In a world where coupe SUVs have become a popular choice, the newly facelifted third-generation Porsche Cayenne has made its debut in the Middle East, accompanied by its slant-roof Coupe variant. To understand what sets the all-new 2024 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe apart, we took it for a test drive. Here are my thoughts on Porsche’s latest SUV.
Exterior Design and Styling
At first glance, the new Coupe looks similar to its predecessor, maintaining the sporty silhouette of the Cayenne with a distinctively chopped roofline. However, subtle changes are evident, such as the new trapezoidal headlamp design and detailed matrix LEDs, enhancing the vehicle’s character. The rear lamps now form a continuous stretch, contributing to its trophy SUV appeal.
Interior and Features
The interior of the Cayenne S Coupe is quintessentially Porsche, with high-quality materials and a layout dominated by clean lines. Notable updates include a new passenger infotainment screen that integrates with the central unit, allowing front passengers to watch content or manage navigation discreetly. The sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, lifted from the 911, includes a Drive Mode selector, adding to the vehicle’s dynamic feel.
The cabin offers comfortable seating with extensive adjustability, although the sloping roofline slightly reduces luggage capacity. Despite this, the trunk still provides a practical 592 liters of space, expandable to 1,502 liters with the rear seats down.
Performance and Driving Experience
The most significant upgrade is under the hood, with the previous 2.9-liter twin-turbo engine replaced by a 4.0-liter biturbo V8. This change boosts output by 34 horsepower and 50 Nm of torque, maintaining the 8-speed automatic transmission. On the road, the Cayenne S Coupe impresses with its powerful acceleration and sharp handling, backed by wide 315-section tires on 21-inch rims and an all-wheel-drive system. However, this performance comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, with an observed 18.5 liters per 100 km.
Conclusion
The Porsche Cayenne S Coupe remains a top choice for those seeking a sporty, luxurious family SUV. It combines impeccable build quality, advanced features, and Porsche’s renowned performance. However, the Coupe variant’s higher price and slightly reduced practicality might make the regular Cayenne S a more appealing option for some buyers.
Fun Fact
During the development of the Cayenne Coupe, Porsche experimented with alternate body styles, including a convertible and a longer wheelbase three-row SUV before finalizing the Coupe design.
Pros and Cons
GOOD: Sporting looks, build quality, straight-line speed, and dynamics.
BAD: Imperfect roofline, in-car navigation and voice controls, high fuel consumption, and price.
EDITOR’S RATING: 7/10 stars
Specifications:
- Body Type: 5-seater, 5-door premium mid-size SUV
- Engine: Front-engine, 4.0-liter biturbo V8, all-wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic S (automatic)
- Peak Output: 474 bhp @ 6,000 rpm, 600 Nm @ 2,000 – 5,000 rpm
- 0 to 100 km/h: 4.7 seconds (claimed)
- Top Speed: 273 km/h (drag limited; claimed)
- Price: Starting at Dh469,200 plus VAT
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