Vehicle Spotlight: 2019 Porsche Cayenne, an SUV with Sporty Spice

You work pretty hard for that paycheck. You need an SUV, both for the extra room and additional comforts it affords your family. But you don’t want some generic, beige, boxy yawn of a vehicle that looks like everything else on the road. You want Oomph. Class. And above all, capability—and you’re not afraid to pay a little bit more for it. Whether you know it yet or not, the newly redesigned 2019 Porsche Cayenne is the ride that you’ve been dreaming about.

A New Year, A New Cayenne

After a decade of successful but similar styling, the Cayenne’s complete overhaul is aimed at taking a bigger bite out of the ever-growing midsize luxury SUV market. This bedrock of the Porsche lineup has the heart of a rubber-burnin’ 911 coupled with the dependable work ethic of an SUV. Exceptional steering and effortless acceleration have been its hallmarks throughout the years. There are a host of engine options, customization choices, and the availability of virtually every high tech feature ever conceived. The new Cayenne brings joy to otherwise listless suburban commutes. Few vehicles have the same performance and fun factor.

The new 2019 Porsche Cayenne seats five comfortably and slots in the lineup above the smaller Porsche Macan. The redesign (the model’s third iteration) now sees the Cayenne on a new platform (MLB), which it shares with most Audis. All the sheet metal is left in the past, in favor of increased aluminum. This allows the new model to be over 140 pounds lighter than last year’s version, even with all of its substantial upgrades in safety.

Turbo Powered

There are multiple power options for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne, with all engines mounted longitudinally, just ahead of the front axle. The base model is powered by a 3.0-liter twin turbo V6, making 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. One step up, the Cayenne S has a 2.9 liter twin-turbo V6 that gets 440 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The top-notch Cayenne Turbo breaks out the big guns. It has a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 that makes a staggering 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft. That’s nice Oomph for a daily driver.

The Right Model For You

There are a number of trim levels for the new Cayenne, ranging from luxurious to ridiculously well-equipped. The base model boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker audio system. It comes equipped with Apple CarPlay, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, partial leather upholstery, and a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen. There are rear parking sensors, 8-way power seats, a rearview camera, and a host of safety features you won’t find on a run-of-the-mill base model SUV.

Move up one level to the Cayenne S, and you’ll find even more amenities. Most notably, Porsche’s beloved 4D Chassis Control System and active suspension management. And of course, the breathtaking panoramic sunroof.

At the top of the line sits the 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. This one is loaded. There are 21-inch alloy wheels. The audio is a 14-speaker Bose system. There are adaptive headlights, leather everything, and EIGHTEEN WAY power front seats. And the seats are heated in the front and rear. The Turbo even comes with an in-trunk jacuzzi (kidding), and a manservant clad in velvet to feed the driver grapes (also kidding, but if you’re driving this Turbo, then you’re likely smart enough to find said manservant on Tinder, LinkedIn, or something.)

Extras, Extras, Extras

If that’s not quite everything you’re looking for, there are a great many more options that can be added on to the 2019 Porsche Cayenne. Some of the most exciting include: keyless entry, soft-close doors, sport tailpipes, torque vectoring, and rear-axle steering. And if a 14-speaker Bose system is too common for your tastes, fear not. You can replace it with a 21-speaker Burmester system.

Another exciting introduction that could easily get lost in the excitement of the Porsche Cayenne is its new brake technology. Iron brakes, coated in tungsten, will be fresh for 2019. Known as PSCB (Porsche Surface Coated Brake), this technology promises a grabbier surface and less brake dust. And equally important, an estimated 30 percent longer life span of the brakes themselves.

So, How Much?

If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that is as fun to drive as a roadster, the 2019 Porsche Cayenne is damn near perfect. And it is no secret that perfection doesn’t come free. The base model’s retail price begins at $65,700. Not insane, but certainly not cheap. Proceed with caution, though. The Cayenne S starts at $82,900, and the Turbo will set you back $124,600. And with all the bells and whistles added, it is conceivable to run up a total charge exceeding $200,000.

That is not a number for the masses. But if those numbers don’t give you sticker shock, well hey, more horsepower to you. Look extra hard at the 2019 Porsche Cayenne because if it’s in your price range, it won’t be easy to find a more complete luxury SUV.

Leave a Reply