The Cayenne S upgrades to a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 474 hp and 600 Nm, reducing the 0–100 km/h sprint to 4.9 seconds. The S adds 21-inch wheels, sport exhaust, and an upgraded brake system as standard. It represents the performance sweet spot in the Cayenne gasoline lineup — significantly more capable than the base model while remaining more attainable than the GTS or Turbo variants. Available as both an SUV and the sleeker Coupe body style.
FORPORSCHE RATING: 8/10
Twin-turbo V8 refinement and strong mid-range torque; V8 engine adds character absent from the base V6; meaningfully quicker in real-world driving; the sweet spot of the non-electrified Cayenne.
Fuel economy penalty over the V6; premium over base is substantial; V8 adds weight at the front.
The sweet spot of the combustion Cayenne range. Enough power to feel genuinely fast, with a V8 character that the base model simply cannot match. Highly recommended over the base variant.