Twenty years it has been since Porsche launched the Cayenne. When it did, everyone, and by that, I mean everyone, thought they had lost their marbles. Imagine a sports car manufacturer who has been using the same recipe for its sports car in terms of looks and engineering decides to go out and make an SUV for all things. Who would have thought it would be such a big success that everyone nowadays is doing it? With the launch of the Cayenne, Porsche laughed all the way to the bank.
Twenty years later, we have the third generation of the Cayenne, and I got to experience it on the track and in some off-road settings as well. Let me tell you in advance it is an impressive vehicle.
LOOKS
The Cayenne looks precisely like it should a Cayenne. In the traditional Porsche style, the design language is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The more considerable changes happen under the skin when it comes to Porsche. But yes, it looks like a Cayenne, but that isn’t bad because it is pretty good-looking.
PERFORMANCE & HANDLING
This is where it gets complicated. Not only does Porsche have a regular SUV, it now has introduced a coupe version too, which is the same thing, just with a more lower sloping roofline and a swoopier backend.
Again in Porsche fair, you get the Cayenne in the base spec, and then it comes to the crazy sports car performance numbers with the Turbo S e-Hybrid. Depending on your budget Porsche has a Cayenne for you.
Again in Porsche fair, you get the Cayenne in the base spec, and then it comes to the crazy sports car performance numbers with the Turbo S e-Hybrid. Depending on your budget Porsche has a Cayenne for you.
You get the base Cayenne with a 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 producing 335 hp. The Cayenne S with the 434 hp. Followed by the GTS and a V8 producing 542 hp. After this, you get the e-Hybrid which makes 456 hp and then the sports car destroyer Turbo S e-Hybrid, which puts out 671 hp. All cars come with an 8-speed Tiptronic box. Why a Tiptronic over a PDK box, you ask? Because a Tiptronic box does a better job of managing power when you decide to tow stuff in your expensive SUV?
In a straight line, the base car can seem slow, and you do feel the need for additional power. This car needs anywhere between 400-500 hp; hence the Cayenne S or GTS are the perfect solution. Anything more is just a flex from your side.
Regarding the twisties, the Cayenne is the best-performing SUV in size and category. It outshines all its competitors. There is body roll but not what you would expect from a two-tonne SUV.
You would be surprised as to how much this car handle. It gives you enough feedback, grip and confidence to push it through the corners. All of it comes down to engineering and tech.
Talking about tech, the Cayenne comes equipped with rear-wheel steering. It can be specced with optional air suspension and automatic anti-roll bars to counter body roll. The tech list is never-ending and will increase the more money you throw at it.
INTERIORS
Again evolution over revolution. Very easily identifiable as a Cayenne cabin. Yes, the centre console has a screen, but it does not overpower the interiors. It is functional and does the job well without being intrusive. The buttons are well laid out and look like touch but are proper buttons. I love the grab handles that have now become synonymous with Cayenne interiors.
The build quality is excellent, as one expects from Porsche. The entire car feels properly solid and well put together. The quality of materials used is top-notch as well. Owners get many options to choose from to spec the interiors etc.
VERDICT
There is a Cayenne for everyone. It depends on which segment you fall in. As a choice for consumers, the most balanced vehicle is the Cayenne S, and for the mild enthusiast, the GTS spec is perfect. As a performance SUV, there is no true competitor to the Cayenne, and it is saying it is here to stay.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Cars, Reviews
6
