Great Expectations

What we like:

Most everything

Porsche Surface Coated Brakes have impressive stopping power and brake rotors an equally impressive mirror-like quality to them.

What we dislike:

Perhaps its muted exhaust note makes it just a little less “Porsche-like”. Added frills can add plenty to the price.

Our test car features a twin-turbocharged 2.9 litre V6 also found in the base Panamera, which replaces the larger 3.6 litre V6 unit the previous car used. Power is directed to all four wheels, by courtesy of a ZF-built 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Power is good for 440hp, a 20 horse increase, and 550Nm of twist, spread generously between 1,800 to 5,500rpm, and the wide torque band rewards with just so much drivability.

We love how composed the car feels, delivering plenty of grip off the line. Drive quality is further refined thanks to their Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damper system, which helps in regulating the damping force on each wheel. Very noticeable especially when going through bumpier roads, where you do not feel a mechanical “unspringing” of the suspension over undulations; but rather a more controlled release thanks to its electromechanical actuation, which not only aids in stability by keeping the car balanced, and the ride actually is more comfortable.

The available adaptive 3 chamber air suspension at an addition of some extra coin, adds ride height adjustments, which can be called up on the infotainment system, alongside the terrain selection mode, contributing to the Cayenne’s fulfilment as a true off-roader.

New to the car too is the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB), featured on our test car, the new rotors have a hard tungsten carbide coating, and are combined with specially developed brake pads. The many advantages, as what Porsche claims include an extended brake life of up to 30 percent, greater friction values and less brake dust emitted. Visually, the rotors can be identified by their unique glossier nature, and with a prolonged drive time, will develop a mirror-like appearance, thanks to the constant polishing done by the brake pads… ecstatically pleasing to the eye, and enhanced by the inclusion of daringly white brake callipers, which remained remarkably clean throughout our drive.

Porsche has also for the first time has also included rear-axle steering, similar to the one found on the 911 to the Cayenne for added agility on the run, and improved manoeuvrability in tighter spaces.

The Cayenne handles very well, and very often, we do not realise the physical amount of car we are lugging around. Even so, it truly is very nimble, responding just so well to weight transference. An SUV engineered with a good amount of refinement, with just a dab of sportiness in its exhaust note, and boasts an interior which is truly hard to match.

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