Should I buy it? here is my deal. I am coming from a punchy 335 convertible and want a bigger car to be able to have all 3 kids in the car as well as surfboards. I decided against the turbo and was ready to order the S, when I realized I could make a (slight green) statement for my kids and get most of the joy of drivng the S.
I want the Cayenne because I love the look both inside and out and will get premium plus with the burmester, cd , xm radio with any any configuration.

I live in Palm Beach County so it is just flat. Turbo would be fun and somewhat practical to get out of harms way on 95 but I am only getting 17 mpg in my '07 BMW with the way I drive and the fact the AC is always on.

Don ot want X5 diesel as it is looking very tired to me and they are everywhere.

Thoughts?

 

One of my concerns with the Hybrid is that it is first year production of what is essentially new technology from Porsche. I would imagine it would drive a little softer than the S, but that is pure speculation as I've not driven it.

I would also be interested in what the real world gas mileage is with the hybrid. For me several more MPG is not worth the premium nor the compromises that come with the hybrid.

Agree with you on the X5.

 

I am less worried about the first year as it they have been testing this car for several years. That said, I have read that the battery needs to be cool to function and will not operate at temperatures above 86 degrees. It is cooled by the AC, so that will definitely impede fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment in South Florida.

I think it is time to order the S or just get a 550 GT and take the ridicule.

 

Curious what gives you that perspective. From my understanding the hybrid is actually more total power and instant torque from the electric drive. So it really should hit harder and faster. I would be curious to see how they stack up in person.

....and FWIW the one of the first Porsche designed and built cars ever was a hybrid. (technically built.for another company at the time)


http://www.ecogeek.org/component/content/article/1131

 

I agree that you can get instant torque from the electric motor but that cuts off at 37mph. The steering on the hybrid is electro hydraulic which differs from the S and turbo and can be a little vaguer.

I am definitely waiting to get some concrete mpg expectations before making a decision as would like to get the hybrid..

 

According to the Porsche site the hybrid is only 0.5 seconds slower to 60.

And its running Audis supercharged S4 V6 so I'm sure it will be easier to extract more power from than the n/a V8 might be.

 

I think the electrohydraulic steering is reported to be less precise, as well you cannot get PDCC (or PTV+) on the hybrid which I think makes a difference - which to be fair are options on the non-hybrid Cayennes

Just want to reiterate that I have not driven the hybrid so this is uninformed speculation to be sure!

 

I think I may need to find one to drive.