Porsche Panamera problems

Porsche Panamera years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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Porsche Panamera model years

Common Porsche Panamera problems

The Porsche Panamera, a luxury car known for its high performance, has had some common problems, particularly in its earlier models. Here are some of the issues that have been reported:

Coolant Leaks: Some owners have reported coolant leaks, which can cause the engine to overheat if not addressed. Coolant leaks can be caused by a variety of issues, including damaged hoses, a faulty radiator, or a cracked engine block.

Transmission Issues: The first-generation Panamera could experience transmission problems, such as rough shifting. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out clutch plates, a faulty transmission control module, or low transmission fluid levels.

Electronic Malfunctions: Issues with electronic systems, including PCM, navigation, and entertainment features, have been a cause for concern. These problems can be caused by various factors, including software glitches, faulty sensors, or damaged wiring.

PCM (Porsche Communication Management) Issues: Many Panamera owners have reported issues with the PCM system, particularly PCM3.1, which seems to be the main offender. These problems can include the unit restarting every 2-3 minutes, map not loading, loading in the wrong language, turning on and off randomly, or not functioning at all.

While these problems have been reported, it's worth noting that many of them have been rectified in the later models, and they are often considered minor compared to the overall performance and luxury offered by the vehicle. Like any premium vehicle, the Porsche Panamera requires an investment in care to maintain its peak performance and reliability. Regular maintenance and careful selection of the model year can ensure a satisfying and reliable ownership experience.

Are Porsche Panamera reliable cars?

Porsche Panamera's engineering and design adhere to the high standards associated with the Porsche brand, and this is reflected in its longevity. On average, a well-maintained Porsche Panamera has a life expectancy of about 141,000 miles according to Vehicle Score.

Is a Porsche Panamera expensive to maintain?

Yes, Porsches are expensive to maintain compared to most automakers' vehicles. Estimates from RepairPal show maintaining a Porsche costs an average of about 83% more than the industry average.

What's the best year for a Porsche Panamera?

While not part of the second-generation lineup, the 2014 Panamera is often cited as one of the most reliable years due to its solid build quality and durable components. The 2014 Porsche Panamera is a luxury sports sedan that combines exquisite design, powerful performance, and advanced technology.

What is the life expectancy of a Porsche Panamera?

A standard Porsche Panamera should last around 150,000 miles, which is an excellent lifespan for a luxury vehicle. Thus, we would place the high mileage point at anything above 100,000 miles. Once the car reaches this point, there is a high chance any serious repairs will cost far more than the vehicle is worth.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche Panamera years

We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche Panamera cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Porsche Panamera model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche Panamera model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche Panamera years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Porsche Panamera car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Porsche Panamera , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Engine problems
Electrical system problems
Power train problems
Unknown or other problems
Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche Panamera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Panamera model years

A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Panamera model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Panamera model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 91 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche Panamera . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche Panamera vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Porsche Panamera 2012

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
VIN: WP0AC2A71CL
Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: vehicle high pressure fuel pump is attached to and a part of the left camshaft in the engine. Although a major and critical component of the engine and propulsion, the fuel pump seized, exploded and shredded itself and the camshaft at the connected point sending shards of metal chunks and pieces into the engine causing catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately went into limp mode on the highway at no less than 70 miles per hour while passing an 18 wheeler which, was a major safety issue and could have caused a crash causing serious bodily injury or death as a result. According to my research, this is a known problem. Porsche was contacted and ignored the complaint. The engine had to be completely replaced.

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Porsche Panamera 2013

Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
VIN: WP0AF2A7XDL
Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue

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Porsche Panamera 2012

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
VIN: WP0AC2A70CL
Components: ENGINE
Summary: I was driving my car and as I was coming to a stop the engine sputtered then started to stall. The check engine light then came on.

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Porsche Panamera 2018

Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
Date Complaint: 2024-07-19
VIN: WP0AB2A77JL
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: Transmission fault causes car to be stuck in gear and will not shift. This issue appears to be happening quite frequently with these ecars, regardless of mileage. It's dangerous, especially if it occurs on the highway .

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Porsche Panamera 2018

Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
Date Complaint: 2024-06-25
VIN: WP0AB2A70JL
Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and pealing out. Vehicle will not deploy the airbags if in accident. It needs to be replaced. It is a common issue. It is a safety hazard.

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Porsche Panamera 2020

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-31
Date Complaint: 2024-06-06
VIN: WP0AB2A73LL
Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Summary: The Adaptive Cruise Control keeps faulting randomly and triggering the seatbelt warning ️. Also when the adaptive cruise control fails the cruise control disengaes altogether. This is very dangerous when driving. I have taken this car to the dealership 4 times within 2 months for this problem and no one can fix it.

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Porsche Panamera 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-01-12
Date Complaint: 2024-01-30
VIN: WP0AA2A79EL
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: A few times there has been condensation collecting in the passenger front head light. This time the condensation has damaged the headlight to where it does not work anymore.

