2014 Porsche Cayenne - Car view

2014 Porsche Cayenne - Reviews

Porsche does make a family car, and this is it; the 2014 Cayenne runs the gamut from sporty errand mule to track-worthy sports SUV, with some interesting green options in between.

2014 Porsche Cayenne Interior/Exterior

If you blend a rather sleek, modern utility-vehicle silhouette in with the rough approximation of the 911’s curves, you’ll get the Cayenne—which is at odds with the more traditional SUV, but ever closer to the crossover styling norm with each new model year, it seems.
There’s very little rugged about this design—even though it’s deft off-pavement. It’s also a far cry from the design of Porsche’s legendary sports cars, like the legendary 911 and now-iconic Boxster, but it does have just enough of those models’ style and panache. You’ll notice that the hood is a bit longer than in some other crossover models; there’s also in recent years been more of a styling synergy between Porsche’s SUVs and sports cars, if only in the grille and front fascia. In back, there’s only a gentle hat-tip to Porsche’s sports cars, with gentle roof spoilers and an upright-yet-aerodynamic look that flows all the way to the back.
Visually setting apart the range-topping Cayenne Turbo S from lesser models is a high-gloss black finish on the air intakes, headlight surrounds and lower part of the side mirror housing, unique 21-inch alloy wheels, Cayenne Turbo S badging, and quad-exhaust tips finished in polished aluminum.
Inside, the Cayenne is even less typical, with a coupe-like cockpit up front, with curved surfaces, upscale materials, and even an analog clock. The cabin is characterized by a sweeping yet cockpit-like instrument-panel arrangement, with plenty of curved surfaces, sculpted vertical vents, a sloped center console, and upscale materials—borrowing here and there from the stunning Panamera four-door’s interior. Matte-metallic brightwork cheers it up from the drab appointments of Cayenne models past, while there’s generally a coupe-like feel from the driver’s seat.
In the Turbo S cabin, there’s unique two-tone leather trim, special carbon fiber inserts, Alcantara headliner, and the aforementioned Sport Chrono package.

2014 Porsche Cayenne Engine Performance

The base Cayenne V-6 has more power and less weight compared to the last-generation Cayenne, and its 300-horsepower 3.6-liter (VR6) V-6 engine is sharp enough to execute quick passes—and relatively fuel-efficient—but do keep in mind that at 7.1 seconds to 60 mph it’s not all that much quicker than any number of V-6 crossovers or minivans.
Above the base model is the Cayenne S, which performs considerably better and packs a 400-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine. Zero-to-60 mph times are shortened to 5.6 seconds, top speed is 160 mph, and the brawnier powertrain is a more appropriate fit for the look and feel of this performance SUV.
The Cayenne Diesel slots just above the base model. While the diesel is rated at just 245 horsepower, from its 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine, it’s the substantial 406 pound-feet of torque–37 lb-ft more than the Cayenne S and 111 lb-ft more than the base Cayenne–that really matters. The Diesel can get to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds–faster than the automatic version of the Cayenne V-6, with a top speed of 135 mph. And like the rest of the Cayenne lineup, it carries a 7,716-pound tow rating.
The Cayenne Turbo remains oriented toward those who want the most performance, and performance that’s more on par with Porsche’s sports cars; it gets a 4.4-second 0-60 time from a 500-horsepower turbocharged 4.8-liter engine and a top speed of 172 mph.
Yet another model new for this year is the Turbo S. It gains 50 horsepower over the Turbo’s 500 hp, plus an extra 37 pound-feet of torque (554 pound-feet in all)–plus a Dynamic Chassis Control system and Torque Vectoring Plus, to help get all that power to the pavement.
Additionally, Turbo S gets the regular Cayenne Turbo’s impressive Porsche Active Suspension Management dampening control and air suspension, but it adds Dynamic Chassis Control which further helps to reduce roll while cornering via hydraulically-operated roll bars. There’s also Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus system, which can vary torque between the rear wheels. This works in conjunction with an electronically controlled differential lock offered with the Porsche’s Sport Chrono package, which comes standard on the latest addition to the automaker’s lineup.
Meanwhile, a new Cayenne GTS model slots in between the Cayenne S and the Turbo; it gets 20 horsepower more than the Cayenne S, as well as a lowered (20 mm) suspension, lower final-drive ratio, and other appearance upgrades. Performance for the GTS slots in between, as you might guess, at 5.4 seconds and 162 mph.
Rounding out the lineup, and appealing to those who want to be a little greener but not give up the engaging driving experience, is the Cayenne S Hybrid. With its hybrid system, combining an electric motor system and a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine, it makes 380 horsepower, with a top speed of 150 mph.
Compared to virtually any other tall utility, handling is exemplary. Plus, you get excellent steering feel (relative to other SUVs), surprisingly little body roll, and immense cornering traction–especially from the huge wheels and tires that you get in the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo versions.

See more 2014 Porsche Cayenne photos

For the new Turbo S, the key numbers are 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 176 mph; but even base Cayennes are relatively quick, getting to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission, or 7.1 seconds with the six-speed manual. Base models remain the only ones offered with a six-speed manual gearbox; otherwise you’re leaving the shifting to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic (with manual control, of course).
Wrap a rather sleek, modern utility-vehicle silhouette in with the rough approximation of the 911’s curves, and you get the Cayenne—which is at odds with the more traditional SUV. There’s very little rugged about this design—even though it’s deft off-pavement. Inside, the Cayenne is even less typical, with a coupe-like cockpit up front, with curved surfaces, upscale materials, and even an analog clock.
Across the lineup, seating is comfortable and supportive, and the materials and fit and finish are all top-notch. Ride quality can be a bit stiff, however, particularly in the sportier models. The Porsche Adaptive Suspension Mangement (PASM) air-suspension system is a recommended option, as it improves handling while also dialing in better ride quality most of the time.Each of the five flavors also offers its own set of design and features as part of the package, wrapping its five-passenger interior in slightly different trims, though each offers an almost impossibly multi-faceted list of upgrades and customizations.
The 2014 Cayenne starts at around $50,000, but Turbo models can easily top $150k with options, and the top Turbo S starts at $146,975. Go with the base model, and there’s really no sacrifice in features versus a BMW or Mercedes-Benz product in the same price range. Bluetooth, iPod/USB, and more are all standard. Navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated windshield are among many, many options. Sound systems include Bose or audiophile-grade Burmester sound systems, and your budget is really the limit on a wide range of upholstery, trim, paint, and wheel upgrades.
Images Credit: Porsche Cars

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