Porsche Cayenne GTS

This is the second-generation Cayenne GTS from Porsche, and just like its predecessor it’s the sportiest non-turbo model in the line-up. The old car was a big success, accounting for almost 20 per cent of Cayenne sales, so is the new version set to be as popular? 

Slotting between the standard S and wild Turbo models, the GTS gets a 4.8-litre V8 engine with 414bhp – that’s 9bhp more than the old GTS. Torque is also up, from 500Nm to 515Nm. The result is rapid acceleration: 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds (eight-tenths quicker than previously), while the top speed jumps from 156mph to 162mph. 

Considering it hasn’t got forced induction like the Turbo, it’s a brute of an engine with lots of thrust from low revs right up to 6,700rpm. The engine has a real muscle car soundtrack, too, helped in part by a Sound Symposer, which pipes the natural induction noise into the interior. Throw in a standard-fit sports exhaust and one thing you’re not lacking is aural drama. 

Many SUVs can be a bit of a handful on twisty roads. The GTS, however, is anything but. With air suspension, it sits 20mm lower than the Cayenne S, and the front and rear tracks have been widened by 30mm and 17mm respectively.

Our car had Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control, Air Suspension and Torque Vectoring Plus (options worth £4,524), and it handled well, with little body roll and strong grip. 

Change direction quickly and the Cayenne’s two-tonne kerbweight makes itself known, yet this is still one of the best SUVs in the world to drive.

There’s no manual gearbox option, but the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic now shifts quicker than before and benefits from more sporty gearing.

Factor in the racy looks, with Turbo-style air intakes and honed bodykit, plus the sports seats inside, and you’ve got another sales success for Porsche.