Porsche Cayenne Coupé review

Introduction

Buying a coupé used to get you two doors, a low-slung driving position and tiny rear seats. Not any more: the Porsche Cayenne Coupé and its rivals now deliver SUV practicality to go with their swoopy styling.

True, the Cayenne Coupé – with its lower roofline, more steeply angled rear window and narrower rear windows – is not as airy inside as a Porsche Cayenne but it's still a big, family-friendly car.

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3.0 V6 E-Hybrid 25.9kWh Coupe 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid TiptronicS 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) (470 ps)

Expected annual mileage	5000
Term months	60
Deposit months	12
Monthly payment	£1,023.96
Initial payment	£12,287.52

Step-by-step

Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.

• Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
• Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
• Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end

What you get

When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:

• Full manufacturer’s warranty
• Road tax and roadside assistance included
• No admin fees
• Free returns within 30 days*

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£12,288 initial payment, 60 month contract, 5000 miles p/a. Subject to status and conditions.

• Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
• No balloon payments
• Road tax included

What's more, as with the regular Cayenne, when Porsche gave the Coupé an overhaul it refreshed the exterior, gave it a new interior, upgraded the engines and made various technical tweaks in an effort to improve the already impressive handling.

The range-topping model is the catchily named Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé with GT Package – and that has enough performance to worry even ultra-rapid sports SUVs such as the Audi RS Q8 and Lamborghini Urus. So should you choose a Porsche Cayenne Coupé over those two extreme cars and other rivals, including the BMW X6 M? Let's find out...

What’s new?
January 2022: all-new infotainment system launched, including enhanced Voice Pilot assistant, integrated Spotify and wireless smartphone integration
June 2021: high-performance Turbo GT version launched, featuring 631bhp twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine
June 2020: performance-focused Cayenne Coupé GTS launched, with 4.0-litre V8 motor, a sports exhaust and lowered suspension
May 2019: coupé version of Cayenne unveiled, offering more style but a bit less space in the rear

Overview

As with the regular Cayenne, the biggest strengths of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé are its handling and performance. And while we reckon the V8-engined S is the sweet spot in the range, we can see why you might be tempted to upgrade to the GTS.

Pros

• Powerful engines
• Fantastic handling for a big SUV
• Classy interior

Cons

• Expensive to run
• Stingy kit list
• Air suspension costs extra on some versions

Trims available

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GTS

Even though we think the S is all you need, we can see why you might be tempted to upgrade to the GTS. For starters, it looks sportier, thanks to black alloy wheels and exterior detailing. But more importantly, the GTS is even sharper to drive, thanks to a 20mm lower ride height and standard Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus.

S

The S receives the same basic kit as the regular Cayenne. The majority of changes are mechanical.

Turbo

This model has been succeeded by the Cayenne Coupé Turbo E-Hybrid with GT Package.

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Performance & drive

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is

Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox

All versions of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé are quick, starting with the entry-level turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol model that produces 349bhp and accelerates from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. Its engine feels a little strained at the top of the rev range, though, so if you can afford to pay extra and get the Cayenne S Coupé, we would.

The S has a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 with 468bhp, which makes it feel much gutsier and gets you from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds. Or there's the GTS, which ups the V8's power to a colossal 493bhp and is capable of 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds. As a bonus, the V8 engines in these models sound much more intoxicating than the V6 – especially at higher revs and with the sports exhaust switched to its Loud mode.

What if you fancy something even more mind-bending? Well, you could try the range-topping Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé with GT Package, which will rocket you from rest to 62mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds. As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it harnesses the power of both a petrol engine and an electric motor to deliver that extraordinary pace.

Alternatively, if that sounds a bit over the top but you like the idea of a PHEV Cayenne, take a look at the E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid models. They produce 464bhp and 512bhp respectively, and can officially manage almost 50 miles on battery power alone (although the real-world range is likely to be shorter).

Suspension and ride comfort

Most Cayenne Coupés get conventional steel springs as standard, although the air suspension that's fitted to the S E-Hybrid and Turbo E-Hybrid is available as an option on other models.

So far we've tried cars equipped with air suspension – and the good news is that it delivers a surprisingly comfy ride. It's not as supple as an air-sprung Range Rover Sport but the Cayenne Coupé never crashes or jars around town (you actually hear impacts more than feel them).

