Test drive SUV base model - Indecision!

[cutting42]

I had my first drive of the Cayenne SUV today, a well specced base in pale blue metallic.

A beautiful drive, and for a big car very easy to place on the road. Nice mix of urban traffic and fast dual carriageway plus a little country lane, so a decent route from Porsche Hatfield. Body control was impressive for the size and weight of the car and it would turn in nicely - not sure if it had the RWS - need to check.

Love the interior and space in the back was massive, needs the sunroof IMO and seats were easy to get a good position in.

Only negative is the performance. I was hoping for a bit more punch for 408 PS but it is a heavy car I appreciate. Do I really need a faster car as a daily driver? Need to revisit budget to see if I can justify the S.

Hatfield had just taken delivery of a Cayenne S coupe in Black and I have to say, the coupe rear is winning me over, it is nicer than the SUV and I am now thinking an S coupe.

 

[CHP]

Saw the Coupe in black as well. Definitely looks better than SUV. Looks much smaller in show room as compared to SUV in algarve blue. The open sunroof is amazing in current UK weather so don’t think I would trade given the option.

Based on 2 weeks experience (time flies), base Cayenne is less fun to drive than 4s. You need to put the car in sport to have a more sporty feeling but even than you don’t get the acceleration kick you get from 4s. I was a big advocate for 4s over 4 as car is so much more alive. On Cayenne it’s a much more difficult proposition due to nearly 20k price difference in UK. I haven’t driven the S so don’t know what I miss but based on recent 911 and 911 GTS experience, HP is not everything. If you drive plenty of country roads daily it might be worth it, I drive in the city so comfort suits me best. Also throttle response is better suited for 20 mph. Objectively base is more than enough, but that’s not why we are buying a Porsche . As Money is an objection, I would order base again. I would otherwise need to make significant changes to options which clearly would outweigh the acceleration kick. Just to be clear, I would never even consider to get an Macan 4s again as it is a much more inferior car except driving position and hot hatch feel.

 

[Wivenhoe]

I have read a magazine review where they say that the car doesn’t feel as fast as it really is, as it’s built for luxury. I have a Macan 4S but couldn’t in my mind justify the additional cost of £17k for my spec in a Coupe 4S for an improvement of 1s in 0-62 time. I was also mindful of the insurance. The base is slightly faster to 62 mph as the Cayenne S ICE and only 0.1s slower than the ICE GTS. That said, a lot of reviewers think the S is the ‘sweet spot’ and you are not the only one to miss the feel of a lack of punch.

Of course, the reason Porsche offer 3 different power cars is because different people have different needs. If I were you, I would seriously consider the S to avoid feeling a little disappointed in a £ 120k car.

For what it’s worth, the reason I’m px’ing my 2025 Macan S EV is I much prefer the look of the Coupe - each to their own.

 

[Cayven Noir]

I had my first drive of the Cayenne SUV today, a well specced base in pale blue metallic.

A beautiful drive, and for a big car very easy to place on the road. Nice mix of urban traffic and fast dual carriageway plus a little country lane, so a decent route from Porsche Hatfield. Body control was impressive for the size and weight of the car and it would turn in nicely - not sure if it had the RWS - need to check.

Love the interior and space in the back was massive, needs the sunroof IMO and seats were easy to get a good position in.

Only negative is the performance. I was hoping for a bit more punch for 408 PS but it is a heavy car I appreciate. Do I really need a faster car as a daily driver? Need to revisit budget to see if I can justify the S.

Hatfield had just taken delivery of a Cayenne S coupe in Black and I have to say, the coupe rear is winning me over, it is nicer than the SUV and I am now thinking an S coupe.

I think it depends a lot on what you’re used to. Personally, coming most recently from a Model Y Performance, I found the base Cayenne a little disappointing in terms of acceleration, as I missed that initial ”punch”.

Financially, the S may be difficult to justify for a daily driver. Emotionally, though, if you’re already thinking the base feels a little underpowered after the test drive, the S is probably the one to go for.

I’ve gone for the Turbo myself, although tbh I suspect the S would probably have been more than enough.

 

[Moheisen(FirstEV)]

I think it depends a lot on what you’re used to. Personally, coming most recently from a Model Y Performance, I found the base Cayenne a little disappointing in terms of acceleration, as I missed that initial ”punch”.

