My stepbrother's friend, 16, just got a new Porsche Cayenne Turbo. He handed me his keys and I took it for a drive by myself.
I hopped inside and was welcomed to a nice sand-orange interior, but nothing particularly interesting or different. I prefer the silver finish of the FX45 or (especially) the satin nickel in the Lincoln Navigator and Aviator. It doesnt feel particularly sporty or high class, but the Cayenne's interior seemed fairly durable, if not luxurious.
Outside, it was bulbous and unattractive. Take a Boxster, slap on four doors, lift it a foot off the ground, and sit it on 20" wheels... and you have a Cayenne. Its Volkswagen Touareg cousin looked classy and clean, while the Cayenne looked chubby.
Searching around for the place to insert the key, I found it on the left. It felt wobbly and loose, like mid-80s General Motors. The leather on the left side of the driver seat bottom was already showing wear, from rubbing up against the door, a minor but annoying design flaw I'm sure they'll address.. The small black plastic ring around the navigation/audio system felt thin and cheap, and wasnt properly secured. So I pushed it in a bit until it was snug.
Once I got started and headed down the neighborhood street, I immediately felt a good sense of reassuring power. I hopped on the interstate and concluded that yes, it was quick. But it wasn't Porsche-quick. It felt a lot like the 2003 M45 I drove a few months ago in terms of acceleration, but with annoying turbo lag.
Around corners, body roll was well controlled, but it didn't feel exceptionally secure, as if you were being deceived into thinking it could handle well but part of you knew it couldn't. Regardless, it maintained 60mph around the exit ramp without too much trouble. Brakes were strong but mushy and vague. I suspect they'll improve with time.
Tiptronic was interesting, but the amusement ended after about 2 minutes. The transmission was already extremely smooth and responsive on its own. I barely noticed it work its magic without paying very close attention.
Side bolstering was lacking in the seats, but I enjoyed the snug and flexible ****pit. You could sit high up like a king perched over his minions, or low to fool yourself into feeling like youre in a sport sedan. Either position offers excelent visibility and easy access to controls and instruments.
Once out on the open highway, the ride was annoying. It felt like I was standing on a diving board, constantly bouncing. Small bumps were soaked up acceptably, but unevenness in the road was over amplified.
I opened the window and hammered it, and was treated to a beautiful roar. While my Q sounds like a jet taking off, the Cayenne sounds like a tiger. I wish the engine was quieter around town, but with the windows up you only hear a slight bit of wind noise. To heck with what anyone has to hear... its a Porsche, and it demands attention.
Overall, I have to say the Cayenne Turbo is a fantastic SUV for $45,000. Unfortunately, its $85,000. Thumbs down. Our family won't be acquiring one anytime ever.
-Jesda
Just Drove a Cayenne, Not Impressed
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lessthanjakejohn
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Mayhem_J30
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lessthanjakejohn wrote:in a recent road and track, the cayenne had the same handling statistics as a toureg but a stiffer setup :idunno:
MT or C&D had a similar comparo with the Cayenne turbo, the VW, and the FX45. I was shocked the FX45 placed 3rd. For the price, styling and performance I can't see why it wasn't 1st. But anyway, I've been seeing more and more Cayennes running around town and I can't stand the way they look. I'd take an FX45 anyday. Am I biased, yes, does that play a factor now, NO.