Porsche Cayenne GTS Part 2: Interior & User Experience

As the latest variant of Porsche's SUV, the Cayenne GTS differentiates itself from its brethren by focusing on its on-road dynamics rather than its off-road prowess. This brings it even closer to feeling like the German company's sportscar offerings.

That Porsche feeling is evident the moment you climb in to the Cayenne GTS and insert the key into the ignition located outboard of the steering column, as it is on all Porsches. But it goes deeper than that. There's a logic to the layout and a weight to the controls, that while not exactly the same as that of a 911 GT3, still leaves little doubt that the Cayenne GTS was developed by engineers used to working on Carreras, Caymans and Boxsters.

The front seats are aggressively bolstered items not unlike what you'd expect to find in a sportscar. Of course, this isn't just an SUV... this is the Porsche of SUVs, and as such it has as more sportscar DNA than any other on the planet.

The backseats also offer more lateral support than you might expect in a vehicle of this type. And while you might be surprised to find that it's not quite as roomy as you might expect given the exterior dimensions, you should have few complaints with four people onboard.

With its "standard-on-the-US-model" air suspension system offering comfort, normal and sport modes, there's a setting for all situations - adding to the versatility of the Cayenne GTS as a practical people mover.

As expected from a premium brand of this caliber, the build quality and materials used in the cabin are first rate. With a liberal use of pricey, but absolutely gorgeous Stone Gray Alcantara in this particular GTS, the interior is a place you won't mind spending time in.

There are a few ergonomic bobbles in the cabin. The window controls are positioned a little too far back on the door, which makes them hard to reach. Other than some misplaced switchgear though, there's not much to fault in the interior.

The sport button on the Cayenne GTS does two things. The first is that it changes the throttle mapping, making it quicker or more sensitive. The second thing is my favorite. Porsche developed a specific sport exhaust for the GTS that opens baffles in the system and gives this Cayenne more bark. Your neighbors may not appreciate it, but it sounds awesome, adding to the sportscar feel of the GTS.

Positioned above the base Cayenne and the S model, but below the Turbo version, the Porsche Cayenne GTS fills the pricing gap in the model lineup perfectly. More importantly, with its expanded on-road performance envelope, it helps tie the entire Cayenne range more closely to its sportcar siblings.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Porsche Cayenne GTS

Performance
- Acceleration: Not quite Cayenne Turbo, but still impressive by big SUV standards
- Handling: Truly physics defying
- Braking: Porsche's reputation for great braking performance is intact

Design
- Exterior: Possibly the single most successful facelift in automotive history
- Interior: Family lineage is evident without being repetitive

Utility
- Comfort: Great for four passengers - a bit cramped for five
- Space: Not quite as much as you expect given its perceived footprint

Safety
- Dynamics: More nimble than most cars!
- Technology: The best Porsche has to offer

Value
- Price: Difficult to make a value argument for an SUV that costs nearly $90k
- Mileage: Come on...

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: If you must have an SUV, this one is hard to resist... but then there's the Turbo
- Fun to spank: Sliding around over two and a half tons isn't really fun, but it's nice to know you can

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 4.8 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 405 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4930 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
1/4 mile: n/a
Top Speed: 157 mph
Mileage: 13 city / 18 highway
Base Price: $73,900
Competitors: BMW X6 5.0i, BMW X5 4.8, Range Rover Sport Supercharged