Porsche Cayenne S 2018 UK review

By now, you’re probably rather familiar with the third-generation Porsche Cayenne. It sits on the same MLB platform as the Bentley Bentayga, Audi Q7 and Lamborghini Urus — albeit here with a shortened wheelbase — and has even more tech, a revised engine line-up and a cleaner, more luxurious interior than before.

Here, we have the middle-of-the-range Cayenne S, and it’s the first time we’ve driven this particular strain of Cayenne in the UK (you may remember our video review of the Turbo variant from last year).

At its nose sits a 2.9-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that churns out a heady 435bhp and 406lb ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. A centre differential allows power to be split between the front and rear axles, while a second differential at the back can split power between whichever rear wheel it determines needs it most.

While the new Cayenne range weighs an average of 60kg less than the second-generation line-up, Porsche’s largest model remains a pretty portly beast; kerb weight is at 2,020kg in S guise. Despite this considerable bulk, that V6 is capable of shifting the Cayenne S to 62mph from a standstill in just 5.2sec and on to a top speed of 164mph.

While a dash of cynicism is often recommended when dealing with a manufacturer’s quoted performance times, to give credit to Porsche the Cayenne S feels every bit as fast as it says it is.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the £774-a-pop Sport Chrono Package, which includes a steering wheel-mounted drive mode selector. Rather delightfully, this also adds a launch control function, which we were able to try out on track at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

This particular function is enabled by selecting Sport+, putting your left foot down hard on the brake and mashing the throttle with your right. As the revs rise to around 2,500rpm, you can feel the car tugging at the reins as the torque — all 406lb ft worth — is released when you lift your left foot.

Traction off the line is immense, as is the accompanying surge of acceleration. There’s no discernable lag and the climb up through the rev band is deliciously linear — all of which is accompanied by a deep growl from the exhaust that sounds just ferocious enough without being overly coarse. While this powerplant may not ooze charisma or character, it does make the Cayenne S feel every bit as fast as Porsche claims it is.