Porsche Cayenne review – performance and 0-60
Impressive across the board, but plug-in performance feels dented despite impressive on-paper times
All Cayennes are reasonably brisk, with the standard Cayenne reaching 62mph in 6.2sec, and going on to 152mph. The numbers only get more impressive from here though, with the e-hybrid reaching 62mph in 5sec dead, the S in 5.2sec, the GTS in 4.8sec, Turbo in 4.1sec and finally the Turbo S e-Hybrid in 3.8sec.
On the road, all non-hybrid models feel unstressed, with all powertrains being impressively responsive with plenty of low-down torque and Porsche’s typically excellent calibration across all components of the powertrain. Hybrid models, although fast on paper, do feel their extra weight under acceleration and braking, as the electronics manage the blending of combustion and electric power. Both (particularly the Turbo S e-hybrid) feel more lethargic and cumbersome as a result.
The sweetest powertrain of the range is the GTS, which manages to combine a deep guttural V8 growl with performance that feels well-judged for the road. Turbo models, let alone Turbo S, are faster on the road, but given the physics involved feel unsatisfying, as you’re always acutely aware of the energy required to control that much fast-moving mass.
The transmission, no matter the model, is sharp in its sportier modes, with that typical snap under full-throttle upshifts and some well-judged blips on the way down the ratios. It works seamlessly with the all-wheel drive system too, which is rear-biased and actually quite playful when the roads are slippery.
