Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: 34.0
CO2: 218
0-62 Mph: 5.7 secs
BHP: 382 BHP
Range: 636 miles
PROS: There is no doubt that the Cayenne is one of the sportiest 4x4s on the market, offering both terrific performance and sensational roadholding. It also has a wonderful interior with plenty of interior space for five passengers.
CONS: It's expensive, and those 911-on-steroids looks are a matter of personal taste. And don't expect it to be cheap to run, even if it is a diesel.
One of the biggest surprises when you first drive the Cayenne is how well it handles. The steering is direct and sharp and body-roll is well contained through the bends. The 4.2 litre diesel engine allows the Cayenne to deliver some impressive performance figures, with a top speed of 157mph, and stunning acceleration from 0-62mph in only 5.7 seconds. The ride is a little bumpy at slow speed, but like most Porsches the Cayenne is at its best when you put your foot down, and the ride settles into a comfortable experience.
The driving position is very good, and the height of the driving position gives good visibility, while the adjustable seat and steering wheel means finding a comfortable driving position is easy. The centre console isn't the easiest to operate while driving, as there are a large number of fairly small buttons.
Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and whether or not you find the Cayenne a good-looking car is really a matter of personal taste. Inside, the cabin is beautifully finished with everything giving a great sense of quality and some classy design touches.
The level of equipment included as standard is also very good, with leather seats and climate control making the car a very comfortable vehicle for longer journeys. Considering the list price for the Cayenne it is a shame that a few luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof and satellite navigation are only optional extras, but you do get a decent amount of kit, including rain sensing wipers and parking sensors.
When it comes to practicality, there is no doubt that the Cayenne is by far the most practical vehicle ever built by Porsche, with a large boot and a cabin that can accommodate five people with ease. The rear seats do fold flat to offer additional load space, but it is worth noting that the Cayenne feels a little smaller than the majority of SUVs, as there have been some space sacrifices made for the overall look of the car.
While the car hasn't been subjected to the Euro NCAP safety test, it certainly has all the equipment to be a very safe car, with lots of electronic aids to help keep the car facing the right way, and a wide range of airbags ready to deploy if the worst happens.
With a price tag of £58,243, this version of the Porsche Cayenne certainly has a premium price to match its premium image, and many people will find it hard to justify spending this kind of money on a family car. In reality, the Cayenne is a vehicle that appeals to the soul rather than to the financial brain. Efficiency isn't really its forte either, with the diesel engine only able to deliver an average 34.0mpg.
Like other Porsche cars, keeping the Cayenne on the road is an expensive business, with the high insurance group and road tax costs adding to the overall price of the package. The Cayenne is supplied with a three year unlimited mileage warranty, and also benefits from the Porsche roadside breakdown assistance service, which reassuringly applies across Europe.
The Cayenne is a superb car to drive thanks to its impressive 3.6-litre V6 and sharp handling. However, it isn't the best looking car in the world and will be ludicrously expensive to run.
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