PORSCHE CAYENNE 4X4 REVIEW

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

There are five engines, ranging from the fast to the downright furious. The entry-level Cayenne uses a 295bhp 3.6-litre V6, while the S model has a 395bhp 4.8-litre V8 and the Turbo version raises power to a staggering 493bhp. Diesel buyers can have a 242bhp 3.0-litre V6 and the Hybrid S combines a supercharged 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 375bhp.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

So far, we’ve only driven cars with adjustable air suspension, which is an option on all but the Turbo. The low-speed ride is jiggly, even in one of the softer settings, but things get better with speed, and the Cayenne is extremely agile for such a big car. The Hybrid is disappointing, though: its electrically assisted steering feels light and artificial, while the weight distribution of the electric motor and its ancillaries upsets the overall balance and ride quality of the car.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

Some wind noise builds up around the door mirrors at motorway speeds, but road noise is well contained and the engines are quiet at a steady cruise. Every Cayenne has an engine stop-start system that’s fairly unobtrusive, and the hybrid model’s petrol engine cuts in and out smoothly.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

There’s no getting away from it – the Cayenne will be expensive to buy, insure and lease. The V6, S and Turbo models also sit in the top company car tax bracket and drink petrol like it’s going out of style. However, the S Hybrid and diesel both average over 30mpg, and resale values should be good.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

The materials in the Cayenne’s cabin look absolutely gorgeous. What’s more, the fit and finish is excellent and all of the controls work with slick precision. Porsche usually ranks pretty highly in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Porsche fits all Cayennes with a host of driver aids, including a stability control system that helps prevent skids. If an accident still proves unavoidable, front, side and curtain airbags will deploy to minimise injuries. S, S Hybrid and Turbo models also come with a sophisticated vehicle tracking system.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

The view from the driver’s seat is pure Porsche: the front wings are higher than the bonnet and the rev counter is positioned in the centre of the dials to evoke that desirable, classic race-car styling. It’s easy to make yourself comfortable, too, because there’s a huge range of adjustment. However, the swish-looking dashboard is covered in buttons, so it can be difficult to find the one you want at a glance.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The Cayenne is the only Porsche with space for five (and plenty of it), but there’s no seven-seat version. Its boot is large and well shaped, and you can change the balance between cabin and luggage space because the 60/40-split rear seats slide back and forth. They don’t fold completely flat, though.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

Every Cayenne has electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and cruise control. However, you have to pay extra for satellite-navigation and metallic paint unless you go for the range-topping Turbo model.