I just placed an order for the V6 yesterday. Its weird the dealers here in Northern California seem to be pushing me to go for the V6. Repeatedly saying that its enough power & I shouldnt bother with the S.

Now I am having major doubts and am wondering whether I should just pay the extra 10K odd and upgrade. I am looking at the car primarily for myself and I drive about an hour+ each day. I enjoy a great ride and currently drive a 5-series.

I will get my V6 in April/May. Do you think if I place the order for S it will come faster? I get the impression that the demand for V6 far outstrips the demand for an S. My dealer says it wont matter.

 

I don't know about the wait for either a V6 or an S. But, based on experience with my S, its power is amazing in sport mode. Very mild during non-sport mode. I would think that the V6 would feel "bland". And, if you plan to tow something later on, the S has enough power. I plan to tow my 27ft airstream with it once Spring comes. I say, GO FOR THE S!

Vinny

 

Go for S.

I got V6 couple of months ago, and have seriously annoying vibration from the engine especially in the highway. V6 does not lack power at all, but the vibration makes me really uncomfortable. I feel them around 2,000 rpm.

I will probably drive this car for a year or so, and then trade-in for the new MB GL550.

 

Go for the S. It will be the best $10k you will spend. I had a V6 Cayenne and paid big time to get out of the lease early to buy the S. The two engines are night and day. Off the line, both have decent acceleration. The biggest difference is when you need to pass at highway speed. The S just goes. The V6 sounds like it wants to go, but it feels much slower to pass than the S.

 

If you are asking this question, or have even the slightest doubt, get the S. Otherwise you will be regretting everytime you see an S.

We went with a V6 because it's my wife's daily driver, and she does not need the extra power. Other than that annoying vibration mentioned above, it suits us just fine.

 

I had the s and still thinks it was the best SUV and daily driver! I drive the v6 as loaner few times and they are night and day as other said.

 

I agree, if you have doubts and the $10k isn't that important, get the S. I have never heard anyone complain they had too much power!

That being said, I have the V6 and the power is more than sufficient. I also do not have any sort of vibration that others mention. Perhaps that was resolved in the 2012s? As far as comparative power, if you are coming from a BMW 5 series and it is a 528 or 535, you will be just as happy with the V6. If you had the 550 or an M-class then I'd be sure to get the S. good luck!

 

Mine is 3 days old 2012 and I feel the vibration/noise from engine between 2k-3k RPM... It reminds me of our old Mercedes when engine mount dampener went out, feels like the engine is out of balance or something.

 

I am sure the V6 is more than adequate, but I would feel shafted driving the Cayenne with a VW engine.

There are many factors in play, but I think if you made the choice Cayenne > Touareg, it deserves a nice Porsche V8 rumble!

 

Test drive both if you can; its really the only way you can make an educated choice.

 

so you bringing it back to the dealer?

 

I'd say go for an S and if price is your issue, maybe tone down on some of the options. You won't go wrong with the S.

 

That's exactly what I did and let me tell you it's the best choice I've ever made.

 

I'll be the lone dissenter here.
We test drove both the S and the V6, this car is for the wife, so power was a subjective thing. She really enjoyed both, but decided the V6 was plenty of power.
The difference between a V6 2011 and V6 2009 is amazing, we test drove both and there was no comparison between the two.
Here's the thing: Would I prefer to have an S? Maybe, the power is intoxicating, but the difference in price (~10K), difference in fuel economy and insurance was enough for the scales to tip to the V6.
It's sporty, especially in sport mode, I get great gas mileage (for a SUV) and the range is fantastic!
I picked up my car in Austin, TX, almost made it home to Little Rock on one tank of gas.
And in style!

 

Another dissenter however going in yet another direction. We have decided to wait for a Cayenne Turbo Diesel. Several thoughts on this,

expect it to be easier to get diesel than premium gas at places we intend to travel to

like the low end torque to tow our track car

the Cayenne diesel has been available to the ROW for some time so it is not new and has good reviews

increase mileage between fill-ups is a definite plus for the road and when we are traveling off road

Porsche will be accepting orders for the Cayenne Turbo Diesel in the Spring time.