Porsche Cayenne Car Review in India

German automaker Porsche first introduced the 5-seater mid-size luxury SUV Cayenne in 2002. The Cayenne has unique front and rear styling cues and also boasts of a new range of engines equipped with direct-injection technology. Available in five variants in petrol namely 'Base', 'S', 'GTS', 'Turbo', and Turbo S and a diesel variant.

The exterior is elegantly designed and the interior is classy and spacious. The closest rivals to the Cayenne are BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90. This SUV is an ultimate performer on Indian roads with its superb handling and amazing off-road capabilities.

The Cayenne comes in five variants - Base with a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 290 bhp, 'S' with a 4.8L V-8 producing 385 hp, 'GTS' powered by a 405 bhp 4.8L V8 and a more powerful same-sized twin-turbocharged V8 on the Turbo variants that generates 500 to 550 bhp. This SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.1 seconds. The base has a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, whereas the V8 versions are only available with a 6-speed automatic. The diesel variant will be powered by a 3.0-litre V-6 engine and has a 6-speed Tiptronic S transmission.

The base model has a suspension that is tuned like that of a sports car, allowing the vehicle to take smooth and sharp curves. It has the feel of a low-slung sports car.

The exterior is stylish with attractive headlights and LED taillights; more interior comfort and conveniences; new safety features and great performance. The base and the 'S' models come with H7 projector-beam headlights and Turbo with bi-xenon lighting units and dynamic cornering lights. The base model rides on 17" wheels whereas the 'S' and Turbo come equipped with larger 18" wheels. The GTS stands on 21" sports alloy wheels.

The interior is classy and spacious, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel mounted with controls. The seats are designed ergonomically with leather upholstery on the seat centers, head restraints, gear lever/selector, door handles, centre console grab handles and door panel armrests. The leather is also extended to parts of the dashboard, centre console, door panels and steering wheel for the Turbo model. The 'S' variant is enhanced by 12-way electrically adjustable seats whereas the Turbo has a special Comfort seat package with seat memory function for up to three sets of occupant preferences. The GTS gets sports seats. The rear seat backrest comes with a 60/40 split-folding facility.

Safety is ensured on all Cayenne models through a transponder-based immobilizer system, anti-theft alarm featuring ultrasonic interior surveillance, automatic steering lock once the key is removed from the ignition, and advanced airbags.