The 2025 Cayenne S is Porsche’s emphatic reminder that an SUV can still be a driver’s car. It keeps the V-8 heart beating – and Porsche tuned it so that everyday usability and track-capable dynamics sit side by side. Below I’ll explain why, list the hard numbers, and give practical buying and driving takeaways.
Quick highlights (what matters most)
- 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, ~468 hp and ~442 lb-ft torque.
- 0–60 mph in the mid-4-second range with Sport Chrono / appropriate options (Porsche states ~4.6 s).
- EPA fuel economy roughly 16 city / 21 highway (combined ~18–19 mpg depending on source/config).
- Starting MSRP (non-options) in the neighborhood of $101,600 for S trim (market pricing varies by region & options).
Table — Technical data and vehicle information
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 2025 Porsche Cayenne S (SUV) |
| Engine | 4.0 L twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Power | 468 hp (manufacturer figure for Cayenne S) |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft (approx./manufacturer figure) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (Tiptronic S) |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (Porsche Traction Management / PTM) |
| 0–60 mph | ~4.6 s (with Sport Chrono / specific options) |
| Top speed | ~170 mph (with summer tires, manufacturer figure) |
| Fuel economy (EPA est.) | City 16 mpg / Hwy 21 mpg / Combined ~18–19 mpg. |
| Fuel tank | ~23.7 gallons. |
| Curb weight | ~4,700–4,900 lb (varies with equipment). |
| Cargo capacity | ~27.3 cu ft (seats up) — expands with seats folded. |
| MSRP (starting) | Approx. $101,600 (trim dependent). |
| Assembly | Slovakia (Volkswagen/Porsche group plant). |
Design & engineering notes — what’s new
There’s a discipline to how Porsche engineers an SUV: don’t let the mass and height betray the brand DNA. On the 2025 Cayenne S, that discipline shows up in three places:
- Chassis integration — active roll stabilization, adaptive air suspension and available rear-axle steering work together to flatten the handling curve so a heavy SUV still behaves like a sporting car when pushed. The result: predictable turn-in and midcorner composure rather than the vague float that plagues lesser SUVs.
- Powertrain balance — the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 provides linear torque and a theatrical exhaust note, but Porsche calibrates shift maps and electronic differentials to prioritize tractable power delivery in daily driving while still offering the blunt instrument when you want it. That balance defines the Cayenne S: muscular without being brutish.
- Thermal and brake management — larger calipers, heavy-duty cooling and optional carbon-ceramic brakes help the car retain performance on repeated high-speed runs. For buyers who track occasionally, these are not optional luxuries — they’re reliability engineering.
Interior, tech and usability — Porsche’s pragmatic luxury
Porsche’s interior design remains driver-centric: a clear instrument layout, tactile controls where they count (driving modes, gearbox), and a high-resolution central display. The 2025 Cayenne generation also folds more digital polish into the cabin — improved displays, voice assistant improvements and cleaner integration of passenger screens on higher trims — but crucially Porsche still layers premium materials and physical ergonomics on top of the software. This is why many owners perceive the Cayenne as more ‘Porsche’ than many competitors despite similar option lists.
Driving impressions — what an experienced driver will notice
- Throttle response: immediate, with the V8 giving a clean torque curve; when the turbo spools, the car accelerates without hesitation. There’s a perceptible difference compared with the V6 Cayenne — more grunt, more character.
- Body control: active anti-roll and air suspension reduce pitch and body roll dramatically; the car feels composed over undulating surfaces yet retains compliance.
- Brakes and feedback: strong pedal feel, available carbon-ceramic package keeps fade at bay on repeated high-speed deceleration.
Practical buyer advice (straight talk)
- If you want sports-car-like performance in a usable family SUV, the Cayenne S is one of the best compromises available. It’s significantly quicker and more visceral than the base V6 while still reasonable for daily life.
- If fuel economy and lower cost of ownership matter more than outright acceleration, consider the V6 or the E-Hybrid; Porsche’s plug-in variants keep performance high with better efficiency.
- Options matter — a lot. Porsche’s pricing logic means your final spec will alter performance, weight and utility: choose options (wheels/tires, brakes, suspension) based on intended use — road vs occasional track.
Final Judgement
Buy the 2025 Cayenne S if you are a driver who needs space and practicality but refuses to compromise the driving experience. It’s for owners who value a strong personality under the hood, a chassis that rewards precision, and a cabin that doesn’t feel like a dressed-up commodity. If you want the quietest possible luxury cruiser or the best possible fuel economy, there are cheaper and more efficient alternatives — but none that deliver this particular blend of V8 character and Porsche engineering.
