What is the difference between the Panamera 4 and 4S?
3 Answers
Exterior-wise: The most noticeable differences are the rear badging, brake caliper colors, and vehicle dimensions. In terms of configuration: The Porsche 4S lacks knee airbags and rear head airbags (curtains), while the Porsche 4 includes these features. Performance-wise: Top speed differs - the Porsche 4S reaches 297 km/h compared to the 4's 260 km/h. The keyless start system is optional on the 4S but standard on the 4. There's also a horsepower difference: the Panamera 4S uses a 3.0T engine with 420 max horsepower, while the Panamera 4's 3.0T engine produces 320 horsepower. Regarding drivetrain, the Panamera 4 is rear-wheel drive whereas the 4S features all-wheel drive.
I've driven the Panamera series, and the biggest difference between the 4 and 4S lies in engine performance. The 4 uses a V6 engine with around 330 horsepower, accelerating to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds, making it suitable for daily commuting—steady but not thrilling. Upgrading to the 4S adds a more powerful V8 or turbocharged V6 engine, boosting horsepower to over 450, with acceleration dropping below 4 seconds. The steering response is also more direct, making overtaking feel like an arrow released from a bow. Both models feature all-wheel drive, but the 4S has a stiffer suspension setup, reducing body roll during corners. However, the 4S consumes more fuel and costs tens of thousands more. If you don't frequently push it on highways, the standard 4 is sufficient. I recommend test-driving both to feel the difference in power firsthand.
When buying a car, I compared the Panamera 4 and 4S, focusing on cost and practicality. The 4 is the entry-level model with about 330 horsepower, which is sufficient for family outings or commuting. It's more affordable and has reasonable fuel consumption. The 4S offers significantly better performance, with over 450 horsepower and a more than 1-second faster acceleration, making it smoother and more responsive on highways. However, it's considerably more expensive, with higher maintenance and fuel costs. From my experience, the 4 is economical and suitable for daily family use, while the 4S is worth the upgrade if you often drive on mountain roads or enjoy the thrill of acceleration. Additionally, the 4S offers optional sporty configurations, such as a sport exhaust system, which enhances driving pleasure, but the basic features are not much different without these additions.
