Porsche Cayenne Coupe Review

Apr 2019 Porsche Cayenne Coupe unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show
May 2019 Cayenne Coupe goes on sale in standard, S and Turbo guises

Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe

Despite the three different model designations, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe is actually only available with two engines. Both are turbocharged petrols (there is no diesel option, while a plug-in hybrid has yet to be confirmed), with the standard and S models getting differently tuned versions of a 3.0-litre V6, while the Turbo benefits from a 4.0-litre V8.

In the standard Cayenne, the 3.0-litre V6 delivers a healthy 335hp, which is good enough for a 0-62mph of just 6.0 seconds - there are many high performance saloons and hatchbacks that will struggle to match that. Crucially, the engine benefits from a muscular 450Nm of torque - low-engine-speed power - that is delivered from just 1350rpm. That's barely above idling speed. Yet with a hefty 2,030kg to carry around, the Cayenne Coupe never feels startlingly quick, the acceleration coming in a smooth linear surge.

In the Cayenne S Coupe the same 3.0-litre engine is tweaked to deliver 434hp and an extra 100Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.0 seconds, which is extremely quick. More importantly, it feels faster than the entry-level car, with the sort of instant, shove in the back acceleration you expect from something wearing a Porsche badge. Yet in the real world it’s no less efficient than the less powerful model (although less than 25mpg is hardly something to shout about), plus it’s just as refined - there’s a sporty growl when worked hard, but otherwise it’s an impressively hushed performer.

If the S isn’t quick enough for you, the Cayenne Turbo Coupe certainly will be. Using the same twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that’s used in the standard Cayenne and the Panamera saloon, it has a jaw-dropping 542hp and staggering 770Nm of torque. The Turbo turns in the sort of performance that will scare some supercar owners silly. The headline figure of 3.9 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint is mad enough, but it’s the relentless acceleration from almost any speed and in any gear that really grabs your attention - this is a very, very fast car. And with the optional Sports exhaust fitted it sounds it too, bellowing loudly every time you prod the accelerator. Take it easy though, and the atmosphere is transformed, the engine becoming little more than a distant murmur.

All versions of the Cayenne get the same eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. It’s one of the best in the business, serving up smooth and well-timed gear changes when left in auto mode. Of course you can take control of the shifts yourself using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe doesn’t follow the standard trim line-up strategy of other manufacturers (S, SE etc), favouring an approach that’s based on engine and power outputs. The more you pay the more equipment you get, but not as much as you’d think - your extra cash going on greater performance more than an increase in kit. Of course if you do need more gadgets and gizmos then Porsche’s lengthy list of optional equipment will happily oblige, but be prepared for an expensive experience.

On the face of it, the standard Cayenne Coupe comes comprehensively equipped. Standard equipment (with this model known simply as the Cayenne Coupe) items include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and front and rear parking sensors, while inside there’s part leather trim, heated seats and a comprehensive touchscreen media system that includes sat-nav and full smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

Moving up to the Cayenne S Coupe adds little more than some different alloy wheels (still with a 20-inch diameter) and some more supportive sports seats. Other than that, it’s almost identical to the entry-level model.

Only when you get to the Turbo do you notice any real uplift in specification, with full leather trim and heated front and rear seats, while on the outside are larger 21-inch alloys and adaptive LED headlamps. You also benefit from height adjustable air suspension, which is a costly option on the other two versions.

Speaking of costly options, all versions of the Cayenne can be customised to your heart’s content, the only real limit being the depth of your pockets. There aren’t the usual option packs found on other cars, where popular items are bundled together, Porsche preferring a long list of pricey extras. For instance, there are numerous leather finishes (both for colour and softness) and a bewildering array of wood, aluminium and carbon fibre trim inserts. You can also go for numerous different seating options (from standard through to the electrically powered and figure-hugging sports variety) and upgraded hi-fi systems from Bose and Burmester.

Even lengthier are the additions aimed at improving the driving experience. All Cayenne Coupe models get the track focussed Sport Chrono Pack as standard, which adds Sport Plus driver modes and a natty stopwatch on the dashboard. However, you can really get carried away spending more if you want, with numerous suspension upgrades (air suspension for Cayenne Coupe and Cayenne S Coupe, and the anti-roll PDCC set-up). Perhaps the most worthwhile is the rear-wheel steer, which helps make the vast Cayenne Coupe feel like a much more nimble machine, particularly when parking or negotiating narrower roads. And while the carbon ceramic brakes are very expensive, their increased stopping power is appreciated in a car as heavy as this - although the standard brakes are hardly shabby.

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is covered by a standard three-year warranty, but unlike many, it has no mileage limit. Porsche also has unusually long service intervals, with trips to the dealer for maintenance separated by two years or 20,000 miles.

The porsche Cayenne Coupe is still too new to have featured in the Auto Express 2019 Driver Power satisfaction survey, while there were too few respondents of the standard car for it to be mentioned in the results.

However, on the whole the model is well-built and reliable. If owners have had concerns in the past, then it’s been with the high cost of servicing and parts for the Cayenne in all its forms.

Given that the new Porsche Cayenne Coupe is very new, used versions will take some time to filter through.

Demand for the new car is likely to be high, given the huge demand for the standard Cayenne, which will keep the prices of nearly new ones initially quite high. Once demand cools, however, prices will start to drop significantly.

Better still, these cars are likely to be loaded with options, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting and the key options you want on your car. As when buying a new model, it’s the mechanical upgrades that are more beneficial to the ownership experience, while the cosmetic upgrades are likely to have a more positive effect on the resale value.