ALPHARETTA, Ga. — There’s no firm that is aware of the right way to exactly slice a product line greater than Porsche. Simply take a look at the myriad variations of the 911. And that sort of medical categorization carries over to the 2025 Cayenne GTS. In value, it matches fairly completely between the Cayenne S and the Turbo E-Hybrid. Efficiency-wise, it falls a lot nearer to the S. Whether or not it’s the appropriate Cayenne for you actually comes right down to how effectively you understand what you need and what your funds is. If this one matches your wants, it’s a rattling good one. If not, effectively, Porsche has different extraordinarily good variations for you.
So what makes the GTS worthy of its personal trim, and never simply choice packages for the S? It has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 discovered within the S. That features the entire numerous modifications made for this era of Cayenne, comparable to monoscroll turbos as an alternative of twin-scroll in a transfer to assist the engine run cleaner, but in addition variable valve timing and carry, upgraded gas injection and electrical wastegates to assist make up for doubtlessly slower spooling turbos. Porsche even discovered it may drop cylinder deactivation on this new engine. However distinguishing the GTS model from the S is an additional 25 horsepower (493) and 44 pound-feet of torque (486). It additionally makes 40 extra horsepower and 30 extra pound-feet of torque than the earlier GTS.
On high of the ability, the GTS additionally consists of a lot of the S’s non-compulsory efficiency upgrades as normal. They embody Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and air suspension with Porsche Energetic Suspension Administration. The suspension lowers the GTS by 0.39 inches in comparison with extra reasonably priced Cayennes, at the least these with out this upgraded suspension. For additional efficiency, prospects can add rear-wheel steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Management and carbon ceramic brakes. After all, these can be found on the S, too. The Coupe model additionally has a novel Light-weight Sport Bundle on provide with much less noise insulation, a carbon fiber roof and totally different, center-exit exhaust, all of which scale back curb weight by 55 kilos. Although with the common SUV coming in at 4,956 kilos, and the Coupe at 5,027 kilos (sure, it’s heavier in some way), it’s not precisely a light-weight machine.
Not out there on the S are the entrance pivot bearings taken from the Cayenne Turbo GT, which give the GTS a bit extra unfavorable camber on the entrance. It additionally will get the Turbo GT’s water-cooling system for the switch case.
Visually, the Cayenne GTS mainly simply provides just a few non-compulsory extras as normal. It will get the SportDesign exterior package deal and 21-inch RS Spyder wheels. Inside, it does get normal eight-way adjustable sport seats that aren’t provided on the S (although the 14-way ones could be optioned on the decrease mannequin).
You’ll have most likely observed that a variety of the options of the GTS can merely be added to the S. And that clearly presents the query: Why not simply choice up an S? The reason being merely that you’d be spending more cash, and find yourself with just a little bit much less. Constructing out a Cayenne S with the identical options the GTS will get normal, except exclusives just like the switch case cooler, entrance suspension bearings and additional energy, you’ll find yourself with a price ticket of $132,095. The GTS begins at $126,895. So the GTS is definitely a little bit of a cut price … in an obtuse method.
Or at the least, evaluating probably the most comparable variations. If all you’re anxious about is energy, you may get a extra highly effective (although slower to 60 mph) Cayenne S E-Hybrid beginning at just a little over $100,000. It might nonetheless find yourself costlier as soon as the opposite options had been added, however with extra energy and likewise some electrical vary.
However we’re actually digressing. Let’s get again to the GTS.
The one factor we haven’t actually talked about is the driving expertise, and gosh darn it, it’s simply actually stinking good. Clearly, the Cayenne is a good base to begin from, and with the GTS getting a bunch of alternative choices, it turns into simply the most effective driving SUVs you’ll find at any value. Our take a look at instance was the regular-bodied SUV, however with rear-wheel steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Management and carbon brakes added. Even with the monoscroll turbos, increase nonetheless felt almost instantaneous. Throttle response in Sport Plus is extremely sharp and responsive, possibly an excessive amount of so for road driving. Regular is delicate and mild, undoubtedly for cozy cruising, and Sport is the candy spot for response, however with out the onerous fringe of Sport Plus. The suspension settings mirror the throttle response, with Regular being soft, and Sport Plus a bit agency. Although even Sport Plus is compliant sufficient that you possibly can drive within the mode on the every day.
Steering doesn’t change as a lot between modes, and that’s good, as a result of it’s so excellent. It’s acquired heft, however continues to be simple to helm. The precision is pinpoint, and there’s a stunning quantity of suggestions. The chassis itself is tight and predictable. Traction was copious, and when the rear finish began to take over, it got here in very easily and controllably. The GTS was a pleasure on the winding mountain roads north of Georgia, and didn’t really feel in any respect its almost 5,000 kilos. And the firmly bolstered seats had been very welcome, retaining us in place and likewise offering some nice common assist (which my not too long ago sprained again actually appreciated). They had been the usual seats, too, so don’t really feel such as you’d must improve.
Like another Cayenne, the GTS additionally has a considerably conservative-looking inside, however with beautiful construct high quality and switchgear. The screens are vivid and software program easy. Each transferring knob or swap is phenomenal. Even the marginally dinky trying computerized shifter is stable, heavy metallic with the tightest motion. And naturally it’s all quiet inside, except you wish to hear the exhaust. The game exhaust can add each actual and artificial rumble, plus rigorously utilized pops on throttle carry. Honestly, the loud exhaust mode may afford to be just a little extra raucous. It nonetheless sounds restrained, like Porsche’s afraid of being too wild and loopy.
So yeah, the GTS is a wonderful model of a superb SUV. It’s acquired many of the efficiency goodies you possibly can probably need, together with a pair particular items, and all of it comes collectively to be the most effective driver’s SUVs on the market. So when you’ve got the coin, you possibly can’t go improper with it. And when you don’t, you’d nonetheless do effectively with almost another Cayenne.
