What's the difference?
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT needs a better name. This is the king of Cayennes and quite possibly the ruler of all super SUVs.
Well, the Cayenne Turbo GT is the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Not just that, it has such colossal power and torque it'll be side-by-side with a Porsche 911 GT3 RS in a sprint from 0-100km/h. No, a better name for this SUV would be the Cayenne GT3.
Which is perfect for me because I'm at the point in my life where although I love full-on and noisy cars I also have a full-on and noisy family.
We lived with the Cayenne Turbo GT for a week to find out if this super SUV was also a super family car - from practicality to safety.
We're also a family with ridiculously high expectations of luxury SUVs having lived with and tested each of the Cayenne Turbo GT's rivals - from the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga to the Aston Martin DBX and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
The Lexus LX range has undergone significant updates across the board and the carmaker has also introduced an off-road-focused variant, the Overtrail, to the Aussie market.
The LX500d Overtrail is geared up for 4WDing and, as such, is kitted out with front and rear locking differentials, Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres on 18-inch rims, as well as a stack of driver-assist aids – including the proven Multi-Terrain Select from Toyota’s LandCruiser 300 Series – all aimed at making you The Absolute King of the Dirty Weekend.
But, being a Lexus, the Overtrail is of course on the right side of premium, replete with a features list as long as … something that is long.
So, how does it perform off-road?
Read on.
Of all the super SUVs I've piloted, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the best all-rounder in terms of performance, comfort, cabin technology and style.
As a family car it's roomy, practical and easy to use and drive daily.
As a performance car the Turbo GT is stupidly quick, with the agility of a sports car. Sure, a 911 would leave it behind on a twisty race track, but this SUV is close to having that sportscar experience and keeping your family, as well.
The Lexus LX550d Overtrail holds plenty of appeal for those whoβd like to bookend a work week of refined daily driving with a weekend of fun and adventure undertaken in style.
With a full complement of standard features, as well as offering premium comfort and understated design, the Overtrail makes a lot of sense as a potential purchase.
Itβs luxurious on the road, capable off-road and the Overtrail holds up quite well if cross-shopped against the likes of Land Rover Defender, Toyota LandCruiser 300 or Nissan Patrol.