Featured SUV: 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT

Driving the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is not for anyone looking to pass through the neighbourhood unnoticed. This is a serious sounding and looking automobile, especially in Arctic Grey, with the capability to go supercar fast. And it does so in an SUV body that stands out from the crowd. Not even the Lamborghini Urus captures my imagination with as much excitement as the Turbo GT.

At the heart of this Cayenne is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 650 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. All this power propels the Turbo GT to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h with summer tires.

The engine benefits from numerous enhancements, including modified pistons and connecting rods, ensuring it can handle the demands of high-performance driving. And trust me, spirited driving is something you will do often as this is as close to a Porsche 911 as any SUV could be. Whether you stick to the pavement, or risk scuffing the gorgeous GT designed satin deep sea blue wheels on our test vehicle by taking it off-road, the Cayenne Turbo GT handles driver input with incredible agility.

Electronic and mechanical goodies are in abundance including adaptive air suspension, a wider front axle, and Porsche’s active suspension management system. The suspension has been updated to include two-chamber, two-valve technology, which improves comfort and control, particularly during aggressive driving. The steering is precise, offering excellent feedback and ensuring it feels smaller and more agile than many sports cars.

Subtlety is not in the lexicon when describing the Cayenne Turbo GT, but it should also be said that Porsche has shown some restraint when it comes to upgrading the exterior. Changes to the front and rear are nuanced in the typical “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” Porsche way of doing things. Inside, inspiration is drawn from the Taycan as the dash highlights fewer buttons than in the past, a new gear lever, large center screen that extends to the passenger seat and improved connectivity. Burmester provides the infotainment, so you know the sound quality is exceptional.

Seating is what you expect from Porsche, excellent. High back bucket sports seats in front offer exceptional leg and thigh support without being overly restrictive. Front and rear headrests are embroidered with “turbo GT” lettering for an elegant touch. Rear seats are designed for two, so remember that when taking your friends for a drive. Rear storage is on par with most SUVs of this size, though the Turbo GT does sacrifice a little space as it swoops towards the back with its coupe-like profile. But then compared to a Porsche 911, the added benefit of being able to pack it full of essentials for the road and then driving it with unbridled passion is hard to resist.