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Who Needs the Turbo Models? ... testing the Cayenne Coupe reminds us why the GTS is the smart enthusiast’s choice.

Motortrend

STUTTCARS RATING: 7/10

Porsche's hot-rod SUV isn't just the quickest SUV we've ever tested, it's the complete package.

Car And Driver

Current Porsche Cayenne Lineup

The current Cayenne lineup is pretty standard fare, with all the familiar variants accounted for in the base Cayenne, the Cayenne S, the Cayenne E-Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid available. Porsche introduced the Cayenne Turbo GT version recently which is definitely the top of the range. The biggest model change for the third generation Cayenne was the introduction of a totally new body type, the Cayenne Coupe, available on all models.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid SUV
The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models, mix ultimate performance with comfort and Infotainment. The twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor combination make it an absolute monster. So much so, that it became top dog in the Porsche SUV lineup, relegating the 541-hp Cayenne Turbo to second place. This is an SUV that has the price, prestige, and performance. Generating 670 combined horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque. 
Porsche is stuffing a built twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter into the Cayenne Coupe, and it's the most powerful V-8 the German automaker has ever produced. It makes 631 horsepower in this new Turbo GT model, and Porsche says its factory driver Lars Kern set a new SUV lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in it lapping the 12.9-mile course in 7:38.9. The new Cayenne will arrive in the U.S, only in Coupe form, next year starting at $182,150.
The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe mixes ultimate performance with comfort and Infotainment. The Turbo GT has all the attributes to be ahead of the game from the start. The twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor combination make it an absolute monster. So much so, that it became top dog in the Porsche SUV lineup, relegating the 541-hp Cayenne Turbo to second place. This is an SUV that has the price, prestige, and performance, but it is the Coupe that has the looks. Generating 670 combined horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche Cayenne S Coupe
The 434-hp Cayenne S goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, same as the SUV. In fact, the Coupe and SUV share everything from engines to suspension components to interior trimmings and onboard tech, with only a sloping roofline setting them apart. Our advice. If you want less practicality with a cool fastback roofline, the Porsche Cayenne S coupe is a more stylish version of the Cayenne S. A great all rounder.
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe
Porsche fitted the Cayenne E-Hybrid with a turbocharged 340 hp 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with a 136 hp electric motor for the drivetrain. Total combined power output reached 462 hp. The whole assembly was mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sent the power in all corners. Now it comes with a coupe body? Not sure the combination makes much sense to us, but hey this is Porsche and they know more than we do I guess.
Porsche Cayenne Coupe
The Cayenne Coupe is a version of Porsche's largest SUV with a heavy dose of extra swagger. Porsche introduced the new variant a year after the debut of the third-generation Cayenne, for the 2020 model year. While we like the look of the coupe, it feels out of place on the base Cayenne (which is more a family SUV choice). A nice package, but we would recommend spending a bit more and going for the Cayenne S or GTS. 
Three letters are all it takes to describe the glint in your eye and intense goosebumps – GTS. Pure and thrilling: the Cayenne GTS models bring a motorsport atmosphere to the road. Enough power to strive for more freedom: with 453 hp and 457 lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine exudes a drive that helps achieve your goals. The striking black accents on the front fascia, sideskirts and aerodynamic roof spoiler combined with the coupe bodystyle.
The third generation of the Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in August 2017. In 2022, the Cayenne added the Platinum Edition to the SUV and coupe body styles. The Platinum Edition Cayenne applies a coat of Satin Platinum paint to a number of the vehicle's badges, as well as its fascia-mounted intake treatment and its distinct 21-inch wheels. Black exhaust tips and window trim add an extra hint of menace to the model.
Car and Driver said "It isn't really a coupe, but this 541-hp fastback SUV is the same awesome Cayenne Turbo underneath—with a sexier backside". We agree. Here's what you need to know. With its 541-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, the new fastback version of Porsche's largest SUV is mechanically identical to the conventional Cayenne Turbo SUV, and the two vehicles feel exactly the same from behind the wheel.
Its top model was the Cayenne Turbo, with 550 hp under the hood. The third generation came to fix what its predecessor was criticized for: the exterior design. While the second generation featured some details that could remind of a Hyundai, the third generation was completely new from tip to toe. Under the hood, the Cayenne Turbo featured a 4.0-liter V8 unit with two turbochargers. It was mated as standard to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The V8 is back in the Cayenne GTS after a break for the second generation (it got a twin-turbo V6). The Cayenne GTS is now also available in the new "Coupe" body style. A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 is good for 453 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph takes a claimed 4.2 seconds if the Sport Chrono package is fitted, and top speed rises to 168 mph. he only transmission available is an eight-speed automatic. This is one sweet ride.
The 434-hp Cayenne S goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Its twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 helps it to crush the quarter-mile in just 12.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is that the on the optional 21-inch Pirelli P Zero summer tires, the Porsche has a 0.93 g of cornering grip. This is basically a sports car in an SUV body. The Cayenne's dynamic excellence is unmatched in the segment. Easily the best SUV on sale today.
The E-Hybrid version of the current Cayenne came in 2018. Porsche used the same platform as the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus for the third generation of the Cayenne. This platform was designed from the beginning to accept a hybrid version. It also featured a rear-axle steering system which really helps with low speed turning and cornering at speed.
The third generation of the Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in August 2017. The third generation Cayenne is built on a totally new platform, shared with SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. It was fitted with important technical upgrades, such as the rear-axle steering system, which allowed a better cornering speed and an easier parking maneuver.

It's big. It's loud. It's absurd in the best way. The Cayenne GTS is for adults who never, ever want to grow up.

The Drive

The 3rd Gen Cayenne Story

The Story of the Development of the Current Cayenne

The 3rd Gen Cayenne Research Hub

Sales Brochures, Specifications, Galleries, Model Deep Dives & Much More

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