I was supposed to test-drive the base Cayenne with the six-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, there was none available, so the folks at Porsche offered me to try the V8-powered Cayenne S for a few days. I had previously assessed its towing capability with the 2007 model. I also spent some time behind the wheel of a 2008 unit during the media launch.
However, this time around, I realized that my tester featured neither the air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) nor the brand's famous Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) that I had found so impressive. I was left with the standard Cayenne S, which retails for $72,200. How would it fare? Let's see.
Design
The Porsche Cayenne S is quite an eye-catcher while its fit and finish reflects a strong commitment to quality. Sure, you have to climb to get on board, but once inside, you'll benefit from a good driving position. And what a nice surprise: the steering wheel is heated.
The comprehensive instrument panel includes two speedometers (analog and digital, the latter proving easier to locate and read). The dual-zone climate control system operates effectively and silently, although I had to search for the airflow directional settings -- they were hidden behind a nifty little panel on the center console. While the stereo delivers a good sound, the audio controls on the steering wheel are way too low. And beyond 100 kph, wind noise disrupts the interior serenity of the Cayenne.
The trunk is fairly generous, but the rear-seat folding process is ridiculously long: it took me nearly 20 minutes (I even clocked it) to lift the seat cushions, retrieve the head restraints, insert them in the appropriate holes in said cushions and then fold the seatbacks forward using the delicate, plasticky handles. Come on, Porsche: there are much quicker and simpler ways to get a flat cargo floor!
Driving dynamics
Visibility is quite good, even for reverse maneuvers. The windshield wipers do an excellent job and the headlights provide good peripheral lighting. The large outside mirrors offer great angles but they get dirty in a hurry.
The steering is ultra-precise and pleasant to work with in corners, allowing you to aim the Cayenne S with remarkable ease. The big 4.8L V8 and the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission work wonders. In manual (Sport) mode, I preferred to shift gears with the console-mounted stick instead of using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, which I found less ergonomic.
However, this time around, I realized that my tester featured neither the air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) nor the brand's famous Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) that I had found so impressive. I was left with the standard Cayenne S, which retails for $72,200. How would it fare? Let's see.
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| The folks at Porsche offered me to try the V8-powered Cayenne S for a few days. |
Design
The Porsche Cayenne S is quite an eye-catcher while its fit and finish reflects a strong commitment to quality. Sure, you have to climb to get on board, but once inside, you'll benefit from a good driving position. And what a nice surprise: the steering wheel is heated.
The comprehensive instrument panel includes two speedometers (analog and digital, the latter proving easier to locate and read). The dual-zone climate control system operates effectively and silently, although I had to search for the airflow directional settings -- they were hidden behind a nifty little panel on the center console. While the stereo delivers a good sound, the audio controls on the steering wheel are way too low. And beyond 100 kph, wind noise disrupts the interior serenity of the Cayenne.
The trunk is fairly generous, but the rear-seat folding process is ridiculously long: it took me nearly 20 minutes (I even clocked it) to lift the seat cushions, retrieve the head restraints, insert them in the appropriate holes in said cushions and then fold the seatbacks forward using the delicate, plasticky handles. Come on, Porsche: there are much quicker and simpler ways to get a flat cargo floor!
Driving dynamics
Visibility is quite good, even for reverse maneuvers. The windshield wipers do an excellent job and the headlights provide good peripheral lighting. The large outside mirrors offer great angles but they get dirty in a hurry.
The steering is ultra-precise and pleasant to work with in corners, allowing you to aim the Cayenne S with remarkable ease. The big 4.8L V8 and the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission work wonders. In manual (Sport) mode, I preferred to shift gears with the console-mounted stick instead of using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, which I found less ergonomic.
 |
| The big 4.8L V8 and the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission work wonders. |