2019 Porsche Cayenne S Porsche’s pair of SUVs outsells their cars
by 3 to 1 so give them props for being the first dedicated sports car company to seriously
pursue truck sales. Now, even Ferrari is about to get in the game.
Through the years I think I’ve driven every Cayenne variant available; hybrid, plug-in,
diesel, Turbo S, you name it. And I’ve always come away with a healthy appreciation of its
on-road performance and admired its air of exclusivity. With MSRPs nearing and sometimes
crossing well into the 6 figure realm the Cayenne, like all Porsche vehicles, is reserved
for a select few. This all-new model introduces a host of changes
and tweaks both inside and out but in typical Porsche fashion, progress is achieved less
conspicuously. At first glance this Cayenne looks very familiar and Porsche likes it that
way. Yes, it’s longer, features staggered-width tires for the first time and sports a lightweight
aluminum body but in no way does not advertise “new.” Only those who closely follow the
autos scene will know that you’ve got the new Cayenne. In a hot segment awash with head
turners, this midnight blue Cayenne S blends right in with the crowd.
Following the Panamera’s playbook, the 3.6 V6 has been replaced by the 2.9-liter twin-turbo
with a hot V configuration. So the Cayenne S continues to see its engine shrink with
each successive redesign though counterbalanced with greater ouput. This one generates 434
horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque – similar specs to before - resulting in a quick yet
very business-like 0-to-60mph time of 4.6 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport
Chrono Package. Despite the aluminum diet which has shaved off 143 pounds, this Cayenne
S returns the same 20mpg in combined driving as the previous model but with a much reduced
driving range of 474 miles due to a smaller gas tank. Premium, of course.
Eight speeds remain for the gearbox but first gear is a little shorter than before for greater
acceleration and the stop/start system operates under a wider range of circumstances benefitting
from the new 48-volt electrical system with a lithium-ion battery located under the floor
in front of the passenger’s seat. This Cayenne also boasts a handful of optional features
to enhance sportiness, comfort and capability: an adaptive air suspension, rear axle steering,
20” wheels with summer use tires and the Sport Chrono Package with a driving mode switch
on the steering wheel unlocking SPORT PLUS, launch control and a SPORT response button
for 20 seconds
of instantaneous rambunctiousness. Because this SUV handles like a sports car
you’d better pony up the extra $1,700 for the Adaptive Sport Seats with their elevated
side bolsters otherwise the g forces have their way with you. You can also jack up the
body up to over 9” for some dialed-in off-roading. If this is something you plan on doing often,
the $2,200 Off-Road Package provides increased underbody protection and an additional towing
eye. Again, the suspension feels a little stiff out here where softer would be better.
The surround view monitor though is very helpful no matter where you are.
The Cayenne S defies logic when it comes to its sharp handling backed by a multitude of
electronic wizardry but others are doing this now too with greater visual appeal, faster
and more powerful engines and stocked with far more comfort and convenience at the same
or lower price, i.e. the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63.
Cargo room has increased slightly by about 3 ½ cubic feet while rear seat room feels
large with seats that both slide and recline. The new touchscreen infotainment system is
also very good and is easy to control. But I’d get rid of the hokey fake ignition key
on the left side, I can’t stand this pestilent shifter, don’t love the placement of the
volume roller, and the gauges are wider than the steering wheel so the driver can’t see
the outer edges. Base price of this mid-level Cayenne S is
about $85,000 and this one – far from fully loaded – checks in at $103,000…too rich
for my blood. At that price I need an exceptional performer – which the Cayenne S is – AND
SUV luxuriousness which isn’t standard.