Porsche, Test Drives

Test Drive: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

April 29, 2009

And that brings me to the point I made about the Turbo I drove last year: the top-heavy Cayenne carries a lot of momentum with it wherever it goes. Even though it feels like a very capable handler, it’s really more of a perception that’s created by its various electronic and mechanical handling aids. When the laws of physics decide it’s time to stop pretending, let’s hope the Cayenne’s pilot hasn’t taken things too far, because with all of its performance-enhancing gadgetry, such a scenario isn’t difficult to fathom.

As far as gripes go, my test vehicle spent a few days in the shop. Normally I don’t make a point of bringing this up, but this is now the third Cayenne press vehicle in as many years that I’ve driven that had to make a visit to the dealership for a coolant leak. One whiff of that sweet coolant and I thought, “Oh no, not again.” Even after its nine-hour surgery, the smell of coolant hadn’t disappeared.

2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Click image to enlarge

Other niggles include a substandard rear window washer nozzle that allowed fluid to dribble down the rear window rather than have it spray further down. The Cayenne’s aerodynamics are such that the backlight gets mucked up very quickly so it’s an issue that presented itself throughout my week with it.

The $150,400 price of the Turbo S includes the extras over the Turbo noted earlier, plus six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers, 12-way power front seats, a superlative 15-speaker Bose surround system, hard drive navigation, leather-trimmed dashboard, real carbon fibre interior trim, silver instrument dials, refrigerated glove box, park assist, power liftgate, and quad fist-sized tailpipes, to name just a few.

Although there are several ways to option up and further personalize this already extravagant conveyance, our tester had but a few minor options such as a lighting package, XM satellite radio, and a moonroof (which should really be included, dontcha think?) bringing the total as-tested price to $156,435 including destination.

A few expected items didn’t make an appearance, however: keyless ignition (optional), rear-view camera (optional), turn signal indicators on the exterior mirrors, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, radar cruise control – mostly items that the tech-minded customer might be looking for. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised: Bluetooth and auxiliary audio inputs are just now making an appearance across the Porsche lineup, and even these are still on the options list.

So what we have here is an exclusive way for SUV buyers to make a statement. While one would hope that the premium price tag would be more of an ‘all-inclusive’ affair, the fact remains that premium transport for four doesn’t get any better in the SUV realm.

Pricing: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Base price: $150,400

Options: $4,820 (Lighting package, XM satellite radio, moonroof)

A/C tax: $100

Freight: $1,115

Price as tested: $156,435
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives

Specifications

Specifications: 2009 Porsche Cayenne

Competitors

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Infiniti F50

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Range Rover Sport Supercharged