India's Best Prestige SUV

A great SUV to begin with, the recently launched second generation Porsche Cayenne appears smaller visually, but is now a far prettier and technology cleverer version of the original masterpiece.

Porsche Cayenne

The Cayenne has since its inception been one of the highest grosser's for Porsche and now its latest avatar promises to take things even further. So what's with the second generation Cayenne one might well ask and the most important bit is that the largely evolutionary changes have made a good product even better. And everything starts with its new look which sits on the vehicle very comfortably, so much so that its proportions make it look smaller visually than its predecessor. Now for a vehicle which has actually grown in length by 48mm to be deemed this is praiseworthy but the new nose and the overall detail around the bonnet and the new lights makes the second generation Cayenne come out far prettier and less aggressive than the original. Factor in the new glass house treatment and the Cayenne makes a most positive impact on the mind. The new Cayenne has been put through a rigorous diet as well and the Cayenne Turbo has lost a good 185 kilograms between generations.

The interiors of the previous car were good, but the new car is even better. Loaded with the latest technology and oozing quality, the insides of the new Cayenne look like a million dollars. In fact one can call the interiors quite Panamerish, which is quite a good thing. All in all the interiors are sorted out and sophisticated without trying too hard in very typical Porsche manner. Under the hood there is a V6 diesel, V6 petrol, a Hybrid, the V8 and finally the Turbo which is makes the Cayenne a sportscar in an SUV guise. While the Cayenne might not look like an absolute off-roader and does not possess a low range transfer box, it makes good use of its 8-speed transmission and clever electronic management to ensure impressive off-road ability. The new Cayenne will not just outsell its outshiner from the show stand, but also have a large part of the luxury SUV market.

Quick Facts

Engine: 3.6 litre, V6

Power: 300PS

Torque: 400Nm @ 3,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Engine: 3 litre, V6 Diesel

Power: 240PS

Torque: 550Nm @ 2250rpm

Transmission: Tiptronic S

Engine: 4.8 litre V8 Petrol

Power: 400PS

Torque: 500Nm @3500rpm

Transmission: Tiptronic S

Engine: 3.0 litre V6 Petrol

Power: 380PS

Torque: 580Nm @5250rpm

Transmission: Tiptronic S

Engine: 4.8 litre V8, Turbo

Power: 500PS

Torque: 700Nm @4500rpm

Transmission: Tiptronic S

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 2895 mm

LxWxH: 4846 x 1939 x 1702 mm

Weight: 2070 - 2245 kg

Variants

Cayenne: '65.82 lakh

Cayenne Diesel: '59.22 lakh

Cayenne S: '78.62 lakh

Cayenne S Hybrid: '75.46 lakh

Cayenne Turbo: '1.27 crore

Cheers:

1. Performance especially from the Turbo is enough to shame most sportscars

2. Interiors similar to the Panamera have made it a whole lot appealing.

Sneers:

1. Slightly more expensive compared to the competition.

2. Stiff ride quality.

Honourable Mentions

Audi Q7

Audi’s Q7 has been a major hit on Indian shores ever since it was launched. Its massive girth, intimidating looks and spacious interiors is just what the SUV buying public needed. Then there are the engines, a refined petrol and 2 locomotive like diesels which gave it the go to match the show.

Toyota Land Cruiser V8

The latest Land Cruiser is possibly in its best avatar yet. Still sticking to the ladder frame chassis but with loads of electronics assistance, this monster possesses real go anywhere capability. Great interiors and a refined D-4D diesel just makes things better.

Other Rivals:

BMW X5

The perfect SUV for the road, the BMW X5 promises impeccable road manners and would put most cars to shame.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The GL is Mercedes’ answer to the Q7. Massive dimensions, massive space and massive potential on and off the road.

Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery has proved itself as an excellent all rounder and is finally here in India for the taking.

Range Rover

The daddy of SUV’s, the Range Rover is slick, stylish and suave both on the inside and out. Not to mention immensely capable as well.

Volvo XC90

The big Swede has been around for quite some time and is quite an impressive car, however poor marketing and hardly any dealerships make sure it doesn't sell too much.