As one Porsche fan I say bring on the SUV. While my bravado for this new model won't stop some from wincing at the very premise of a truck donning the famed Stuttgart badge, they can't stop the moral majority from readily accepting the Cayenne for what it is, the best all-round sport utility vehicle to ever grace the planet. What a bold claim! Is it possible to state this today, when so many high quality SUVs are being introduced into the market at an ever increasing rate. Unequivocally, yes. Sure there are some that will leave the Porsche far behind in the mud, muck and rocks, albeit few, and others that measure close, and perhaps surpass when it comes to on road performance, even fewer, but none mixes all of the above into such a fine, well rounded package.
Let's start with its off-road performance. Everyone expected Porsche's new SUV to perform well on pavement, but none of us could have conceived of its superb manners in the dirt. Starting with 217 mm (8.5 in) of ground clearance in standard trim and up to 273 mm (10.8 in) with the optional air suspension at maximum height, there are few rocks or stumps that will slow the Cayenne down. Add to the ride height a sophisticated four-wheel drive system with a locking center differential, one of the most technically advanced traction and yaw control systems available and a functional low gear setting, and it can run prety close to a Range Rover, one of the best in the business.