My wife loves the new Cayenne, and originally I was thinking I'd need the Cayenne S, but after reading about the new 6 cylinder in the base Cayenne, I'm reconsidering. She currently drives a GLK350, which has enough power and I think moves pretty good for a SUV (268 hp, but it weighs much less than the Cayenne I think so I'm guessing the Cayenne would be slower). I'm thinking the base will be adequate for her

Anyone test drive the base Cayenne? What did you think?

 

To me, the base model felt like it couldn't get out of it's own way....drove the S and was sold on a Cayenne. The dealership just ended up making me a deal I couldn't refuse on the Turbo, otherwise the S was about perfect for my needs (mountain driving and possibly towing a 21' boat). YMMV.

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'11 Cayenne Turbo White/Beige
'10 C2S Cabriolet White/Black/Black

 

I drove the 2011 6cyl and was impressed. Alot better than the first gen V6 they had. The 2011 Cayennes are 400+ pounds lighter. I had an 04' S and the new V6 felt just a tad slower than it (340hp vs. 300hp while also being lighter and a new 8 speed trans). I do not know if I can justify the ~$15k+ for the S. Yeah the S is faster, but you are driving an SUV, so how fast do you need it?

 

Thanks for the info. That's pretty much what I thought would be the case, and agree that its very hard to justify the significant extra expense for the S when we're talking about an suv here, not like I would be tracking the thing! ;-)

 

I have owned both (traded the 6 for the 8). IMO it has to be a V8 or nothing. The 6 just isn't enough torque to move a 5500lb vehicle well. The S has plenty of power to spare and really makes it feel like a Porsche (as much as an SUV can).

The new one may be better, but it still needs to be a V8 for me.

If cost is an issue, then go for an '06 or newer S.

 

The new V6 though has significantly more power along with much less weight, so it's very different from the old V6, because I would agree with you that the old V6 definitely was pretty weak

 

if you don't mind me asking, what kind of deal did you get on the turbo. was at the dealership yesterday having something done on my car and they had a turbo that was beautiful. the new interior is incredible.

 

I actually signed a non-disclosure agreement to get the deal they made me...well into a double digit percentage discount...but I am a return customer and was there to purchase my 2010 C2S (traded a 07 Cayman S). While paperwork was being done & car preped, I was caught tire kicking/looking at a Cayenne. Salesman came up and tossed me a set of keys and told me to go head out for a drive while they finished prep'ing the 911. Came back and told them the new V6 was better, but still not acceptable (to me). After trying the other 2 engines, I came back from the Turbo test drive and they had me sit down and slid 2 pieces of paper across the desk - an offer on the Cayenne Turbo and a non-disclosure agreement.

Was an offer I couldn't refuse. I joked with my wife that it was a "BOGO" sale

Worth every penny, IMHO....a great driving vehicle and the new interior is unbelievable. YMMV.

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'11 Cayenne Turbo White/Beige
'10 C2S Cabriolet White/Black/Black

 

Non Disclosure?! Wow. Must've been a heck of a good deal.

I think I might head out to the dealership and see what they can do for me.