- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
4.8TT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
368kW, 700Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 14.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XC
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
2 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Porsche Cayenne V6
Cayenne, practically sporty
Despite its romantic image, Porsche is the most pragmatic of car companies. How else could you explain a sports car specialist branching out into SUVs as it did with the Cayenne?
The true believers struggled with that, but at least Cayenne came with V8 engines, including the herculean turbo. And now we're getting a version with a modified Volkswagen V6 engine - not even a flat six! Purists will be horrified.
A V6 Cayenne isn't exactly new. A 3.2-litre version went on sale overseas several years ago. We get a 3.6 that was introduced in April alongside a midlife facelift that made Cayenne more aerodynamic and slightly improved its bulbous look.
The same engine is employed by the VW Touareg and Audi Q7; no surprise considering the Cayenne also shares its core mechanical structure with those vehicles.
The Cayenne V6 is capable of only modest acceleration compared with other models in Porsche's range. The counter-argument is that taking 8.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h is competitive against rival six-cylinder SUVs such as the BMW X5 3.0si (8.1 claimed).
Being able to offer a Porsche for $94,700 is significant, too. That's thousands cheaper than anything else in the range and it's the first time in 20 years a Porsche has been sold here for less than $100,000.
Compared with the more expensive Cayennes - the V8 now starts at $134,500 - the V6 lacks air suspension, a 6.5-inch media screen, satellite navigation system, multi-function steering wheel and the Bose CD sound system. Seventeen rather than 18-inch wheels are standard.
The equipment list includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, traction and stability control, ABS, leather trim and dual climate control. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a six-speed manual a no-cost option. This is not an expansive or impressive list of gear. Compared with something like the new BMW X5 3.0si Executive, it is positively stingy. Porsche isn't that generous with luxury items at any time, arguing that is made up for by the excellence of the mechanical componentry, tuning and build quality. Anyone who has driven the latest 911 would find themselves agreeing.
However, the Cayenne V6 is more about a smattering of technical highlights; the Porsche Traction Management 4WD system includes low-range gearing and longitudinal locking, so it actually can clamber further off-road than something like an X5 or Mercedes-Benz ML. The big six-piston front brake calipers do a great job of keeping 2160 kg of SUV under control and the V6 includes variable valve timing and fuel-saving direct injection technology.
But how the Cayenne behaves on its standard steel spring suspension we can't tell you, as Porsche Cars Australia supplied a vehicle fitted with optional air suspension worth $6850 and sporty 18-inch rubber ($2590).
Air suspension allows the Cayenne V6 to offer better on-road behaviour than even the highly-rated X5 on its conventional springs. This is because air suspension brings with it an active function that lowers the ride height and firms the dampers to improve handling. It works with a sports mode that also sharpens throttle and engine calibration.
Normally, the Cayenne V6 is average to drive, a little ponderous, a little lethargic but comfy - a typical SUV then. But activate sport mode and it hunkers down and responds with a pleasing certainty and communication.
The V6 plays only a supporting role. While it certainly isn't overwhelmed by the kerb weight, it needs to be worked hard as it doesn't have huge reserves of low-down torque. It enjoys a rev without becoming too intrusive and the excellent auto helps smooth the way. But the result during our testing was a hardly impressive 16.7 L/100 km fuel consumption average, versus the official claim of 12.9 L/100 km.
The rest of the Cayenne package is fundamentally recognisable. The quality of the interior is good, if plain and dark. The space for passengers is acceptable, and places for their odds and ends available.
The luggage area is plentiful in the rear at 540 litres, and opens up to 1770 litres with the rear seat split-folded. A space-saver spare tyre is annoying but no longer rare among 4WDs.
So what to make of the Cayenne V6? For Porsche purists, it's a disappointment because it dilutes rather than sets a new standard. However, luxury SUV buyers not steeped in tradition will no doubt judge it competent enough to be on the shopping list against the likes of X5, ML and Q7. For pragmatic Porsche, that is surely the point.
What's it got?
- Dual-climate control
- Roof rails
- Trip computer
- Cruise control
- Remote central locking
- Parking sensors
- Front and rear fog lights
- Leather trim
What's missing?
- Security alarm
- Bi-xenon headlights
- Six-CD audio
- Satellite navigation
- Multifunction and power-adjusted steering wheel
- Reversing camera
- Three-year warranty