At higher speeds body control is exceptional. There's no float, and any bounce from undulations is dealt with quickly and assuredly.

Handling

The Coupé's lower centre of gravity helps it offer an even sharper driving experience than equivalent versions of the regular Porsche Cayenne. The non-hybrid models are generally the most engaging, offering fantastic precision and fluidity.

The GTS is particularly impressive, thanks to a 20mm lower ride height and standard Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus – a system that can automatically brake the inside rear wheel to improve agility. The PHEVs tend to be least impressive because of their extra weight.

That said, the GT Package that's available on the Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé brings enhanced aerodynamics, a lightweight carbon-fibre roof, custom suspension and wider front wheels – with spectacular results. GT Package cars turn in to corners beautifully, and feel more interactive and playful than the regular Turbo E-Hybrid.

Adding optional four-wheel steering makes any Cayenne Coupé feel keener to turn in as you tackle tight, low-speed bends, while also bringing even greater high-speed stability.

Noise and vibration

The V8 rumble in the Cayenne S and GTS fades to a barely perceptible hum at motorway speeds (as long as you've switched off the sports exhaust). Meanwhile, the 3.0 V6 in the entry-level Cayenne Coupé and the E-Hybrid is respectably subdued at a steady cruise.

The E-hybrid models are as hushed as you'd expect when running in electric mode, with just a bit of tyre roar and suspension patter. However, their regenerative brakes result in an inconsistent brake pedal. Non-PHEV versions offer much more precise braking.

All Cayennes come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that glides between ratios smoothly in normal driving, and is suitably responsive when you decide to take control using paddles behind the steering wheel.

“For me, the most impressive thing about the Porsche Cayenne Coupé is the way the S and GTS combine their stunning agility with good ride comfort – at least if you specify them with air suspension.” – Steve Huntingford, Editor

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

Driving position and dashboard

The Porsche Cayenne Coupé's eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat doesn't include lumbar adjustment, so it's worth upgrading to at least the optional 14-way seats, or the 18-way sports seats, which have extra bolstering to hold you in place better during cornering.

Still, the steering wheel has plenty of adjustment, and you should have no problem seeing the curved digital driver's display behind the steering wheel.

The air-conditioning controls are unhelpfully low down on the dashboard, and some functions are accessed using touch-sensitive pads rather than proper buttons. However, you do get proper switches for changing the interior temperature.

Visibility, parking sensors and cameras

Your view forwards is good, but the Coupé's swoopy roofline means visibility to the rear is more obstructed than it is in the regular Porsche Cayenne. Fortunately, you get front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera as standard.

Bright Matrix LED headlights are standard and help make driving at night less stressful as they can be left on main beam all the time without dazzling other drivers. However, they can be upgraded to high-definition matrix LED headlights (standard on the GTS and up) that are even more powerful and can focus their beam so accurately that they can illuminate your lane and your lane only on the motorway.

Sat nav and infotainment

The 12.3in infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the Cayenne Coupé's dashboard has sharp graphics and is responsive when you touch it. The icons are mostly a good size, although the sheer number of them means the system can be a bit distracting to use when you're driving.

We prefer the iDrive infotainment in the BMW X6 because it includes a dial that you twist and push to control the system. It makes scrolling through your media or navigating through applications much less distracting especially when you're on the move.

The Coupé has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, and the 10-speaker stereo can be upgraded to either a 710W 14-speaker Bose system or a 21-speaker Burmester set-up with 1,455 watts.

Quality

As we've come to expect from Porsche car models, the Cayenne Coupé's interior is really plush and impressive. It features dense, squidgy plastics, supple leather and switches that operate with slick precision. You can add an extended leather pack for the dashboard and doors, and choose from a variety of colour schemes and dashboard finishes.

It could be argued that you get more wow factor in the Lamborghini Urus but in terms of perceived quality the Cayenne Coupé is up there with the very best.

“The fully digital driver's display helps the Porsche Cayenne Coupé feel bang up to date but I like the way Porsche has kept the rev counter in the middle, where it's historically placed it.” – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

Front space

The Porsche Cayenne Coupé is a big car, and no matter how tall you are, you should have plenty of head and leg room in the front. Shoulder room is generous and there’s no risk of you and your front passenger banging elbows.

