Porsche Cayenne S 2011 review

The Porsche Cayenne S Series 2, introduced to Australia in July 2010, is significantly different to the original in precisely the way we would expect from this iconic German sportscar maker. Because all the changes are important improvements. 

For example, the Porsche Cayenne no longer tries to be a full-on off-road vehicle as it doesn't have a two-speed transfer case to provide low range for extreme driving. That said, the lowest gear of the new eight-speed automatic transmission is so low that it gives plenty of torque multiplication.

Owners who don’t mind risking their Cayenne’s bodywork have reported that it can tackle some pretty harsh terrain and lived to tell the tale.

A major advantage of removing the low-range transfer case is that weight of the Cayenne Series 2, when combined with other changes throughout the vehicle, has seen a mass reduction of about 12 per cent. This not only gives a slightly nimbler vehicle - though it’s still a big station wagon, so don’t expect too much - but also lowers fuel consumption and emissions.

Cynics might say you can’t get fuel economy from a vehicle like this, but they have been proven wrong. The Europeans are intensely interested in improving their vehicles and we regularly saw consumption below 10 litres per hundred kilometres when driving in light-duty country roads and on motorways. The high gearing of the new eight-speed auto is another factor.

Around town, the petrol consumption of the big V8 engine usually sat in the 12 to 14 litres per hundred kilometres range, which is about what you would expect from a family sedan with less interior space than the big Porsche.

Combining these all-wheel drive electronics with sophisticated computer assisted dynamics means that the Porsche Cayenne is amazingly sure-footed on the road.

While shape of the new Porsche Cayenne S we reviewed this week is obviously an evolution of Series 1, its style now stands out in its own right rather than looking like a Porsche 911 on steroids. In particular, the bonnet is bolder and the grille sitting in front of it make real styling statements.

Inside the Series 2 Cayenne there are strong cues to the Porsche Panamera four-door sports saloon. This is most obvious in the centre console with its neat array of buttons.

Porsche lovers will be delighted to know that Cayenne has an instrument panel which continues the traditional Porsche interlocking dials theme. The prominent tachometer in the centre of the display is very familiar to Porsche drivers.

Despite being significantly lighter, the new Porsche Cayenne is larger than previously, with extra space being used to provide ample space for two adults in the rear seat. Furthermore, the backrest can be adjusted for rake to let those back their individualise their room.

Luggage space is larger than before and can be further increased by sliding the back seat forwards by as much as 160 mm to create extra length.

The interior of the Porsche Cayenne Series 2 provides the sort of ambiance owners of prestige SUVs are demanding these days. There’s a feeling of relaxed luxury that lasts no matter how far you go on a grand tour of rugged Australian backroads. 

Power in the Cayenne S that we reviewed came from a 400 horsepower, 294 kilowatt, 4.8-litre V8 engine. There also the option of the same engine with a turbocharger to increase its output to 368 kW; a 3.6-litre petrol V6 with 224 kW and a turbo-diesel V6 with a capacity of 3.0 litres that produces 176 kilowatts. A petrol-electric hybrid is also on offer, though it suffers from the fact that it uses more fuel than the turbo-diesel.

Drive is constant to all four wheels and sophisticated electronics see the amount of torque sent to each of the wheels vary according to driving conditions. 

Combining these all-wheel drive electronics with sophisticated computer assisted dynamics means that the Porsche Cayenne is amazingly sure-footed on the road. The way this large Porsche SUV reacts to steering and throttle control is impressive. Though you wouldn't describe it as a sports sedan, the new Cayenne comes a lot closer than you would ever have expected.

Throttle response is virtually immediate and the Cayenne purrs along with a minimum of fuss if you’re looking for a relaxed ride, and positively growls and leaps ahead when you are in a more dynamic mood.

New Porsche Cayenne S Series 2 is a most impressive piece of automotive engineering and coming from a company that builds nothing but sports vehicles gives it that extra edge that’s sure to stand it in good stead in the sales race in Australia. 

Model Range

Porsche Cayenne V6 3.6-litre five-door wagon: $104,000 (automatic)
Porsche Cayenne S 4.8-litre five-door wagon: $148,700 (automatic)
Porsche Cayenne Turbo 4.8-litre five-door wagon: $245,000 (automatic)
Porsche Cayenne V6 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $105,000 (automatic)
Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid 3.0-litre petrol/electric five-door wagon: $160,800 (automatic