EDMUNDS.COM 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Awkward-looking but thrilling behind the wheel, the Cayenne is a thoroughly capable vehicle that makes good on its Porsche nameplate.
Pros
Sports car performance, available adjustable ride height and suspension damping control, slightly more cargo room than a Range Rover.
Cons
Can''t match the Rover in the dirt, interior is less elegant than cheaper Touareg cousin.
What''s New for 2004
A V6-powered Cayenne joins the lineup as the new entry-level model.
Overview
Introduction:
Long a builder of world-class sports cars, Porsche was an unlikely entrant into the SUV race last year. Indeed, purists thought, it would be illogical for Porsche to go after a piece of this lucrative pie at the expense of watering down its illustrious reputation. But who can blame the company for wanting to cash in on the bounty? Porsche bigwigs have reminded enthusiasts and auto writers that continuing to build only two products, the 911 and the Boxster, in a narrow market niche would leave the company much more vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy. If Porsche also had something more mainstream that would theoretically sell in much larger numbers, the argument goes, the company could better secure its status as a small, independent carmaker rather than a division of a large conglomerate. Going up against vehicles like the BMW X5 and Infiniti FX45, the Cayenne is the first Porsche since the 928 to offer a V8 engine. There are now three versions: the Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. A 250-horsepower V6 powers the base model Cayenne, while a 4.5-liter V8 rests under the hood of the Cayenne S and Turbo models. With their 340-horsepower normally aspirated V8s, Cayenne S models can scamper to 60 mph from a stop in around 7 seconds. The Turbo version makes 450 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. Porsche says this is good enough to propel the SUV to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. As this is a luxury SUV, Porsche has equipped each one with a full complement of features. The Cayenne seats five, leather is standard, and the backseats fold down to reveal a decent amount of cargo space. The four-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled, and the division of power between the front and rear wheels is not determined by the lack of traction alone, but rather by sensors measuring road speed and driver inputs. Should the owner actually want to take his Cayenne off pavement, the transmission offers a reduction gear for improved ascent and decent performance and a 100-percent front-to-rear differential lock for maximum traction. Turbo models also come with an air suspension that can raise and lower the ride height for better low- and high-speed performance; it''s optional on other Cayennes. As for safety, all three versions come with a full complement of airbags and standard Porsche Stability Management. In addition, the Turbo comes with a bi-HID headlight system that can aim its light into a bend, thereby improving illumination when cornering. All this comes at a price, however, as the Turbo stickers at a breathtaking $89,000. Meanwhile, the S model starts in the upper $50Ks, while the base V6 model starts in the $40Ks. Regardless of which Cayenne you choose, this is of course serious money for an SUV, but for those who have been cramming kids and briefcases into the back of a 911 for years, it might well be a price worth paying.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Three versions of the four-door Cayenne are offered: Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. The standard Cayenne and Cayenne S models come with features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, stability control (Porsche Stability Management), leather seating, power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 350-watt, 15-speaker Bose audio system. In addition to more power, the Turbo comes with more technical and luxury features, such as an adaptive suspension with automatic ride height and damping adjustment (Porsche Active Suspension Management), bi-HID headlights, a CD-based navigation system, heated seats front and rear, seat memory, sonar front/rear parking assist and power adjustment for the steering wheel. In keeping with Porsche tradition, there are a number of options available to increase functionality and personality, including four-zone climate control, bolstered sport seats, various wheel/tire upgrades and trailering preparation.
Powertrains and Performance:
The base Cayenne uses a 3.2-liter V6 rated to produce 250 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. The midgrade Cayenne S is upgraded with a 4.5-liter V8 rated at 340 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Top-of-the-line Turbos boast 450 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbocharged version of the standard V8. Power is sent to all four wheels via a permanent four-wheel-drive system that''s fully integrated with the stability control system. Acceleration is, fittingly, sports-carlike; the S does zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds while the Turbo dispatches that sprint in just 5.6 seconds. Maximum towing capacity for all three models is a substantial 7,700 pounds.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all models include front, side and side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic stability control. All seating positions have three-point seatbelts and all outboard positions also include belt pre-tensioners.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
In a nod to its Porsche heritage, the Cayenne''s ignition switch is on the dash''s left side, and the instrument cluster would look equally at home in a 911. For those unfamiliar with the legendary sports car, this means that the gauge cluster is nearly perfect, but the climate and radio controls are indecipherable cluster of buttons and knobs. Thankfully, satellite steering wheel controls are standard, so you won''t have to spend too much time staring at the dashboard. With a maximum cargo capacity of 63 cubic feet, the Cayenne has slightly more capacity than the Range Rover but less than the Infiniti FX45.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Strange as it seems, the Cayenne does live up to the Porsche name in terms of acceleration and handling. Take the Cayenne out on a racetrack and the average driver would be hard-pressed to see it as anything other than a real sports car. The transmission shifts with precision and the engine growls reassuringly under full throttle. It may sound like a cliche but out on the road the Cayenne is truly the Porsche of SUVs. The Cayenne is also one of the most capable and versatile luxury SUVs when it comes to off-highway work, tackling rugged terrain that''s off limits to most of its competitors.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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