It’s what F1 drives usually say when someone asks about speed: It isn’t how fast it can go in a straight line, but how fast you can take it through the corners

 

[Cayven Noir]

It’s what F1 drives usually say when someone asks about speed: It isn’t how fast it can go in a straight line, but how fast you can take it through the corners

You’re absolutely right, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy a good shove when joining a motorway and getting up to the flow of traffic.

 

[mirto]

I never liked coupe styling on SUVs, looks bloated and weird to me, but I might be an outlier I don't like SUVs though, so I am already biased against them. If you really need an SUV for practicality reasons, might as well go for a proper one.

As for base vs. S, I'd first ask myself how long I plan to keep the car. If it's a longterm commitment, stretch the budget and go for the S. Better than regretting your purchase for years to come.

 

[Wivenhoe]

I thought a Jaguar I-Pace is a SUV ? Or does your ‘vehicle’ in your footer need updating. Totally agree it’s far better to buy what your heart wants rather than perhaps your head !

 

[mirto]

Yes, a compromise I was willing to make because it has great driving dynamics. Otherwise I'd had to consider a station wagon I need a bigger car in the near future due to the kids growing up (really fast!), so the Cayenne is another compromise for me. It's really big, but (hopefully) drives great. The Macan, comparable to the I-Pace in interior space, is not really an upgrade unfortunately.


I'm not a fan of big vehicles.

 

[cutting42]

I think it depends a lot on what you’re used to. Personally, coming most recently from a Model Y Performance, I found the base Cayenne a little disappointing in terms of acceleration, as I missed that initial ”punch”.

Financially, the S may be difficult to justify for a daily driver. Emotionally, though, if you’re already thinking the base feels a little underpowered after the test drive, the S is probably the one to go for.

I’ve gone for the Turbo myself, although tbh I suspect the S would probably have been more than enough.

Also coming from a Tesla Performance although a Model 3 and the difference is stark. I don’t loon around much in it as it is a daily but the punch when you want it is addictive.

 

[cutting42]

I never liked coupe styling on SUVs, looks bloated and weird to me, but I might be an outlier I don't like SUVs though, so I am already biased against them. If you really need an SUV for practicality reasons, might as well go for a proper one.

As for base vs. S, I'd first ask myself how long I plan to keep the car. If it's a longterm commitment, stretch the budget and go for the S. Better than regretting your purchase for years to come.

I do like a big car and have missed not having one for a few years. I did not usually like the coupe SUV but think the Cayenne EV is the best looking so far. Boot space should be ok but I would like the opening roof. Decisions decisions.

I typically keep cars at least 4 years but this will be my retirement car so might keep longer and possibly cash purchase so keen to get it right

 

[W1NGE]

I had my first drive of the Cayenne SUV today, a well specced base in pale blue metallic.

A beautiful drive, and for a big car very easy to place on the road. Nice mix of urban traffic and fast dual carriageway plus a little country lane, so a decent route from Porsche Hatfield. Body control was impressive for the size and weight of the car and it would turn in nicely - not sure if it had the RWS - need to check.

Love the interior and space in the back was massive, needs the sunroof IMO and seats were easy to get a good position in.

Only negative is the performance. I was hoping for a bit more punch for 408 PS but it is a heavy car I appreciate. Do I really need a faster car as a daily driver? Need to revisit budget to see if I can justify the S.

Hatfield had just taken delivery of a Cayenne S coupe in Black and I have to say, the coupe rear is winning me over, it is nicer than the SUV and I am now thinking an S coupe.

Did you try it in Sport and Sport Plus (if Sport Chtono was present) where throttle response is sharper and full power on tap?

It is heavy for sure and would concur that the Coupé wins on the rear style stakes. Downside no opening panoramic roof amongst other things.

 

[cutting42]

Did you try it in Sport and Sport Plus (if Sport Chtono was present) where throttle response is sharper and full power on tap?

It is heavy for sure and would concur that the Coupé wins on the rear style stakes. Downside no opening panoramic roof amongst other things.

Yes it had sport chrono and I gave it the full dig. Better for sure but need to back to back them.

 

[Saladin]

Saw the Coupe in black as well.

I'm assuming that was in London. Which Porsche Center?
Thank you