CAR WARS! BMW M5 vs. Porsche Panamera GTS - WHICH Is The Better Of The Two?

If there are two sport sedans that are going to be seeing a lot of time together in the next 12 months, it will likely be the BMW M5 and Porsche Panamera.

There's a good reason for that as they really are neck and neck in what they do -- coddle drivers when the roads get bumpy and unleash fury whether that's at the track or on your way home from a long day at the office.

However, there is one large problem in this showdown. Price. The Porsche commands a hefty premium over the M5 and that's why we assume Motor Trend decided to pair the GTS up with the M5. If it really wanted to do a head-to-head comparison, it would have selected the Panamera Turbo S, which has similar power figures. But at the end of the day, it just costs too damn much.

So, let's take a look below and see how the all-new BMW M5 and new Porsche Panamera GTS shake out.

WHICH of the two would you want, and WHY?


On this episode of Head 2 Head, Motor Trend's Jonny Lieberman pits the 2013 BMW M5 against the 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS in an epic super sedan showdown. The battle begins in California's Mojave desert with a classic quarter-mile drag race. Then Jonny takes both V-8 powered sports saloons up to Big Bear, California to find out which one carves up the winding mountain roads the best.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 9/16/2012 4:16:02 PM

0 Boost

That new M5 engine though not the best sounding is luda in terms of performance. Taking into account the drivetrain loss, the M5 engine is easily making over 600-620 horses!

Agent00R - 9/16/2012 5:49:56 PM

0 Boost

Definitely an impressive motor. Contrary to other reports I don't think it sounds bad, it's just too damn quiet.

Steve - 9/16/2012 9:43:22 PM

+2 Boost

The Panamera, on looks alone.

Steve - 9/16/2012 9:49:52 PM

+1 Boost

BTW, I think both cars are solid. But I don't spend any time on the track or road racing, so "the numbers" don't mean much to me. That's why styling is the big differentiator.

For genuine racers, or those who pretend to be, "the numbers" will matter a whole lot more.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 9/17/2012 3:04:37 PM

-2 Boost

Even though looks are subjective, the majority word is out that the M5 is certainly better looking esp. from the butt. Also it is not just about the numbers, the M5 is way more comfortable than the Panamera with seating for an extra person, more practicality, features and options.

Steve - 9/17/2012 5:16:06 PM

+1 Boost

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer: I make my ourchase decisions based on what *I* like. As a result, I get what works best for *me*, and I'm happy for that.

You can feel free to make your purchase decisions based on what others think. To each their own.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 9/17/2012 3:01:55 PM

+1 Boost

The Panamera definitely has the Porsche badge which might be slightly more upscale than BMW even though the difference now isn't much with Porsche's constant move downmarket first with the VW-Cayenne etc and now the Macan and the Panamera junior, maybe a VW shared cheaper sports car.

enthusiastx11 - 9/21/2012 1:20:12 AM

+1 Boost

panamera hands down....better handling, more feedback, lighter, better interior and a RIDICULOUS engine note.