Wednesday 12th September 2012

Porsche Cayenne S Diesel

Let diesel battle commence. Porsche unveils rival for BMW M Performance SUVs

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The success of the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is integral to the success of Porsche overall. The Cayenne is their biggest seller, and the diesel model is a particularly popular variant in Britain. For the 911, Cayman and Boxster to develop and succeed, so must the Cayenne.

Ergo, here we have the new-for-2013 Cayenne S Diesel. To be sold alongside the existing V6 diesel, the 'S' offers a significant step-up in performance, as suitably befits the badge.

Instead of a 3.0-litre V6, there is now a 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel. As you would expect, the numbers this engine churns out are huge with 382hp and 627lb ft. For the record, that's 1hp and 81lb ft up on the new tri-turbo unit found in the M Performance BMW X5 and X6.

Porsche quotes a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds for the Cayenne S Diesel along with a respectable 34mpg combined and 218 g/km. Combined with a 100-litre tank, Porsche claims a range of up to 745 miles.

The S Diesel gets the same visual changes to differentiate it from lower models as the petrol derivative. These include S badges, silver brake calipers and black intake grilles.

The Cayenne S Diesel goes on sale in January. The price, before you delve into the veritable treasure chest that is the Porsche options list, is £58,243. Its nearest rival, the BMW X5 m50d, is £60,340.

[drb5]

Surprisingly good value actually....if value can be put against a Cayenne...?

[tomellingham]

Good value compared to the X5. Big fan of the new interiors in the Cayenne.

[Garlick]

tomellingham said:

Good value compared to the X5. Big fan of the new interiors in the Cayenne.

Even as a die hard FFRR fan I have to admit the Cayenne now has the better interior, I haven't seen the new RR in the flesh yet mind you.

[Frimley111R]

Fast Tanks. Pointless.

[Triple7]

Just as well I didn't sign on the dotted line or a V6, only thing that nagged me was that I thought although a fabulous car to sit in and be seen in, it felt SLOW for a Porsche. Que V8D

[greggy50]

In the times of 30k golf diesels this actually seems like very good value...

[MrTappets]

Much as I hate big SUVs on principle, I'm obliged to give it an 8 for 627ft/lb in conjunction with 34mpg. Well done, I say. I was just musing on diesel tech progress in the last 20 years the other day and it's frankly astonishing when you think about it.

[Nick Young]

It might be great, but I have to say I think it would make my eyes water seeing £145 at the fuel pump from empty!

[Pistonwot]

Oh joy.
Yet another grossly overweight, hideously ugly, stupidly uneconomical vehicle that is a slur on a once great car maker.
Its just what we have been needing.

[blackchrome917]

Why do people insist that a big fast car is pointless? When blatting across France on the way back from holiday 5 up I am glad I drive a big car. Sure a 911 may be better to drive when zooming around alone, but with the family on board and all the kit in the boot you can't beat a big wagon.

[Garlick]

Pistonwot said:

Oh joy.
Yet another grossly overweight, hideously ugly, stupidly uneconomical vehicle that is a slur on a once great car maker.
Its just what we have been needing.

Not wishing to be rude, but the Cayenne and Panamera diesels are ensuring financial success for Porsche right now. they drive well too.

382hp with 34mpg strikes me as rather economical too.

[CliveM]

Pistonwot said:

Oh joy.
Yet another grossly overweight, hideously ugly, stupidly uneconomical vehicle that is a slur on a once great car maker.
Its just what we have been needing.

34mpg combined. Get off your high horse, that's perfectly respectable. If you don't like it, tough - don't buy it. I won't be buying one either, but that engine seems to make a lot more sense to me in a 4x4 than the one in a supercharged RR.

[mjb1]

MrTappets said:

Much as I hate big SUVs on principle, I'm obliged to give it an 8 for 627ft/lb in conjunction with 34mpg. Well done, I say. I was just musing on diesel tech progress in the last 20 years the other day and it's frankly astonishing when you think about it.

It's unfortunate that you don't get both of those at the same time!

[GranCab]

I'm guessing the engine is the Audi Q7 / A8 4.2 TDi with a litle bit of Porsche magic sprinkled on it

[excel monkey]

Would much rather have one of these than a Panamera diesel.

[aarondbs]

When I first saw the picture on PH front page I thought it was an article about a Citroen Berlingo and wondered what the point was...

[jackal]

The best real world car on the planet just got better !

[Ex Boy Racer]

Triple7 said:

Just as well I didn't sign on the dotted line or a V6, only thing that nagged me was that I thought although a fabulous car to sit in and be seen in, it felt SLOW for a Porsche. Que V8D

Felt exactly the same way when I test drove one. Lovely interior but pretty anodyne to drive.

Might have to reconsider...

[Fittster]

Is this a jumped up vw touareg?

[Max M4X WW]

Fittster said:

Is this a jumped up vw touareg?

Technically, yes - but I doubt many components are shared.