Has anyone made that move or can someone give me some feedback on going from one to the other? Obviously the power but how about handling, comfort etc?
I love my X5, but I need more power in my SUV. I can't get the CTT out of my head and once that happens it is all over. I guess I need some positives and some negatives. I read about the trip from louisiana to california but I need more. Hopefully someone one here has driven the 4.6 and can give me a real comparison.

 

I'm the trip from Louisiana to California dude, and I drove the 4.8iS and the CTT before deciding on the CTT. The X5 handles more nimbly, no question, but is about 2 billion pounds lighter than the 80 trillion pound CTT (of course I'm using Canadian pounds).

The main difference is that the CTT FEELS heavier also - the X5 seems more lithe, although the performance in cornering is probably equal, or toward the CTT. Acceleration is not even close, so it's not worth talking about. I think utility is equal in both, but the X5 probably has more in the back. Off-road is also a no-brainer - CTT all the way, as the X5 has about as much off-roading ability as a GT3.

I prefer the interior of the CTT over the X5 (even the 4.8iS, although I did like the alcantara inserts) as the quality of the leather is fantastic. View is better in the X5 - bigger drop in the windows, but nobody buys a SUV for the view.

You said you need more power, so the decision is simple - the CTT will fulfill that spelendidly, and when you want more, you just spend 2k on a GIAC chip and get another 70hp or so. Just like that.

 

I had an X5 4.8is and loved it. But the cayenne turbo is in an entirley different league. After driving a cayenne turbo with the power kit, I was hooked. Not only is the cayenne faster, but it smoother, with a less harsh ride. The interior of the cayenne is much nicer too, with leather everywhere. I have a cayenne turboS on order!!

 

Testn doc you interested in maybe selling the 4.8 ?
Pm me if you can

 

Thanks, but it is sold.

 

We have a 4.4... You really cant compare the two cars. The cayenne is superior in all aspects

 

Well, I went and drove one today........I really like it a lot. It felt just as nimble as my 4.6 and a hell of a lot faster. I gave the dealer my color preference and he is going to try and find what I am looking for. It is much higher quality inside and out, my '03 X5 felt like something from the mid '90's after I got back in it. The dash is in another league all together and I was very happy with the forward thrust. Although at one point I stomped on it and it took longer than expected to down shift and go. It downshifted two gears and combined with the turbo lag, it felt like a few seconds went by before it accelerated. Nothing I couldn't live with that is for sure. I did not get on a highway, we went the back way through and around town so I did not get the full experience but it was enough to make me realize that it is time for the upgrade.
Hopefully my dealer will come through with what I am looking for, if not I can certainly search myself. This is a great truck and I should be joining the ranks soon.
It is inevitable that I will chip it and throw an exhaust on there. I would imagine GIAC will be my chip, I have very positive experience with them on another vehicle. What about exhausts?? I will want it to rumble, have no drone and a wail at full throttle. Any opinions?? I will also be looking at some 22's and will p[robably stay away from Techart even though I really like them. I think it is a relatively common wheel on these Cayanne's.

 

With GIAC and exhaust or cat bypass pipes, that lag will be gone, and you will have definitely stepped up the power a big notch, so that thrust will be even more noticeable. I'll be getting mine soon too.

 

Griff! get the Cayenne! You saw my wife's and although it is not a TT she loves it al lthe same. BTW: haven't had the chance to put on the ASP exhaust yet. Thanks again for the great deal and good luck with your hunt for a TT!

 

Alan,

I didn't know you were str8blst!!! To be honest, after I saw yours, I knew I wanted one. When you pulled up the other day with those Techart's, I was very impressed. So this is all your fault!!! I actually just got off the phone with the dealer, they are working up some numbers for me.
You have to get that exhaust on already, you are missing out. I am glad you are happy with it. I Hope all is well and please let me know how you like the exhaust when you get it on.

Regards,

Griffin