For The Porsche Cayenne handles brilliantly, it’s impressively refined and performance is sensational. The cabin looks and feels very classy and there’s plenty of space for five.
Against It might be practical for a Porsche, but some rivals can seat more people. The low-speed ride is unsettled and it’s expensive to buy and run.
The Porsche Cayenne is a car that appeals to the heart rather than the head. Premium SUVs don’t come any sportier, but you’ll need very deep pockets.
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 are the most appealing ones.
If performance is your priority, the V8 S is your best bet: it’s almost as quick as the Turbo in real world driving, yet is massively cheaper.
If you can’t stomach the high fuel bills, there are three other options that are cheaper to run. The 3.0-litre diesel is the most frugal Cayenne averaging 38.2mpg, but it lacks the refinement we expect from Porsche.
A much better bet is the twin-turbo 4.2-litre V8 diesel. It’s smooth, fast and surprisingly frugal. There’s also 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.
Anyone who buys a Cayenne is eligible for a course at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.
This is the most complete car I've ever owned. The mix of performance, handling, space, quality and 4x4 capability provides me with everything I…