At Porsche, GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport. It signifies a trim level within Porsche model lines that emphasises sportiness and performance while maintaining a high level of comfort. The GTS designation is a nod to Porsche’s racing heritage, often incorporating elements from the brand’s motorsport history.
The 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS is one such vehicle. In many ways, it represents the pinnacle of the Cayenne lineup, striking an exceptional balance between everyday practicality and exhilarating performance. Rather than compromising Porsche’s sporting image, this GTS SUV actually defines it with its soul-satisfying speed and ultra-precise handling.
With many significant upgrades over its predecessor and a compelling position between the Cayenne S and the range-topping Turbo models, the GTS makes a strong case for being the most desirable variant in the entire Cayenne family.
The new GTS also inherits some performance-enhancing features from the powerful Turbo GT model, including a water-cooled all-wheel drive system. A water-cooled all-wheel drive (AWD) system utilises a water-cooled clutch and differential unit to enhance traction and handling. Like the turbo models, Porsche also upgraded some suspension components on the GTS to improve steering response.
On the outside, the Cayenne GTS boasts a muscular stance and feel, featuring the SportDesign package with a distinctive front end that includes large air intakes and darkened headlights. The rear features a spoiler, darkened LED lights, and blacked-out lettering. The wheel arch extensions and side sills are body-coloured, contrasting with the black accents. The SUV also comes standard with 20-inch black wheels, while optional 22-inch flat black ones are also available.
At the heart of the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS lies a thoroughly impressive twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 493 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. This represents a substantial 40-horsepower increase over the previous GTS model and a healthy 25-horsepower gain over the current Cayenne S model. The engine’s additional 44 lb-ft of torque compared to the S model provides noticeably stronger mid-range acceleration, which makes driving the GTS a joy.
The performance figures are definitely impressive for a luxury SUV of this size. The GTS blasts from 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.5 seconds, which places the Cayenne GTS firmly in sports car territory while still maintaining the practicality of a five-seat SUV. Even some of today’s electric vehicles can’t match the acceleration of this petrol-powered beast. The GTS’ V8 sound is particularly brilliant, delivering the aggressive, throaty exhaust note that enthusiasts expect from a performance car like Porsche.
Where the Cayenne GTS truly shines is in its handling characteristics. The 2025 model benefits from a revised suspension setup that includes a 12mm reduction in ride height compared to standard Cayenne models, along with enhanced steering tuning and added negative camber for improved cornering performance. The result is an SUV that feels remarkably composed and engaging through twisty roads, as well as one that runs true on straightaways.
The GTS comes standard with air suspension, which allows for excellent adaptability between comfort and sport modes. In normal driving, the ride quality remains refined and composed. However, when switching to Sport+ mode, the suspension firms up considerably, reducing body roll and sharpening the handling response. The steering is precise and communicative, offering genuine feedback from the road surface.
The cabin of the 2025 Cayenne GTS reflects its sporting intentions while upholding Porsche’s high standards of luxury. The interior features extensive use of Race Tex material throughout, including the roofliner, armrests, door panels, and seat centres of the 8-way sport seats. This creates a distinctly sporty atmosphere that differentiates the GTS from other Cayenne variants.
The seats themselves are well-bolstered sports seats that provide excellent support during spirited, angular driving while remaining comfortable, and cushioned for longer journeys. What’s more, the GTS steering wheel is wrapped in RaceTex, giving it a trackinspired touch.
The centrepiece of the interior is the new Porsche Driver Experience, which includes a standard curved digital instrument cluster and an optional passenger display. This modern interface blurs the lines between technology and traditional luxury, providing crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The system represents a significant upgrade in both functionality and visual appeal compared to previous generations.
Standard equipment on the GTS is comprehensive and befitting its premium positioning. The Sport Design Package comes included, along with HD-Matrix Design LED headlights that provide excellent illumination and a distinctive appearance. Meanwhile, the Bose Surround-Sound System delivers rich, immersive audio quality, while ambient lighting creates an upscale atmosphere throughout the cabin.
The GTS also includes adaptive cruise control and a panoramic sunroof. The Sport Chrono package optimises both on-road performance and off-road capabilities, making this a truly versatile vehicle.
Pricing starts at approximately $633,068 (for the petrol version) and can increase depending on customisation and options. Porsche positions the 2025 Cayenne GTS as a premium offering that delivers exceptional value within the Porsche lineup. It sits comfortably between the Cayenne S and the more extreme Turbo models, offering significantly more performance than the former while remaining more approachable than the latter.
The GTS delivers nearly 500 horsepower in a package that’s usable every day, making it an ideal choice for buyers seeking serious performance without the complexity and cost of hybrid systems found in the Turbo E-Hybrid models.
Overall, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS earns high marks for its exceptional performance, engaging driving dynamics, luxurious interior, and strong value proposition within the Porsche lineup.
Back
