Porsche Cayenne GTS (2020) First Drive Impression – The return of the V8

Porsche products with the GTS (Gran Turismo Sport) badge can trace their lineage back to the 904 GTS model from 1963 which was produced for more intensive track use, leading to victory at prestigious events such as the Targa Florio. The badge then reappeared in the 80s and 90s on models such as the 924 and 928. More recently the GTS badge has come to symbolise a middle ground between the hardcore performance Porsche products and the ‘regular’ models. In the case of the latest Cayenne GTS, it slots neatly between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo models within the local line-up from both a pricing and performance perspective.

Related: Porsche Cayenne S is clinically competent

My mission was to see whether this GTS strikes a perfect balance within its respective line-up as others that share its badge have done previously.

Styling

The Cayenne GTS is more visually striking than the lesser models within the range. Up front, the car receives what the brand calls its Sport Design front apron with black intake grilles while the LED front lights now feature a dark tinted backing. The side profile features body-coloured wheel arch extensions and more prominent side skirts while the 20mm lower ride height is more notable from this angle, too. Other trim pieces include red brake callipers, gloss black side window trim, black GTS badging, a darkened rear light bar, a sportier rear diffuser, a movable rear spoiler on the Coupe model and black tailpipes as part of the sports exhaust system.

The press unit provided to me for the driving experience was a Coupe, finished in the launch colour, a hue called Carmine Red, which is an R54 390 option. Three other colours retail for the same price and form part of the 'special colour' category while there are six metallic options as an R14 620 option with the standard white and black coming in as no-cost options. There are also no less than fourteen alloy wheel options, just two of which are no-cost options, however, the 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels finished in black that comes as standard certainly look the part.

The overall design of the GTS is excellent, providing enough visual drama to distinguish it from every other Cayenne model within the range. It may prove the best bang for your buck, coming in considerably cheaper than the Cayenne Turbo, but looking arguably more appealing.

Interior

The interior too has been given a sporty touch with the inclusion of brushed aluminium for various trim surfaces which is contrasted by black leather and Alcantara covering the armrest, roof lining, door panels and the centre of the seats. The instrument cluster is semi-digitised apart from the analogue rev counter finished in black with a contrasting GTS logo. The sport seats and steering wheel are standard fitment while a GTS package is available, which adds the GTS logo to the headrest of the front seats and offers contrasting stitching throughout the interior. 

While I feel that the GTS package should be standard fitment considering the nature of the vehicle, the general execution, the quality of the materials and the build quality of the GTS is impressive, with no poor-quality trim or any audible squeaks emerging during my driving experience. My other bugbear is the lack of Android Auto functionality in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. For Apple users, the 12.3-inch system which now features wireless Apple CarPlay, only adding to my frustration.

Drivetrain

The big news for the latest GTS is the fact that it now features a V8 engine, while the previous generation had to make do with a twin-turbo V6 with 324 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The latest engine is a detuned version of the ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 seen in the Cayenne Turbo and Panamera range, which produces 338 kW and 620 Nm of torque in this configuration.

Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox sourced from ZF. The engine features technologies such as cylinder deactivation, which shuts down one bank of cylinders when there is a low demand for power, saving fuel while the fitment of an active sport exhaust system means that a V8 soundtrack is always available, an increasingly rare thing in 2020.

Performance and driving experience

The GTS, as is to be expected, splits the Cayenne S and Turbo models in terms of performance too. Its 0-100km/h time quoted as 4.8 seconds, which is lowered to 4.5 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono pack while its top speed is a claimed at 270 km/h. Porsche also claims a fuel consumption figure of 11.4 L/100km, which I found to be optimistic, with my drive resulting in around 14.0 L/100km.

The performance is certainly adequate, and while I prefer my performance cars lower to the ground, the GTS, with its muscle car exhaust note and brisk acceleration provided me with enough in the way of grin-inducing SUV fun. When pressing on the GTS acquits itself admirably, providing those who occasionally want to tackle their favourite road enthusiastically with the right tools to do so safely.

While I would not venture near an off-road course in a GTS, it handles our less than perfect South African roads better than a sports car, which is likely why so many people are adopting the SUV trend. The duality of the GTS is why I think it will be appealing to many, providing a relaxing driving experience when left in its default settings while having a sporty side in reserve, available at the flick of a switch.

Safety

The EuroNCAP new car assessment programme tested the Cayenne in 2017. It received a 5-star rating, with a 95% score for adult occupant safety, 80% for child occupants, 73% for pedestrian safety and 62% for its safety assist systems.

Optional packages

As is to be expected with a premium German vehicle, the GTS is available with a massive array of optional extras, allowing the owner to specify the car to suit personal tastes and requirements. Some of the options available include a panoramic roof, the Carbon Design package, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system, the Sport Chrono pack, rear-axle steering, ceramic-coated brakes or carbon-ceramic items, adaptive air suspension and the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus. In terms of in-car assistance, there is an optional head-up display, night view, lane change and lane keep assist, park assist and adaptive cruise control, among others.

Pricing

The Cayenne GTS model range consists of both regular and Coupe models. The former retails for R1 799 000 while the coupe is priced at R1 889 000. All models come as standard with a 3-year Drive Plan, covering servicing and maintenance for this period.

Verdict

Porsche knows how to create the perfect balance within each model range when it comes to its GTS models, and the latest Cayenne is no different. It genuinely makes me wonder why you would spend around R700 000 more for the Turbo model when the GTS is this competent. Just be wary of the options list as you may have a Turbo-priced GTS on your hands before you know it.

The GTS is most certainly better off, having switched to V8 power. It provides the aural pleasure associated with the Turbo model and is certainly no slouch when it comes to performance. It is visually striking, well built and epitomises what a sporty Porsche SUV should represent far better than the V6-powered models within the range, which feel too clinical in comparison.

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