Porsche Cayenne vs Lexus LS500H
What's the difference?

Porsche Cayenne

$144,900 - $376,200

2026 price

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Lexus LS500H

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2019 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G580

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Rolls-Royce Spectre (bev)

Summary

2026 Porsche Cayenne

2019 Lexus LS500H

By Stephen Ottley

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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V8, 5.0L

Vehicle type

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Premium Unleaded/Electric

Electric range

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8.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Immense performance
Surprisingly capable off-road
Thoughtful cabin design

That 'obnoxious face'
Decadent and intriguing interior
Comfortable ride

Dislikes

No new petrol or hybrid variant (yet)
Coupe bodystyle loses practicality
Off-road bodykit looks awkward

Engines could do with more shove
CVT in 500h is not suited for spirited driving
Headroom could be better

2026 Porsche Cayenne Summary

No good deed goes unpunished.

Porsche, a brand synonymous with petrol-guzzling sports cars, tried to do the right thing and make a nearly wholesale switch to electric vehicles by the end of the decade. The problem was, while this made governments happy, it didn’t sit well with customers.

Porsche’s all-electric Macan is enduring a torrid 2026, with sales down over 75 per cent now that all the petrol-engined options are gone.

But that hasn’t stopped the German brand trying again with an all-electric Cayenne. However, there are some key differences that mean this latest electric Porsche won’t suffer the same fate.

Namely, the petrol-powered and hybrid versions aren’t going anywhere and new versions are rumoured to be coming in the not-too-distant future.

For now though, we have this all-new electric Cayenne - so how does it stack up to its predecessors as the sports car brand’s big SUV? And will it be second time lucky for Porsche’s electric transition? Based on two rather unorthodox days of test driving, the verdict might surprise you…

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2019 Lexus LS500H Summary

Almost 30 years after Lexus launched its original LS flagship sedan, the fifth generation of the car has arrived in Australia in what appears to be the brand’s never-ending battle to hunt down and beat Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi at their own game.

In some markets it looks as though Lexus is making headway. In the United States last year Mercedes-Benz was the best-selling luxury brand, followed by BMW and then Lexus. To give you even more insight, 50 per cent of all Lexus sales globally are in the US.

The story is different in Australia, with Lexus hardly a threat to the big three Germans, selling about a third less each month.

The Lexus LS is the Japanese prestige brand’s flagship and comes with a price that nudges up against formidable rivals. There’s the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi’s A8. Only the best cars from a few of the best brands in the world – no pressure, Lexus.

This may even be a reason to buy one – in that it’s not one of the traditional three. You could see Lexus as the popular underdog that in some ways does a better job than the usual suspects. A people’s favourite perhaps?

Just look at how often it’s mentioned in songs. According to lyrics.com.au the word Lexus has been used in 873 songs. Meanwhile Mercedes Benz appears in 500, Audi in 402 and BMW in 307.

With all this in mind we headed to the Australian launch to drive the LS 500 and its hybrid twin the 500h.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Porsche Cayenne 2019 Lexus LS500H

Verdict

There is a lot riding on this new Cayenne Electric, it is the sales leader for the German brand and if it suffers the same sales decline as the Macan, that will be a big concern for Porsche.

The good news is it’s an impressive all-rounder, with an incredible breadth of capability. But so is the electric Macan.

Going electric hasn’t diminished its trademark Porsche elements, and instead has amplified them in many respects. The speed is nothing short of staggering in the Turbo, but across the range the on and off-road driving ability is impressive.

Plus it has the kind of spacious, well-considered and premium appointed cabin you should expect for a luxury SUV.

There are two key differences that could see it succeed where the Macan has faltered. Unlike the Macan, Porsche’s decision to give Cayenne buyers the option to stick with internal combustion if they prefer, is likely to ensure it remains a popular member of its line-up for years to come.

And while the Macan was perhaps too much, too soon, the Cayenne arrives at a time when Australians are embracing electric cars more than ever before. Although the luxury and performance end of the EV market is growing more slowly than the mainstream.

As for the pick of the range, as mind-blowing as the Turbo is, the truth is (like pretty much every Porsche model) the entry-level Cayenne is arguably the pick of the bunch. It has all the performance you’ll reasonably need and offers a good blend of capability and luxury for the lowest price.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Lexus LS 500 and 500h are both exceptional cars. The ‘obnoxious’ styling especially to the grille makes the offerings from BMW, Benz and Audi look bland and overly corporate inside and out. It’s really in the dynamics department that the LS falls short of its rivals and only the LS 500 is enjoyable if you like to drive with a degree of conviction.

Both the LS500 and 500h, though, have wonderfully comfortable rides and this together with those sumptuous interiors makes these the perfect place to be if you’re in the back being swiftly and quietly taken to you next meeting.

For me the sweet-spot pick would be the LS 500 F Sport for its value and dynamic ability.

Porsche Cayenne vs Lexus LS500H What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Porsche Cayenne vs Lexus LS500H
What's the difference?