The Cayenne has been around for a few years now and is credited with bringing Porsche back from financial oblivion. When you first approach the new Cayenne it displays an elegance rarely seen in this type of vehicle.
Internally the new Cayenne S stands out right from the start. It is luxurious, spacious and with superb ergonomics the driver and passengers are offered something quite special.
The front seats have electrical eight-way adjustment and are extremely comfortable, leaving you refreshed after a full days driving.
In front of the driver is a thick rimmed multi function leather steering wheel that is both height and reach adjustable. Behind that is the 5 dial dash layout that is designed for driving with the tacho front and centre.
The centre console certainly catches the eye with a multitude of switches and buttons that are very intuitive to use but means that there is limited storage area for the little things we all seem to collect.
The sound system in the Cayenne S is extremely easy to use and provides superb sound. The universal audio interface has also been modified, now allowing various iPod® and iPhone® models to be connected by the USB stick.
The rear seats are better suited to two occupants but are extremely comfortable, even for my 190cm frame and now fold down separately in a 40 : 20 : 40 split. Behind the rear seats is 670 litres of boot space. The Cayenne S comes with a large range of features as standard but the options list is long and very expensive.
The 4.8-litre V8 not only sounds great but also produces power of 294 kW @ 6,500rpm and torque of 500nM @ 3,500rpm. An eight-speed Tiptronic S drives through PTM with active all-wheel drive. The Porsche Cayenne S will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.9 sec and has a top speed 258 km/h. Fuel economy is 10.5l/100 km However if you have a heavy right foot that figure will go up considerably around town. Stopping power is provided by massive brakes, 360 millimetres up front and 330 millimetres in the rear.
The new eight-speed Tiptronic S, is an absolute gem that mates perfectly with the engine and comes with a special offroad mode for rough terrain. The introduction of the new Porsche Traction Management (PTM) together with eight-speed Tiptronic S avoids the need, according to Porsche, for a reduced-ratio gearbox without making any concessions in terms of offroad requirements relevant to the customer under normal conditions.
PTM also comes with the ABD Automatic Brake Differential for improved traction, ASR Anti-Slip Control for improved vehicle stability, and on-demand PHC Porsche Hill Control for driving down steep gradients in a smooth and controlled process.
The Porsche Cayenne S is everything you would expect it to be and more. It is capable of taking the family on touring holidays, will tow 3500Kg, is capable off road, has the safety features you want, has luxury and prestige and does all this while performing like a sports car.
What is Good?
Awesome to drive
Motor Transmission combination
Offroad Ability
What is not so Good?
Internal storage in centre console
Expensive options list
Rarely used to potential
Model Porsche Cayenne S
Model Price $168,164 RDAP
Drivetrain 8 Sp Tiptronic with PTM
Power 294 Kw @ 6,500 rpm
Torque 500 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Safety 5 Star
CO2 Emissions 245 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 3 Star
Economy (ADR comb) 10.1 L/100km
Tow Capacity Max 3500 kg
Tow Ball Rating 350 kg
Servicing TBA
Warranty 3yr/Unlimited km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 82/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 8
Equipment 7
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 9
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 10
Off Road Ability 8
Value for Money 7
