Gulf Insider drives the latest Porsche Cayenne GTS.
By Charlie Cooksey
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxurious mid-size SUV with amazing power, handling, and offers great performance.
It’s hard to believe there was so much criticism when Porsche announced back in 2002 that the company was going to make its first SUV, and the first ever Porsche with four doors!
Yet, history proved the Cayenne to be a genius move by Porsche. It became a massive success and began the trend for high-performance SUVs by other sports and luxury car brands.
The GTS badge signifies the very top-of-the-range version of any Porsche model, and the Cayenne GTS does not disappoint. It has a twin-turbo V8 that provides 480 hp to rocket you from zero to 100 kph in just over four seconds – for comparison, the base Cayenne models use a 335-hp turbocharged V-6.
The GTS also comes with lowered air suspension, a torque-vectoring rear axle, a revamped sport exhaust system, and black 21-inch wheels. All those extras would cost way more individually.
Despite its power, this is an easy and very comfortable car to drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, and with as much as 9.6 inches of ground clearance from the available air suspension, the Cayenne can climb a mountain and drive in rivers up to 20 inches (50.8 cm) – useful when Bahrain’s roads flood in winter.
Inside, the Cayenne has a high-end feel with typical Porsche attention to detail. Despite having lots of space, it still manages to somehow feel like a true sports car. I really loved the look and feel of the luxurious red leather interior of the model I drove. I also particularly liked its huge panoramic roof.
There’s a big 12.3-inch touchscreen and an update to the Cayenne’s infotainment system this year brings wired Android Auto to join wireless Apple CarPlay.
The GTS has special eight-way sports seats fitted as standard, and there’s Alcantara on the roof lining, seat centre panels, centre console armrests and doors, as well as dark-brushed aluminium and black GTS logos.
The Cayenne comes in either the traditional SUV shape, or as a Coupe with a steeply sloping roof line, wider shoulders, panoramic fixed glass roof and adaptive rear spoiler. The Coupe is a great option for those happy to sacrifice rear passenger space for artistic design.
The Cayenne can comfortably seat five passengers, though Coupe versions are only capable of seating four passengers.
This is a tremendously versatile SUV, with power, a comfortable ride, and sharp steering – and the GTS offers the best balance between performance and value.
Porsche Cayenne prices start from BD 37,787 including VAT
Cayenne GTS prices start from BD 53,018 including VAT
To arrange a test drive in Bahrain, call +973 17459911 or visit their website.
