Porsche Cayenne: A True Performance SUV
When the Porsche Cayenne first hit the market over two decades ago, purists were skeptical about whether an SUV could truly embody the spirit of a Porsche. However, with the numerous upgrades and advancements made to the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and Turbo E-Hybrid, it’s safe to say that these skeptics have been proven wrong.
Performance that Leaves You Breathless
The Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT boasts an impressive 650 horsepower, while the Turbo E-Hybrid takes it even further with a total output of 729 horsepower. Both models offer breathtaking acceleration, with the Turbo GT capable of reaching 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. The Turbo GT also surprises with its impressive cornering abilities, rivaling that of smaller sports cars. Despite its hybrid status, the Turbo E-Hybrid performs admirably, considering the extra weight it carries.
Stylish Design with a Few Drawbacks
While the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and Turbo E-Hybrid offer exceptional performance, they do come with some coupelike-SUV drawbacks. Practicality and comfort may not be as impressive as in traditional SUVs, but for true Porsche enthusiasts, these sacrifices are easily overlooked.
A Hefty Price Tag
The main obstacle for many potential buyers is the high price tag, starting at $163,495 and going up to $205,795 depending on the trim and options chosen. However, for those who prioritize performance and style, the Turbo GT is worth the extra investment, as it comes loaded with desirable features such as Porsche’s matrix LED headlights, a carbon fiber roof and rear diffuser, and 22-inch GT Design wheels.
Impressive Powertrain and Performance
The Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT is powered by a 650-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine, while the Turbo E-Hybrid utilizes a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 gas engine combined with an electric motor for a total output of 729 horsepower. Both models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Turbo GT reaches a top speed of 189 mph and features the lowest ride height of any Cayenne, as well as 22-inch wheels with sticky tires. The Cayenne Turbo Coupe impresses with its handling, often compared to that of a big sports sedan. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, torque vectoring, and rear-axle steering all contribute to its exceptional performance on the road.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
The Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The Turbo E-Hybrid’s fuel economy figures are not available, but the non-Coupe version is estimated to achieve 18 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The plug-in E-Hybrid offers an electric range of up to 35 miles and can be driven at speeds of up to 84 mph on electricity alone. While the Cayenne Coupe sacrifices some headroom and cargo space compared to the traditional Cayenne SUV, it still offers ample passenger capacity and cargo volume, making it more practical than the 911 sports car. The Turbo GT provides 20 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, expandable to 52 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
Luxurious Interior and High-Tech Features
The Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and Turbo E-Hybrid offer a customizable interior, with options to select everything from the trim and surface materials to the seatbelt colors. The driver is greeted with a beautiful high-definition 12.6-inch curved digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with a configurable home menu and personalized settings. Porsche Connect Plus provides a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgraded audio systems include a 14-speaker Bose unit or a premium Burmester setup with 21 speakers. Rear-seat entertainment is also available with two 10.0-inch displays attached to the back of the front-seat headrests.
Safety and Warranty
The Cayenne Turbo Coupe GT offers a range of driver-assistance technologies, including forward-collision warning, parking sensors, night vision, and more. Safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist are available. Porsche provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty, covering four years or 50,000 miles. However, BMW and Volvo offer longer coverage for complimentary scheduled maintenance.
In conclusion, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and Turbo E-Hybrid are true performance SUVs that deliver impressive power, handling, and style. While they may come with a higher price tag and a few compromises in terms of practicality and comfort, they offer a thrilling driving experience for those who value performance above all else. With their customizable interiors, high-tech features, and advanced safety systems, the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and Turbo E-Hybrid are a compelling choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.
