Review
/5
- Pros:
- Drives like a sports car
- Spacious cabin with a large, flexible boot
- Badge prestige, build quality
- Cons:
- Fearsome running costs - particularly the Turbo
- Styling won’t appeal to all
- Visibility out of the rear is poor
reviewed by Carbuyer
"It's a practical 4x4, but Porsche's Cayenne has the performance of a fast, enormously capable sports car."
At a glance
- The greenest
- Diesel 5dr
£45,256 - The cheapest
- - 5dr
£42,990 - The fastest
- Turbo 5dr
£84,972 - Top of the range
- Turbo 5dr
£84,972
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Porsche shook up the performance 4x4 marketplace when it introduced the big Cayenne. It shifted perceptions of how well a tall, heavy 4x4 could drive. All the engines provide ample performance, with even the entry-level V6 petrol and diesel models able to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds. The S and Turbo versions are even quicker, while all models feel solidly built and responsive. The Cayenne Hybrid delivers staggering performance and low emissions, too. All models are expensive to buy and own, but the quality and way they drive impress enormously.
Drive
Incredibly agile for its size and weight
For a tall 4x4, the Cayenne exhibits extraordinary agility. The steering is weighty but accurate while the suspension resists body roll very well indeed. The V6 petrol model has 300bhp, but lacks low-range torque. The Cayenne Diesel is better to drive around town, but no less rapid on the open road. The S Hybrid isn’t as impressive, thanks to less precise steering and brakes. The V8-powered Cayenne S is very fast, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds, while the flagship Turbo achieves the same in just 4.7 seconds and can hit 173mph. All versions feel more like tall sports cars than chunky off-roaders.
Comfort
Comfortable ride and spacious interior.
All Cayennes are quiet on the move. There's some tyre noise on rougher surfaces, but there's very little wind noise. The cockpit-like driving environment is very comfortable, with the bolstered seats holding passengers securely in place. There's space in the rear for two adults in comfort, or three for shorter journeys.
Reliability
Well built, reliable, and safe
Porsche's Cayenne doesn’t feature in the Driver Power results, but the company does have a tremendous reputation for quality and reliability. The Cayenne demonstrates this with its smart, upmarket interior. There's plenty of safety kit too. Electronic stability and traction control, powerful brakes and front, side and curtain airbags come as standard.
Practicality
The most practical Porsche ever
The Cayenne's boot is large and easily accessed. The rear seats split and fold in a 40/20/40 layout, while a drop-down hatch in the rear bench allows longer loads to be carried easily, too. Those rear seats slide fore and aft by 160mm, too, allowing you to choose between greater legroom or more boot space. The glovebox is a good size, while additional cubby storage is offered in the centre console under the armrest.
Value for money
Premium price tag, luxury spec list
The Cayenne's premium price tag means lots of luxury - including electrically adjustable leather seats. Cars also get cruise control, parking sensors and dual-zone climate control. The options list is as extensive as it is expensive. Extras like satellite navigation and Porsche's hi-tech active suspension add considerably to the list price.
Running costs
Expensive to run, tax, insure, and service
The Cayenne comes with fuel-saving stop-start technology, but it doesn't massively reduce the running costs. The Cayenne Diesel model makes the most sense, with economy of 38.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 195g/km - meaning £415 for a year's Road Tax. The S Hybrid is no better, with economy of 34.4mpg and CO2 of 193g/km. Pick the Cayenne S and your road tax will be £740 annually, while the Turbo will cost you £950. The Turbo officially returns 24.6mpg, but expect to see far less than that in daily use. Servicing and insurance won’t be cheap either, but residual values should be stronger than similar rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
