2020 Porsche Cayenne GTS review: All at sixes and eights

Just as Porsche listened to those who said four cylinders was simply not enough for GTS versions of the Cayman or Boxster and reinstated a flat six, so does it appear to have taken on board the views of those who said that six cylinders was too few for a GTS Cayenne.

Because I’m glad to report that this latest one once more has a thumping great V8 under its bonnet. In this third-generation Cayenne it’s not the same normally aspirated 4.8-litre V8 that served in the first- and early second- generation GTS, but the 4-litre twin-turbo motor from the current Cayenne Turbo (albeit with the boost turned down) that replaces the 3.6-litre V6 Porsche inadvisedly slotted into post face-lift second-gen cars.

On paper the V8 is only 20bhp more powerful than was the V6 – a rise you should hardly notice on a car weighing well over two tonnes, but on the road it is unmissable. The noise is great, the thrust remarkable, the character reinstated. Remember that as standard the GTS comes on suspension lowered by 20mm, and 30mm on the air-sprung car I drove. It handles immaculately for one so high and heavy, with no degrading of ride quality. As some will know I’m not an enormous SUV fan, whatever its size or specification, but if you need one yet want to enjoy driving it, none will do the job better than this for less than £100,000.

Porsche Cayenne GTS

Price £88,750
Engine 4.0-litres, 8 cylinders, turbo
Power 454bhp at 6000rpm
Weight 2145kg
Power to weight 212bhp per tonne
Transmission eight speed auto, four-wheel drive
0-60mph 4.2sec
Top speed 168mph
Economy 24.8mpg
CO₂ 260g/km
Verdict It’s got a V8, so it’s great

Digital extra

https://youtu.be/6AjTya7KbXc