experience, I feel the core difference between the Panamera 4 and 4S lies in their driving dynamics. The 4 model leans towards comfort, with softer suspension that absorbs road bumps well, making it ideal for long trips. The 4S is tuned to be stiffer, with more responsive steering that feels planted during high-speed turns, as if it's gripping the road. In terms of engine power, the 4S boasts an extra hundred or so horsepower, delivering a noticeably stronger push-back sensation during acceleration, though this comes with increased fuel consumption—expect to cover dozens of kilometers less per tank in city commuting. Price-wise, the 4S is significantly more expensive. Unless you frequently drive on highways, the 4 offers better value for money and lower maintenance costs.
