Porsche Cayenne Coupe Review
The Coupe is a stylish addition to the Porsche Cayenne range but costs more to buy, is less practical and no better to drive
Strengths & weaknesses
- Strong performance
- Good to drive
- Impressive comfort and refinement
- Less spacious than standard Cayenne
- Costs even more to buy
- Expensive options list
Porsche Cayenne Coupe prices from £22,721 Finance from £549.75 per month
The Cayenne Coupe is Porsche's attempt to join a growing sector of cars combining rugged off-road characteristics such as raised ride height, with a sleek coupe body style.
In this case the base for the Coupe model is the standard Porsche Cayenne, which is the brand’s largest SUV model. You could argue it's a combination that nobody’s asking for, but with rivals such as the BMW X6, Mercedes GLE Coupe and Range Rover Velar, it’s clear there is plenty of demand for these cars.
More than that, the consumers are apparently willing to pay handsomely for these them, with prices from new for the standard Cayenne Coupe ranging from £62,129 to £125,946 - that hurts no matter which way you look at it, and by the time you've added any optional extras you'll be looking at more like £80,000 for the cheapest model.
What is perhaps even more startling about prices for the Cayenne Coupe is that they are, model for model, higher than those of the standard Cayenne - a car that is bigger and more practical, yet is no slower or less engaging to drive. Work that one out.
The Cayenne Coupe does sport that sleeker look on the outside, but you won't notice a whole lot from the inside, there's just about as much room as you get in the standard Cayenne for both your head and your legs. There are two individual seats at the back separated by a trinket tray and cup holders, but there is the option of a more traditional rear bench that will accommodate three adults.
The only real practicality compromise is the slightly smaller boot, although with a capacity of 625 litres it’s still fairly spacious - this is hardly a small car. You can also fold the rear seats down to liberate 1,540 litres of space, while the large hatchback style tailgate is powered, making loading and unloading fairly straightforward. Bear in mind, however, that the Cayenne Coupe Turbo’s boot has to accommodate components for its BOSE stereo, meaning its capacity shrinks to 600 litres with the rear seats up and 1510 litres with them folded. Either way, even in Turbo guise the Coupe serves up more space than the BMW X6, which can only hold 580 litres of luggage.
All versions of the Cayenne Coupe benefit from exemplary fit and finish, with high grade materials used throughout the interior, and it easily feels a class above rivals, even those as upmarket as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Everything you see and touch inside has a quality look and feel, which at least begins to justify the car’s high prices
Like all SUV models, the Cayenne Coupe delivers a raised driving position that offers good visibility of the road ahead. Yet unlike similar models you never feel perched on top of the Porsche, the wide range of seat adjustment and high transmission tunnel allowing a hunkered, almost sports car feel from behind the wheel.
This is a sensation backed up on the road because, despite its size, it feels far more nimble than you’d ever expect. Even the most basic models feel superb on the road, with steering that is accurate and naturally weighted, making it easy to place the Porsche through corners. The amount of grip on offer is astounding, allowing you to carry more speed through corners than you’d ever normally dare, while body lean is rarely a problem, even if you don't opt for the clever Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control anti-roll technology.
Yet at the touch of a button the Cayenne Coupe is transformed into a relaxing and refined long distance cruiser. The standard adaptive shock absorbers can be softened off, helping the Porsche ride bumps comfortably, while engine, wind and road noise are kept to a minimum. Few cars at any price are as adept at taking the strain out of long journeys, that commanding driving position mixed with the smooth automatic gearbox makes the Cayenne Coupe a doddle around town - although you need to steer clear of width restrictors if you want to keep those big alloy wheels in pristine condition.
As you’d expect, the Cayenne Coupe comes loaded with the latest technology. The rev counter set directly in front of the driver is analogue, but either side of this are seven-inch, fully configurable screens that can show everything from performance data to sat-nav directions. Mounted high in the centre of the dashboard is a large 12-inch touchscreen that controls the car’s entertainment system and most of its other functions too.
