The 4.2-litre V8-engined Porsche Cayenne S Diesel offers lots of pace and decent economy, too
Verdict
The Cayenne S Diesel is the acceptable face of fast SUVs. It has the mid-range grunt of the Turbo, but not the big fuel bills and footballer image. It’s the pick of the range, mixing practicality, speed and luxury.
When we first drove the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel we were stunned by its in-gear performance on the Autobahn. Now we’ve had the chance to see how Porsche’s performance diesel SUV fares in the UK.
The 4.2-litre V8 is borrowed from Audi, but Porsche engineers have fitted unique valves and pistons, plus a sports exhaust, to produce 376bhp and a huge 850Nm of torque – 41bhp and 50Nm more than the Audi Q7.
Floor the throttle and this two-tonne diesel SUV pins you firmly in your seat as it covers 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds – faster than most hot hatches.
Clever Porsche Traction Management software and four-wheel-drive grip make it equally impressive through tight corners. There’s noticeable body roll with optional air-suspension, but sheer mechanical grip and a responsive steering rack help this Cayenne feel genuinely sporty.
However, unlike more extrovert high-performance petrol versions of the car, the S Diesel keeps a low profile. Subtle Cayenne S badges across the bootlid and unique 18-inch wheels are the only hints as to the impressive level of performance on offer.
An eight-speed gearbox boosts economy, with 30mpg achievable on motorways, but it’s a full auto and doesn’t feel as lightning fast as a modern dual-clutch set-up.
Key specs
- Price: £58,243
- Engine: 4.2-litre V8 turbodiesel
- Transmission: Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive
- Power: 376bhp
- 0-62mph: 5.7 seconds
- Top speed: 157mph
- Economy: 34.0mpg
- Emissions: 218g/km
- Equipment: 18-inch alloys, leather interior, climate control, parking sensors, 7-inch touchscreen audio system, cruise control
- On sale: Now
source:autoexpress.co.uk
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