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Porsche Panamera 2013

Date Of Incident: 2022-04-15
Date Complaint: 2023-12-21
VIN: WP0AF2A7XDL
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: all three of my horns are out on my 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS

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Porsche Panamera 2016

Date Of Incident: 2020-05-04
Date Complaint: 2023-08-09
Crash: 1
VIN: WP0AD2A74GL
Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: The contact owned a 2016 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH and while the contact attempted to make a right turn when the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage inadvertently. The steering column also became inoperable. The vehicle would not stop and the steering column would not turn, which resulted in an accident. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and a police report was filed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the Allstate Insurance Adjuster. The contact stated that he had previously experienced brake failure while driving the vehicle and had taken the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, but the dealer could not diagnose the failure at either visit. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

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Porsche Panamera 2023

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
Date Complaint: 2023-07-26
VIN: WP0CH2A75PL
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: A message appeared on the dashboard indicating a "Critical Electrical Failure" and "Park Safely" when I turned the key to start the car. This car is a plug-in e-hybrid (my 3rd of this model) and I always assumed that in case of a major failure, I could either use the engine or the electric propulsion system. This was not the case. Although the instruments had power the transmission could not be moved from park and the steering was inoperative. The vehicle was totally immobilized. And the advice to "Park Safely" is ridiculous because there was no way to move the vehicle. Fortunately I was parked when this occurred. But if I was at a traffic light or this happened while I was underway, the safety implications are frightening. The vehicle would have been an immovable obstacle on the roadway. Plus there is not any kind of emergency "neutral" release so the vehicle could at least be pushed. The flatbed tow truck sent by Porsche Connect had to drag the vehicle on to its bed. And if I had not been in a nose in space as I was, even towing would have been nearly impossible.

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Porsche Panamera 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-03
Date Complaint: 2023-07-18
VIN: WP0AD2A77FL
Components: ENGINE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shut off with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The “Hybrid System Failure - Park Safely” message was displayed. The contact maneuvered the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the diagnostic test showed that the high voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure; and the manufacturer provided the contact a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

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Porsche Panamera 2020

Date Of Incident: 2023-02-15
Date Complaint: 2023-07-12
VIN: WP0AA2A77LL
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Received Manufacturer Recall Number APA1, NHTSA Recall Number 23V033, which states that "on the affected vehicles, there is a possibility of humidity ingress into the external coolant pump for the climate control system." The recall notice stated that "this could cause a short circuit and, in some instances, thermal damage. This can occur even after the vehicle is turned off, if the engine residual heat function is activated by the operator by pressing the AUTO-REST button on the central control panel." The notice stated further that "THE REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL IS NOW AVAILABLE. Remedy is to replace the external coolant pump and related connection." The notice also stated that "[i]f the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or file an online complaint with NHTSA." Contacted Porsche South Bay in Hawthorne, California regarding the recall notice and Porsche South Bay failed to remedy this safety recall.

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Porsche Panamera 2020

Date Of Incident: 2023-03-15
Date Complaint: 2023-07-02
VIN: WP0AA2A77LL
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Received Manufacturer Recall Number APA1, NHTSA Recall Number 23V033, regarding recall. The recall summary stated that on the affected vehicles, including our vehicle, there is a possibility of humidity ingress into the external coolant pump for the climate control system. The recall also stated that this issue "could cause a short circuit and, in some instances, thermal damage. This can occur even after the vehicle is turned off, if the engine residual heat function is activated by the operator by pressing the AUTO-REST button on the central control panel. Remedy THE REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL IS NOW AVAILABLE. Remedy is to replace the external coolant pump and related connection If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or fi le an online complaint with NHTSA." We have contacted several Porsche dealerships in our area on several occasions and the manufacturer has failed to remedy this problem. We first contacted a dealership about the issue in March 2023, and Porsche has still failed to remedy this problem.

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Porsche Panamera 2018

Date Of Incident: 2023-02-15
Date Complaint: 2023-05-08
VIN: WP0AA2A79JL
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Panamera. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V033000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact to park the vehicle outside the garage until parts became available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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Porsche Panamera 2014

Date Of Incident: 2023-03-29
Date Complaint: 2023-04-11
VIN: WP0AB2A75EL
Components: ENGINE
Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a knocking sound and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster central bolts from bank two failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, he heard a knocking sound at the hood of the vehicle and a loss of acceleration. The fault all-wheel drive system warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated with the Auto START/STOP system deactivated. The vehicle was towed was back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster central bolts from bank one failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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Latest 5 recalls Porsche Panamera

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 38 recalls for different components of the Porsche Panamera.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Porsche Panamera 2018
Report Received Date: 2023-01-27
Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and inspect and replace the plug-in connection, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy becomes available, anticipated July 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA1.

Model: Porsche Panamera 2017
Report Received Date: 2023-01-27
Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and inspect and replace the plug-in connection, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy becomes available, anticipated July 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA1.

Model: Porsche Panamera 2021
Report Received Date: 2023-01-27
Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and inspect and replace the plug-in connection, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy becomes available, anticipated July 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA1.

Model: Porsche Panamera 2020
Report Received Date: 2023-01-27
Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and inspect and replace the plug-in connection, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy becomes available, anticipated July 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA1.