Key facts
Warranty | 3 years |
---|---|
Boot size | 625 litres |
Width | 1983mm |
Length | 4931mm |
Height | 1676mm |
Tax | £1280 to £2135 in first year, £465 for the first five years then £145 thereafter |
Best Porsche Cayenne Coupe for...
Best for Economy – Porsche Cayenne Coupe
There’s really not much in it between this model and the S, but this version’s lower price seals the deal for lower running costs.
Best for Families – Porsche Cayenne Coupe
This really comes down to price and running costs as all versions - bar the Turbo with its slightly smaller boot - are equally practical. Make sure you order with the three seat rear bench for the best passenger space.
Best for Performance – Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe
Despite its two tonne kerbweight, the 542hp can blast from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a 177mph top speed.
History
Apr 2019 Porsche Cayenne Coupe unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show
May 2019 Cayenne Coupe goes on sale in standard, S and Turbo guises
Understanding Porsche Cayenne Coupe names
Engine and trim Turbo
For most of its models Porsche effectively bundles together engine and trim. So for the Cayenne Coupe there’s a standard version, an S and a Turbo, each with its own equipment level and engine.
Model Coupe
The Coupe name differentiates this version from the standard version of the Cayenne, which is classed as either an SUV (off-roader) or estate car, depending on who you talk to.
Gearbox Tiptronic S
All versions are four-wheel drive and get an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which Porsche calls Tiptronic S.
Porsche Cayenne Coupe Engines
Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe
Despite the three different model designations, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe is actually only available with two engines. Both are turbocharged petrols (there is no diesel option, while a plug-in hybrid has yet to be confirmed), with the standard and S models getting differently tuned versions of a 3.0-litre V6, while the Turbo benefits from a 4.0-litre V8.
In the standard Cayenne, the 3.0-litre V6 delivers a healthy 335hp, which is good enough for a 0-62mph of just 6.0 seconds - there are many high performance saloons and hatchbacks that will struggle to match that. Crucially, the engine benefits from a muscular 450Nm of torque - low-engine-speed power - that is delivered from just 1350rpm. That's barely above idling speed. Yet with a hefty 2,030kg to carry around, the Cayenne Coupe never feels startlingly quick, the acceleration coming in a smooth linear surge.
In the Cayenne S Coupe the same 3.0-litre engine is tweaked to deliver 434hp and an extra 100Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.0 seconds, which is extremely quick. More importantly, it feels faster than the entry-level car, with the sort of instant, shove in the back acceleration you expect from something wearing a Porsche badge. Yet in the real world it’s no less efficient than the less powerful model (although less than 25mpg is hardly something to shout about), plus it’s just as refined - there’s a sporty growl when worked hard, but otherwise it’s an impressively hushed performer.
If the S isn’t quick enough for you, the Cayenne Turbo Coupe certainly will be. Using the same twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that’s used in the standard Cayenne and the Panamera saloon, it has a jaw-dropping 542hp and staggering 770Nm of torque. The Turbo turns in the sort of performance that will scare some supercar owners silly. The headline figure of 3.9 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint is mad enough, but it’s the relentless acceleration from almost any speed and in any gear that really grabs your attention - this is a very, very fast car. And with the optional Sports exhaust fitted it sounds it too, bellowing loudly every time you prod the accelerator. Take it easy though, and the atmosphere is transformed, the engine becoming little more than a distant murmur.
