Let me first start by saying- that I HATE SUV's. I hate the bulk of them. I hate the sway of them. I hate how so many damned soccer Mom's and people buy them because they think they're more capable then an AWD sport wagon. I hate them b/c people buy them b/c people think "larger vehicle= car is worth more" mentality.

Can't stand them.

Last week I spent, pretty much all week driving our Cayenne S Demo and had to deliver a clients new Turbo (with PCCB's no less) 2+ hours away.

I stand in complete shock. Honestly. I've driven a lot of cars and suv's over the years, and lets face it. There are a LOT of nice vehicles to choose from. The Range Rovers are really terrific looking, very sharp- the business. The BMW's seem to drive pretty neat. Like a BMW should. The Mercedes SUV market has done extremely well, and despite not being the best handling SUV, in of it's self; its a nice SUV. The GL, is extremely well mannered for a full-sized SUV. I've not driven anything that can carry so many and haul so well and yet, be so poised on the road.

What about the Japanese? Despite my immense dislike for Lexus; their RX, GX and LX do a VERY good job at what their clients ask of them. Plush, decent fit and finish, and comfy. I hate to say this; but I even like the way an RX drives over the ML. (hopefully boss does not read this lol). I think for what it is; it's a darned good vehicle. Acura and Infinity too. Great vehicles.

And I've driven the ubber-cool versions of each as well. The X5 and X6 "M". The Range Rover Super Charged HSE and the Mercedes ML63 Hammer.

Each, again- are very cool, and capable SUV's. No matter which one you buy, they are - Veryyy good choices.

However- No matter the trim, fit and finish, handling, power or exclusivity, at the end of the day, they all drive like an SUV. Every single one of them. You'll never get out of one of those and think "Ohh, thats a nice car." You'll say "oh that's a nice SUV"- but not a car.

And right now you're thinking "Chris you idiot, they ARE SUV's. That's the point. That's why they drive like that. Duh!"

And you'd be right.

Enter the Porsche Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo.



While the looks of the new Cayenne aren't as 'manly' as the Range Rover, or extremely different from the First Cayenne. It wasn't meant to be. But sit inside of the new Cayenne, and you realize you are not in Kansas anymore. You FEEL like you're in..........well..................a Proper Porsche. Get the 12 way power seats with extendable inseam and I'm in heaven. Deep bolsters that don't cut into you; but hold you in, just like a sports car. Gauges just like a 997. Techno wizardry for the geek in you. Blast the Bose or Burmaster, clickc "Sport" and burn rubber.

Literally.

We have a Cayenne Turbo Demo, you can get the rear wheels to spin under sport mode. That thing will bitch slap the you know what out of anything I've driven in the same class of vehicle.

Don't need the 500hp? No problem. Get the Cayenne S. Perfect for me. 400hp and handling that is just out of this world. Shifts are smooth, crisp and precise. And rowing thru the gears is even easier (IMHO) then PDK equipped Panamera.

I honestly- honestly, am freaked out at how much I lust after this thing. It does everything I want. And then some. And every damn time I get in one, drive it and get out I say to myself -

"This is an awesome car."

But wait, it's not.

Ohhh but it is. It's a car on steroids. It's a car that sits up. And it handles like Heaven.

If I had a family and was sick and tired of the world of mid-sized, now over weight sedans and wanted my Porsche, yet couldn't justify the room in my garage for a 997 to sit around....

Go Get a Porsche Cayenne S. Go drive one at the very least. Spend some real time in one.

And you will see, it's a 'great CAR'. There is not another vehicle on the market that drives like the Cayenne drives.

- This coming from a guy who hates SUV's.

 

Good write up Stoppie...any pics of the Turbo by chance???

 

I've driven the Cayenne its agile and drives good, looks like a Q5/Tiguan sibling from Porsche from exterior look and appeal. I'd rather get a Panamera which drives better, has AWD, good space and load area and whilst it is still ugly but looks better than a 70k SUV that resembles a Hyundai.

 

Sorry mate, already delivered her. Black/Black with Pano roof (huuuuuge pano roof btw, awesome!) PCCB's, PTV and PDCC. That thing was hooot!


People claimed the older one was ugly as well you know...don't forget that. The new Cayenne is an entire galaxy different from the old one.


a GALAXY.

 

What I remeber is that they said its not the traditions of the brand to make an SUV, ugly yes but not as much as the current one.

 

Heck of a combo...classy but cool and killer!!! very nice!

 

Still holding out for the new GTS...

 

I loved this write up.

I absolutely agree. I hate each and every single SUV in the world. But wouldn't that mean I hate the Cayenne? No, it doesn't. IMHO, the Cayenne is a sportscar, not an SUV.

 

Not to derail, but don't you drive a GLK?

 

Hey Chris,

How much did Porsche pay you to write an article like this?......Oh wait, you ARE working at Porsche...