Model: Porsche Panamera 2012
Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.

Latest negative Porsche Panamera car reviews

Nestor Anderson 2025-03-21

Vehicle year: 2023

Reliability has become a concern with my 2018 Panamera. The rear passenger carpet has buckled for no apparent reason, and the computer system crashed while I was driving to work, causing a total blackout of the PCM and shift lights. Additionally, the second key fob has failed, and the drink holder rubber fell off after just one use. There is also a known issue with the window tint scratching due to the inner window guides. Although there are no proven fixes, Porsche has identified a fault and is currently working on a solution. As a proud owner of a $185k car, I expect nothing but the best, and I am confident that Porsche will resolve these issues.
Sonny Ullrich 2025-03-21

Vehicle year: 2020

Reliability has become a concern for me. The rear passenger carpet has buckled for no apparent reason, and the computer system crashed while I was driving to work, causing a total blackout of the PCM and shift lights. The second key fob has already been replaced, but the replacement has also failed. Additionally, the drink holder rubber fell off after just one use of a small VOSS water bottle. There has been a known issue with window tint on the Panamera for a few years now, as the inner window guides scratch the tint. Although this issue only affects the front doors on my car, both of my front windows now have a perfectly etched line on the tint. Unfortunately, there are no proven fixes for this issue. Porsche has identified a fault in my car and is currently reporting to headquarters in Germany for further instructions. As a driver of a 2018 model car, I am not satisfied with these issues, especially considering the high price tag of $185k.
Jarret Beer 2025-03-15

Vehicle year: 2012

My first Porsche was an exciting car to drive. The interior reminded me of a jet cockpit, with many 'hard buttons' to access features. Although this may seem daunting at first, everything is logically placed and easily learned, making feature selection much easier than drilling down through computer menus. In terms of performance, I have mixed feelings. Once the car is rolling, it is superb. However, there is a big catch in my opinion. When pulling away from a standing stop, there is a sort of stall/lunge sequence that almost throws you forward then back in the seat. Unfortunately, my dealer tells me that this is a known issue and likely not resolvable. If so, this could be a deal breaker.
Nathanial Zboncak 2025-03-10

Vehicle year: 2013

My first Porsche was an exciting car to drive. The interior reminded me of a jet cockpit, with many 'hard buttons' to access features. Although this may seem daunting at first, everything is logically placed and easily learned, making feature selection much easier than drilling down through computer menus. In terms of performance, I have mixed feelings. Once the car is rolling, it is superb. However, there is a big catch in my opinion. When pulling away from a standing stop, there is a sort of stall/lunge sequence that almost throws you forward then back in the seat. Unfortunately, my dealer tells me that this is a known issue and likely not resolvable. If so, this could be a deal breaker.
Santiago Halvorson 2025-02-25

Vehicle year: 2015

Good car! It's super fun to drive. However, it can be quite expensive to repair and may not be suitable as a daily driver after about eight years or sixty thousand miles. Personally, I live 53 miles away from my job and wouldn't trust it to make the daily commute. But overall, it's a great car to have!

Latest positive Porsche Panamera car reviews

Roscoe Gulgowski 2025-03-25

Vehicle year: 2012

I recently purchased my first Porsche after considering and test driving several other luxury cars such as the E350/550, BMW535/550, Jaguar XF, Infinity 37/56, and Audi A6. Out of all the cars I tried, the Panamera was by far the most enjoyable to drive. While it may be a bit pricier than some of the others on my list, it is also the most unique car on the road. It's always fun to turn heads and receive compliments from other drivers. Despite having a V6 engine, the Panamera has ample power and I've been getting over 23 mpg on combined city/highway driving with an average speed of around 45 mph. While it may be a bit sluggish at first, it really picks up once you hit 35 mph and accelerating from there to 60-80 mph is a breeze.
Wayne Deckow 2025-03-24

Vehicle year: 2020

The 2017 Panamera Turbo is exceptional on all fronts. It's great to see such an amazing improvement on the old model in every way. The drive, fit, finish and updated electronics are all outstanding. This car is definitely one of the best cars in its class and we have driven all of them.
Owen Kassulke 2025-03-23

Vehicle year: 2011

This is easily the best and most fun car I have ever had, even compared to the Bentley GT, BMW 7, countless Jags, Lexuses, and so on. The only issue I have encountered is that the center cup holder is a bit too shallow, causing everything to tip over when cornering.
Alexis Cassin 2025-03-23

Vehicle year: 2012

This car is in excellent condition. The leather interior, including the seats, dashboard, doors, and even the air vents, is beautiful and blemish-free. The exterior is also in excellent condition. The car is both fast and comfortable, making it perfect for a leisurely drive. It was custom ordered from Germany and has every possible option.
Elton Ryan 2025-03-21

Vehicle year: 2010

The Panamera has the heart and soul of a Porsche and is incredibly responsive. I wasn't sure about switching from my multiple 7 Series BMWs after 25 years, but I'm having a lot of fun with this car. It has many excellent features, especially the interior design and equipment placement. The PCM has many aspects and is very responsive to the driver's demands.