Porsche Cars GB is starting the new year with its most up to date range of luxury sports cars and has already picked up its first prize of 2025 with prizes for both its new all-electric models, the Macan and Taycan, and a further two trophies for the 718 Cayman coupe and Cayenne SUV at the annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards.
In a nod to the powertrain strategy of the Stuttgart manufacturer, the new Macan and new generation Taycan drew praise for their sporting electric performance, and the flat-six engined 718 Cayman GTS and V8-powered Cayenne S Coupé were acclaimed for their dynamic driving behaviour. Being named a winner means that What Car? magazine recognises each model as one of the very best cars to buy, and as a leader of their respective class.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS - Sports Car of the Year
This year marked the fourth time running that the mid-engined two-seater has taken the crown. In presenting the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with the Sports Car of the Year Award, the What Car? judges commented: “The Cayman GTS is sensational on a twisty road, thanks to feelsome steering and huge reserves of grip. Meanwhile, its engine sounds divine and rewards with instant, explosive shove when you put your foot down.”
The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 emphasises long-standing Porsche attributes of a characteristically emotive power delivery and a focused driving experience, with a manual six-speed transmission and sports exhaust system. The rarefied combination of two seats, three pedals and six cylinders makes the GTS 4.0 a great companion for any journey.
Porsche Cayenne S Coupé - Sports SUV of the Year
The latest generation Cayenne further emphasises its claim to be the most sporting car in its class. The sporting SUV features a highly digitalised display and control concept, new chassis technology with a revised suspension design and more powerful engines – including an uprated plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers up to 56 miles of pure electric range.
It was the emotive V8 Cayenne S Coupé that scooped the Sports SUV of the Year trophy, with the judges commenting: “With the Cayenne Coupé, Porsche has managed to bend the laws of physics, because this big, luxurious SUV is astonishingly agile – especially with the optional adaptive air suspension and active anti-roll bars fitted.”
Porsche Macan electric – Best Electric Family SUV to Drive, and Best Electric Sports SUV
Though it only arrived with customers towards the end of last year, the new all-electric Macan has quickly achieved high appreciation. And combined with the sales of the Taycan, the Macan helped Porsche achieve a battery electric share of over 27% across the entire model range in the UK. In highlighting the driver appeal and everyday usability of the new Macan, What Car? commented: “The inherent poise and playful handling of the Macan Electric makes it great to drive, whichever version you go for, while the Turbo really pushes the boundaries of what electric SUVs are capable of.”
Porsche Taycan – Best Electric Performance Car
The Porsche Taycan ushered in the new era of e-mobility at the end of 2019. It immediately proved to be a game changer and innovative pioneer in the e-vehicle segment. The new generation model reaches new heights in terms of performance, with exceptional dynamics and driving pleasure. At the same time, it was possible to significantly improve efficiency, range, day-to-day usability, and comfort. These upgrades impressed the judges at What Car? commenting: “The Taycan was already a great performance car, but now that it has a longer range and standard air suspension it's more usable than ever. Plus, it carves through corners with a precision and finesse that no rival can match.”
Accelerating with confidence into 2025
Alongside the continued commitment to benchmark dynamic performance on road and track, Porsche places equal priority on customer service and fan engagement. For Porsche Cars GB, this means focussing on imaginative and engaging retail formats supported by a strong Centre network, including the extensive roll-out of a series of new and distinctive Destination Porsche showrooms. New Centre developments in 2024 included High Wycombe, Newport and Bournemouth – and this year will see expansion of the showroom and workshops at Porsche Centre Guildford completed.
The support delivered by the nationwide network of 46 Porsche Centres is fundamental to the UK sales performance in 2024, and continued investment underlines the commitment to providing the best introduction to the Porsche brand. The focus on innovative sales platforms saw a successful return to London of the immersive ‘Porsche Now’ pop-up shop in the Strand during last autumn, and there are plans for similar venues this year.
“Last year was an exciting one for Porsche, with the most new model launches in our history. It is reflection of the passion of each customer who chooses to drive our sports cars that we once again delivered over 20,000 new cars, as well as a reflection of the hard work by the Porsche Centre network across the UK and Ireland to support this demand, driven by such an intensive roll-out of exciting product,” commented Krishan Bodhani, CEO Porsche Cars GB.
“The awards recognition from independent media like What Car? also serves to reward the work of the colleagues who design and build the cars in Germany.”