Wide door bins add to the practicality, as does the selection of other cubbies, which include a good-sized storage space under the front armrest.

Rear space

This is one area where there’s a noticeable difference between the regular Porsche Cayenne and the coupé SUV version. That's because of the Coupé's swooping roofline and standard panoramic glass roof (except in the Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé with GT Pack, which features a carbon-fibre roof).

There's still enough space for six-footers because the seat bases are mounted slightly lower down to compensate, but passengers' knees are pushed a little higher. You get four rather than five seats as standard, with a storage tray running between the rear two. Fortunately, you can swap that set-up for a five-seat layout at no extra cost.

The rear door bins are not as big as the ones in the front, but you can fit a 500ml bottle in each. Meanwhile, an armrest with two cupholders folds down out of the rear bench.

Seat folding and flexibility

The four and five-seat arrangements both offer rear seats that can be slid forwards and backwards to prioritise rear leg room or boot space. You can vary the angle of the backrests to improve comfort, and the seats split and fold 40/20/40.

As is the case with the driver’s seat, the front passenger’s seat is electrically adjustable but doesn't have lumbar support adjustment unless you upgrade to 14-way powered seats.

Boot space

While the Porsche Cayenne has 772 litres of boot space beneath its load cover, the Cayenne Coupé makes do with 592 litres, or 434 litres if you go for one of the plug-in hybrids.

Fortunately, that still leaves plenty of room for suitcases, with the boot's usefully square shape helping. That said, there is a bit of a load lip at the entrance for you to heave heavy luggage over.

“When the rear seats of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé are folded down, they lie at a slight angle instead of completely flat, but I reckon you'd still find it easy enough to slide in flatpack furniture.” – Steve Huntingford, Editor

Buying & owning

Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is

Equipment, options and extras

Standard luxuries include cruise control, heated front seats, two-zone climate control, keyless start, 20in alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors and a powered tailgate. Adaptive cruise control and keyless entry cost extra. To get air suspension as standard, you need to upgrade to at least the S E-Hybrid.

The Turbo E-Hybrid has 21in alloy wheels, a sports exhaust and Bose surround-sound system. The Turbo E-Hybrid with GT Package gets 22in wheels, and a more aggressive sports exhaust and air suspension set-up. The last two are also standard on the GTS model.

Regarding options, if you opt for our favourite Cayenne, the S, we recommend fitting adaptive air suspension in combination with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and rear-axle steering. These systems allow the Cayenne to bend the laws of physics.

Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2

The entry-level V6 Porsche Cayenne Coupé and the V8 S and GTS are in the top bracket for BIK tax so any of them will be very expensive to run as a company car. The E-Hybrids attract far less BIK tax thanks to their relatively low CO2 emissions and impressive electric-only ranges – although you'll save even more tax with an electric SUV such as the Porsche Macan Electric.

If you're buying privately, the pure petrol versions make far more sense and should hold on to their value well, which will make monthly PCP repayments a little more palatable. Just don't expect cheap fuel bills – you'll be lucky to average much more than 20mpg in the V8s.

All the E-Hybrid models have a 25.9kWh PHEV battery with a maximum charging rate of 11kW. It should take just under four hours to charge up using a 7kW home wall box.

Reliability

Porsche finished 21st out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey. That’s below BMW but above Audi, Mercedes and Land Rover.

The Porsche Cayenne, which did feature but not specifically in the form of this revised version (or in Coupé guise), came last out of eight cars in the luxury car section. Its reliability score was a disappointing 84.6%.

The Cayenne Coupé comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which is par for the course among sports SUVs. You also get European breakdown cover for the first three years.

Safety and security

The pre-facelift car was awarded a full five-star rating when it was tested for safety by Euro NCAP in 2017 but it hasn’t been tested since and the rating has expired. It dropped quite a few points for child-occupant crash protection compared with the best performing rivals.

All Cayenne Coupés have automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring costs extra as does night vision (an infrared camera can detect pedestrians, deer and other large wildlife beyond the range of the headlights).

An alarm is standard across the range, and the security experts at Thatcham Research awarded the car five stars out of five for its resistance to being stolen and four stars for guarding against being broken into.

“The Porsche Cayenne Coupé E-Hybrids' maximum charging speed of 11kW meant I didn’t manage to put a lot of electricity back into the battery in the time it took to stop for a comfort break.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

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