CloseCould some Panamera owners post their preference for paddles or wheel buttons? I understand that in the new Panameras if you get the paddles, you get the sport wheel, but you cannot get the heated, multi-function wheel. I am more interested in which system--buttons or paddles--you prefer. Thanks...
Have a 997, not a Panamera, but I doubt the conclusion would be any different - the paddles are by far the best system to change gear in a PDK style system. Porsche's buttons are very poor ergonomically, and counterintuitive to use. I changed our 2009's buttons to paddles this year. I would say though, that we drive our 911 exclusively in manual mode, so the shifting is important - if you rarely use manual shifting, and often use the multi-function buttons, then maybe the standard wheel is better for you.
If in doubt try to find any Porsche with paddles and drive it - doesn't need to be a Panamera to see if you like them.
2011 Range Rover Sport S/C, 2009 Porsche 911S
I had the buttons on my Carrera PDK and then changed to the paddles.
Paddles if you want the sportier , best tactile feeling and plan to often change gears yourself on manual mode or by overriding.
Buttons if you prefer it to be like an automatic and will used it nearly only in automatic
997.2 C2S, PDK, -20mm
I changed from buttons to paddles too on a 911. Paddles are better for sporty driving. The paddles themselves are made of metal and look better and the shape of the steering wheel is better on the hands. The button wheel is thicker at points where the buttons are located which I found inconvenient.
However, for a limousine like the Panamera (albeit sporty) the multifunction and heated button wheel might offer you advantages which outweigh the benefits of the paddles. It depends really on how/where you will drive the car.
"Form follows function"
Right now I'm considering getting a Cayenne Turbo. I have paddles on my current Carrera GTS and I love them, they are much better and sportier than the buttons but on the Cayenne, I will go for the buttons, simply because most of the time, I will drive the Cayenne in auto mode and I chose the carbon fibre steering wheel, which doesn't allow paddles.
It really depends on what you want but while paddles make sense for PDK equipped cars, it doesn't make much sense on Tiptronic equipped cars like the Panamera Diesel/Hybrid or the Cayenne.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Carrera GTS Cabriolet PDK, BMW X5M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
Paddles are the fashionable conventional wisdom. Push-pull buttons are PAG's, against the grain, form fits function solution.
For those who are above fashion, who can adapt, who are disciplined with steering hand position, the redundant push-pull buttons are a far better solution. There is never confusion on upshifting/downshifting as there is with L/R paddles on a sharp turn. And yes, you can shift in a turn with no issue at all - try it, you'll like it.
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"Dream as impractical, irrational and unnecessary as that may be... Here's to the Dreamers!" -- Porsche AG.
I have paddles in my Cayenne, pure for the looks. I don't like the button steering wheel. As mentioned you don't have the multifunction PCM buttons, but I'm happy with my decision.
@Conny the Cayenne has the speed limit info standard?
2012 Cayenne S White/Espresso
Ex: 993 Targa, 986S, 986 and 964 C2
993Targa:
I have paddles in my Cayenne, pure for the looks. I don't like the button steering wheel. As mentioned you don't have the multifunction PCM buttons, but I'm happy with my decision.
@Conny the Cayenne has the speed limit info standard?
I agree...Porsche asking money for the paddle steering wheel option is just pathetic. It should be a no cost option, despite the fact that the paddles actually make more sense on a Porsche. Does anybody actually like the buttons ? 
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Carrera GTS Cabriolet PDK, BMW X5M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
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