All versions of the Cayenne get the same eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. It’s one of the best in the business, serving up smooth and well-timed gear changes when left in auto mode. Of course you can take control of the shifts yourself using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Fuel |
Fuel economy |
Power |
Acceleration (0-62mph) |
Top speed |
|
Cayenne Coupe |
Petrol |
22.2 - 23.9mpg |
335hp |
6.0 secs |
150mph |
Cayenne S Coupe |
Petrol |
21.9 - 23.7mpg |
434hp |
5.0 secs |
163mph |
Cayenne Turbo Coupe |
Petrol |
20.2 - 20.8mpg |
542hp |
3.9 secs |
177mph |
Porsche Cayenne Coupe Trims
Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe
The Porsche Cayenne Coupe doesn’t follow the standard trim line-up strategy of other manufacturers (S, SE etc), favouring an approach that’s based on engine and power outputs. The more you pay the more equipment you get, but not as much as you’d think - your extra cash going on greater performance more than an increase in kit. Of course if you do need more gadgets and gizmos then Porsche’s lengthy list of optional equipment will happily oblige, but be prepared for an expensive experience.
On the face of it, the standard Cayenne Coupe comes comprehensively equipped. Standard equipment (with this model known simply as the Cayenne Coupe) items include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and front and rear parking sensors, while inside there’s part leather trim, heated seats and a comprehensive touchscreen media system that includes sat-nav and full smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Moving up to the Cayenne S Coupe adds little more than some different alloy wheels (still with a 20-inch diameter) and some more supportive sports seats. Other than that, it’s almost identical to the entry-level model.
Only when you get to the Turbo do you notice any real uplift in specification, with full leather trim and heated front and rear seats, while on the outside are larger 21-inch alloys and adaptive LED headlamps. You also benefit from height adjustable air suspension, which is a costly option on the other two versions.
Speaking of costly options, all versions of the Cayenne can be customised to your heart’s content, the only real limit being the depth of your pockets. There aren’t the usual option packs found on other cars, where popular items are bundled together, Porsche preferring a long list of pricey extras. For instance, there are numerous leather finishes (both for colour and softness) and a bewildering array of wood, aluminium and carbon fibre trim inserts. You can also go for numerous different seating options (from standard through to the electrically powered and figure-hugging sports variety) and upgraded hi-fi systems from Bose and Burmester.
Even lengthier are the additions aimed at improving the driving experience. All Cayenne Coupe models get the track focussed Sport Chrono Pack as standard, which adds Sport Plus driver modes and a natty stopwatch on the dashboard. However, you can really get carried away spending more if you want, with numerous suspension upgrades (air suspension for Cayenne Coupe and Cayenne S Coupe, and the anti-roll PDCC set-up). Perhaps the most worthwhile is the rear-wheel steer, which helps make the vast Cayenne Coupe feel like a much more nimble machine, particularly when parking or negotiating narrower roads. And while the carbon ceramic brakes are very expensive, their increased stopping power is appreciated in a car as heavy as this - although the standard brakes are hardly shabby.
Porsche Cayenne Coupe Reliability and warranty
The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is covered by a standard three-year warranty, but unlike many, it has no mileage limit. Porsche also has unusually long service intervals, with trips to the dealer for maintenance separated by two years or 20,000 miles.
The porsche Cayenne Coupe is still too new to have featured in the Auto Express 2019 Driver Power satisfaction survey, while there were too few respondents of the standard car for it to be mentioned in the results.
However, on the whole the model is well-built and reliable. If owners have had concerns in the past, then it’s been with the high cost of servicing and parts for the Cayenne in all its forms.
Used Porsche Cayenne Coupe
Given that the new Porsche Cayenne Coupe is very new, used versions will take some time to filter through.
Demand for the new car is likely to be high, given the huge demand for the standard Cayenne, which will keep the prices of nearly new ones initially quite high. Once demand cools, however, prices will start to drop significantly.
Better still, these cars are likely to be loaded with options, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting and the key options you want on your car. As when buying a new model, it’s the mechanical upgrades that are more beneficial to the ownership experience, while the cosmetic upgrades are likely to have a more positive effect on the resale value.
Other Editions
Cayenne (2010 – 2018)
The Porsche Cayenne is the original sporty SUV, and despite its age, arguably still the best