Porsche Cayenne 2007 review

Released here in mid-2003 the Cayenne is Porsche’s first off-road 4WD vehicle. Although, having said that, Porsche is far from being new to 4WD, having experimenting with the idea as far back as 1900, and there have been several all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 high-performance sports cars over the years.

When the German designers sat down around the conference table for the very first time, the decision was unanimous, Cayenne had to be a sports machine like every other Porsche, with genuine sports car acceleration and the ability to cruise on Europe’s autobahns at over 200 km/h.

Porsche brought prototypes to this country prior to its introduction to get a feel for our vast open spaces and extreme weather conditions. Striking not only bulldust and sand, but even being lucky enough to get caught in one of the desert’s famed downpours, so the engineers were able to get a look at good-old Aussie mud as well!

Initially offered just with a 4.5-litre V8 engine a slightly more affordable V6 engine was added with the 2007 model upgrade. At the same time the size of the V8 was increased to 4.8 litres. Direct fuel injection and a new devised variable valve timing system have seen an 80 Nm leap in top torque to a neat 500 Nm, that’s an extremely impressive gain from a capacity rise of just 0.3 litres. Power goes all the way up to 283 kW.

As before the V8 engine is offered in standard and twin-turbo format. Such is the level of engineering expertise at Porsche that both engines use less fuel to generate more power and torque. In twin-turbo format it develops a huge 700 Nm and 500 horsepower (368 kW) for a mind blowing 275 km/h top speed and the ability to race to 100 km/h just 5.1 seconds after leaving the line.

Interior space is good, with room for five adults if those in the rear seat aren't overly large.

The new 3.6-litre V6 engine produces a most impressive 385 Nm and 213 kW. Porsche claims a zero to 100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds with this engine, which, incidentally, is mated to a six-speed Tiptronic transmission.

Cayenne also received a facelift for 2007 to coincide with the revised engines, though it still looks as ungainly as ever. The stylists have tried to make it look like a 911 from the waist up, and a tough 4WD from there downwards. 

Which is a pity, because it’s such a sensational vehicle otherwise. Perhaps the second-generation Cayenne, which is probably only three years, or so, away will strike out in a new styling theme.

Interior space is good, with room for five adults if those in the rear seat aren't overly large. Ride comfort is impressive, but the front transmission hump is wide and eats somewhat into the foot space.

This is a heavy vehicle with a high centre of gravity and is somewhat reluctant to change direction in a hurry due to its sheer mass. It’s all safe enough thanks to big tyres and complex suspension systems. Cayenne’s electronic traction aids (PTM, or Porsche Traction Management) work well both on and off-road. 

Model Range

Cayenne 3.6-litre petrol five-door wagon - $94,700
Cayenne S 4.8-litre petrol five-door wagon - $129,900
Cayenne Turbo 4.8-litre petrol five-door wagon - $215,000