Porsche Cayenne 4x4 4.8 V8 Turbo 5dr Review

For The Turbo model is hugely fast and it’s the only Cayenne that gets air suspension, satellite-navigation and a BOSE audio system as standard.

Against Running costs are astronomical and the far-cheaper Cayenne S feels every bit as quick in everyday driving.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

If money was no object, you might consider this version, but when the standard V8 is so quick, it’s impossible to justify the extra expense.

What Car? readers say

2.5

Key facts

0–60mph: 4.7 secs
Top speed: 173 mph
Average mpg: 24.6
Tank range: 541 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Porsche Cayenne 4x4 range

The full Porsche Cayenne review

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
From incredible to ridiculous
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Puts the latter before the former
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
A fine high-speed cruiser
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Expensive to buy and run
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Feels luxurious; should be dependable
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Everything you’d expect
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Fine driving position; cluttered dash
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Seats five, but not seven
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Every model is well equipped

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The basic Porsche Cayenne has a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine and the range-topper a turbocharged 4.8-litre V8. However, the engines between these extremes are most appealing.

If performance is your priority, the V8 S is your best bet: it feels almost as quick as the Turbo in real-world driving, yet is massively cheaper.

However, if you can’t stomach the high fuel bills, two other options are cheaper to run and far from slow. The diesel is the most frugal Cayenne, averaging 38.2mpg. Alternatively, if you feel a Porsche should have a petrol engine, there’s the Hybrid S, which combines a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with an electric motor. It can run solely on electric power around town and when you lift off the throttle at speed, helping it return 34.4mpg.

Those who want to can collect their car from Germany, with a tour of the company’s museum thrown in. What’s more, anyone who buys a Cayenne is eligible for a course at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.