PORSCHE CAYENNE 4X4 REVIEW

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.

What Car? says

44 5stars

The Porsche Cayenne is a car that appeals to the heart rather than the head. Premium 4x4s don’t come any sportier, but you’ll need very deep pockets.

What Car? readers say

2.5

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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

There are 5 Porsche Cayenne versions available

4x4 3.6 V6 5dr	£42,990	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
4x4 3.0 V6 Diesel 5dr	£46,338	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
4x4 4.8 V8 S 5dr	£56,301	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
4x4 3.0 V6 S Hybrid 5dr	£60,506	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
4x4 4.8 V8 Turbo 5dr	£86,896	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

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.