My test drive review of Cayenne EV Base in Algarve blue!

[Moheisen(FirstEV)]

I was passing by my local dealer and saw the Cayenne EV base model in their lot and took the obvious opportunity to test drive it.

Inital thoughts: This was also stated by a few sales person of my local dealer: This is and drives like a real Porsche, it is robust and has a quality that is non existent in the Macan. My SA Said that the Macan can be compared to transport van in comparison (a little harsh) but I understand where he is coming from since I noticed the quality difference in the Taycan and other Cayenne models. Door handles are high quality for example and soft close is excellent.

Wheels: 22” was a little bumpy to be honest and this was without insulated glass so it was very quiet, but could be better if you option it and add 21” instead.

DIFFERENT MODES: There is a NEW option that hasn’t been seen before in a Cayenne (that I know of) called “comfort” that is added on top of off-road, normal, sport and sport plus! Didn’t really matter because air suspension was heavenly and RAS was excellent.

This car delivers quality in both brake response and acceleration and driving joy. It had the sport sound that I must say sounded much more engine like than in the Taycan and Macan, although not a V8

SEATS: I tried the 14-way seat and I am really happy that my assumption was true, these 14-way seats are MUCH larger and comfortable than the Macan, if you picked this choice you can relax and be happy!

Sport chrono: the dashboard is quite large so it can feel like an empty space, this is obviously subjective but there isn’t much added to it which can seem “empty”.

Frunk & trunk. Not much to say, you can fit A LOT inside the frunk and the trunk is good packaged.

Back seats are really comfortable and there is a lot of space.

The screen: really good software, usable and not confusing as many reviewers stated. Easy to use and does not give a head ache when driving because of it being curved. It wasn’t that big as in videos and curved it is, just not that much as you think.

All and all, I am relieved to say that not a single person will be let down when ordering your car and getting it, doesn’t really matter your option. You will be so happy!

BTW! I was looking at a 911 so I test drove the GTS as well, which was VERY fast. I am saying this as someone that isn’t that sensitive to high speeds, but if it delivered that power to a GTS I would be terrified to drive the Turbo

Extra photos dedicated to the forum but of course to @CHP in particular that asked for it!

Any questions I didn't think of please post below!

 

[Matt-Taycan]

Nice! Exciting to see real people starting to get behind the wheel. I'm going to start driving past dealerships. Just in case

 

[lexx1977]

Was it on “standard” air suspension or Porsche Active Ride?

 

[Moheisen(FirstEV)]

Was it on “standard” air suspension or Porsche Active Ride?

Standard! Sadly ”Active Ride” isn’t an option on the base model.

 

[lexx1977]

Standard! Sadly ”Active Ride” isn’t an option on the base model.

Forgot that. I’ve spec’d my turbo without Active Ride so was curious how it was. Sounds like it will be plenty good enough for everything apart from blasting round a circuit.

 

[Fun TC Driving]

Watching Thomas@Autogefühl’s latest Cayenine video in which he commented/analyzed extensively about both the base, the Turbo, and whether Active Ride is something he personally would endorses, it was interesting that he concluded for his own he would be happy with the Cayenne’s S power level, that the Turbo was overkill, and would NOT get PAR but would instead get the Burmester sound system. Not that anyone’s indiviudal preferences are overriding but in general I find his video and his analysis makes sense. Ater watching it I would follow his same decisions. Of course as always, YMMV.

 

[Fun TC Driving]

Here is that video:

 

[lexx1977]

I’d placed my order before the videos started to come out. Was relieved to see that part of Thomas’ video.
will see how it is to drive when it finally arrives in January next year.

 

[CHP]

Thank you very much for the images. Looking forward to see one in person. Also thought build quality, or let say feeling wasn’t that great in Macan. Drove absolutely brilliantly but always preferred Panamera loaner for interior. Glad it’s much better in Cayenne. How about ride comfort, better as well?

 

[Moheisen(FirstEV)]

Thank you very much for the images. Looking forward to see one in person. Also thought build quality, or let say feeling wasn’t that great in Macan. Drove absolutely brilliantly but always preferred Panamera loaner for interior. Glad it’s much better in Cayenne. How about ride comfort, better as well?

No problem, really hope they gave some perspective at the least!

Ride comfort is actually much improved compared to the previous Cayenne; it honestly feels like you’re driving on clouds, especially when compared to the Macan. Obviously, the Macan should be treated more like a hot hatch, but this is clearly a road trip car and a family hauler. I’m surprised by how well they’ve packaged the ride comfort, it even resembles my previous Mercedes, and since you know what that means in terms of comfort, I’m sure you can put into perspective just how good it was

 

[Matt-Taycan]

Was it on “standard” air suspension or Porsche Active Ride?

To Active Ride or not does seem to be one of the biggest unknowns on here right now. Initially i was a definite no (largely based on the cost) then the reviews started coming in. Now i've ticked the AR box. Really hoping for a Carwow, Autotrader, Top Gear review asap or even a Forum member to get in an AR and Non AR back to back