Let’s be honest here. Can Porsche do any wrong? Oh, you don’t like the flat-4 cylinder engines in the 718s? Have you driven one for any length of time? Right. The base Macan is not quite Porsche enough? Again…
Remember way back in 2002/03 when the Cayenne arrived? We all had opinions but those who had money put it where their mouths were and bought many many Cayennes. Now back for its 3rd act, the new 2019 Porsche Cayenne is poised to find numerous more takers thanks to some new technology, a modern design and its crest.
Should you take a number and get in line with the others? Read on.
2019 Porsche Cayenne | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Why you should buy a 2019 Porsche Cayenne
1. While all trims have received considerable attention, it’s the base truck that gains the most with a more powerful engine, more technology and features than ever.
2. Pricing starts at $75,500. This is good news as it will account for more than 50% of all Cayenne sales
3. New base engine is a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that puts out 335-horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,340 rpm! No one really needs more power
4. The Cayenne features an evolutionary design upgrade that is equal parts subtle and obvious, but all elegance and prestige
5. It drives better than ever thanks to its VW Group MLB platform, new front multi-link front suspension setup, roughly 150-lbs weight reduction and bigger beefier wheels and tires
6. The Porsche Cayenne empowers you with the sense that anything is possible, automotive-ly speaking. It’ll tow, it’ll go, both on- and off-road, it handles, it carries, it’s luxurious, it’s a Porsche
2019 Porsche Cayenne | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Why you should not buy a 2019 Porsche Cayenne
1. Despite the new engine and equally new 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, throttle response is lag-y from a dead-stop. Sport drive mode helps
2. While priced right around its competitive set (RR Sport, BMW X5, and others), it’s nearly impossible to not throw in an easy $15k in options. If you can afford it, forget this point…
3. Don’t get it in white unless you’re thinking about upgrading to 21- or 22-inch wheels
4. I’ve got nothing else
2019 Porsche Cayenne | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Conclusion
I touched on the 2019 Cayenne’s competition and although this is a Porsche, there’s no shame in saying you drive a Range Rover, BMW, Audi Q7 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. If you think Porsche stands a little taller, I might have to agree with you. This segment’s so hot in Canada that it’s grown 43% in the last 5 years. There might signs of a mild slow-down in time but numbers will continue to increase.
The new 2019 E3 Porsche Cayenne is a right proper evolution of the previous SUV, as opposed to a dramatic change. While this applies to styling and drive, on the technology and cabin fronts, the new Cayenne has more than just evolved.
For the first time ever in a Porsche, a head’s up display will be offered as will Porsche’s highly sophisticated InnoDrive system that incorporates semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The passenger quarters are inspired by the current Panamera with its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes navigation and Porsche Connect.
Many luxury carmakers may boast that their products can be customized, however few OEMs understand and deliver on the science that is making a vehicle one’s own like Porsche does. If you were so inclined, you could tack on six figures worth of options and features to your “base” $75,500 Cayenne. You can also “add” a base Cayenne’s worth to your $140k Cayenne Turbo.
The purchase of a Porsche Cayenne in 2018-19 will never be a regret. The new turbo V6 is powerful enough, compared to the old 3.6-litre V6, to not really need to consider the $92,600 Cayenne S or any other alternatives even though they may be more powerful for the same money.
You’ll love your Cayenne for everything that it is.
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