For 2025, Porsche has reinvited the GTS to the Cayenne party, and it’s dressed to impress. Though the improvements go way deeper than a new front fascia with larger intakes; so, it was off to Atlanta, Georgia for some First Drive seat time.

The Cayenne GTS is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, now unleashing 493 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, increases of 40 hp and 30 lb-ft compared to the previous GTS. But that isn’t even the best of it. The GTS borrows components from the incredible Cayenne Turbo GT, which we tested at this year’s Roebling Round Up.

That includes a separate water-cooling circuit for the all-wheel drive transfer case for greater endurance and the Turbo GT’s steering knuckles for more negative camber. A two-valve air suspension setup is standard, keeping things planted, responsive and comfortable. This carryover of components makes the Cayenne GTS a practical people mover for the driver at heart.

ALEXANDER KELLUM: “It may not be where all the magic happens, but to me the best ingredient in that cauldron of performance is the engine: a 4.0-liter V8. It’s super responsive, it sounds great, it’s got a good purr to it. This is a great highway cruiser, partially because of that engine; but then, out here on the backroads, yeah, all those suspension tweaks—they really do add up to something. This is a great Cayenne for those who want the luxury SUV experience, but they also just like to drive.”

Perhaps best of all, those heightened reflexes don’t cost Turbo GT dollars. The 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS starts around $127,000, with the Coupe just over $130,000— a fair bit less than its big brother’s $200,000 price tag.

We’ll have more GTS goodness and more Quick Spins… soon!