Cayenne v X5

[Snatch1]

Looking to update my X5 and considering a Cayenne. Budget is around £35 - 40K so I guess I'm looking at a 2013/14 3.0D. For the same money I could get a 2014/15 X5.

I've had 3 X5's, and currently drive a 2012 E70. I like them as to me they feel like a 5 series rather than a 4x4 and I like the look of the latest model. I'm wondering if anyone here has gone from X5 to Cayenne and has any thoughts on the pros and cons.

I've never driven a Cayenne but obviously they get good reviews v other 4x4's.

Also, any guidane on what to look out for when buying a used Cayenne would be greatly appreciated

[Cpt Stirling]

I'm seriously considering a used 3.0D too. Sorry, not from an X5 but from a Vogue SE. I think the diesel will suit my needs but unsure whether it's a wise move considering they are out of favour. The ones I've looked at differ massively in spec. A lot of the nice stuff is optional. If you want big wheels (21") air suspension is recommended. No need if going smaller or reduced access height is not important. PASM a must. Electric boot, pan roof and rear camera desirable. Ok off road but no low ratio. Not much choice in colour unless you want black or white.

It's the reliability that tempts me. They're not lookers, but the later ones look a bit better. I like the interior.
I too would be interested in views of others.

[Cheib]

I had an X5 which we had for a long time from new (and is now owned by another PH'er) and moved to a Cayenne which we picked up in March.

Major difference between the two in terms of packaging is that the X5 has more boot space but the Cayenne has more interior space in the rear. Rear seats have more legroom. The X5 drives very well but the Cayenne is I would say a step ahead again...best driving 4x4 on the road IMHO...not as luxurious as FFRR but it's much better handling is that's important to you.

Cayenne has best build quality in it's class I would say...especially if you get one with full leather which gives you a leather dash and doors etc. Best option box someone can have ticked for you.

Cayenne doesn't have a low ratio box but it has locking diffs and the variable ride height so it's better equipped in the rough stuff than an X5 and will cope with almost everything a FFRR will...you have to bear in mind a Cayenne comes on summer tyres which a FFRR doesn't.

Must haves

Panoramic Roof
Roof Bars (can't be retrofitted and most people want them)
Full Leather
PASM (either steel or air) especially with bigger wheels. Contrary to a lot of opinion Air is only really a must ihave f being able to raise/lower the car is important.

There are also quite a lot of other things like Dimming Mirrors which you would expect to be standard which aren't.


I'd agree that most are White or Black and 95% have Black interiors. Ours is Midnight Blue with Black and Cream interior which looks great, dealer had a demo with it which is what made us order it....it is not the most practical but everyone comments on how nice it is.

[Coxey]

I have had my Cayenne Platinum since December, bought it new from Hatfield Porsche. I've had loads of BMW's but this is just class. The build quality is brilliant and I love the looks. Yes the boot is smaller than the BMW but you can slide the rear seats forward. I specced the pan roof which is great. I find it so comfortable on long journeys. The only thing I miss is the net on the rear parcel shelf.

Go for it....

[Snatch1]

Thanks for the replies, good intel, particularly re the suspension. I'm very tempted by a couple of Cayennes that I've seen. I'm only looking at those with 21" wheels as IMHO they look rubbish with smaller wheels. Will try and arrange a test drive next weekend and report back. Not sure Mrs S is that keen on a Cayenne but I'm sure I'll win her round if I have to

Edited by Snatch1 on Thursday 28th September 08:44

[Coxey]

I was in a quandary over 20" v 21" wheels although heart said 21" head went for 20" as I didn't want the missus bumping up kerbs and scratching them especially the diamond cut ones. They don't look too bad to be fair

[Cheib]

Snatch1 said:

Thanks for the replies, good intel, particularly re the suspension. I'm very tempted by a couple of Cayennes that I've seen. I'm only looking at those with 21" wheels as IMHO they look rubbish with smaller wheels. Will try and arrange a test drive next weekend and report back. Not sure Mrs Whytwo is that keen on a Cayenne but I'm sure I'll win her round if I have to

My OPC was pretty insistent that the car actually drives better on the Steel PASM...their opinion was that the car is a little "floaty" on the Air PASM. Having driven both I'd tend to agree but have the Air because the variable ride height is useful and really like the ride although and I find "Sport" which is the middle setting to be best. They were also insistent that the worst possible spec you can have is 21" wheels and no PASM...somehow they'd managed to order a demo like that which they pretty quickly put on the loan car fleet.

At the PEC the cars they use on the track, skid pan etc have the Steel PASM and the cars that they use on the off road course have the Air PASM.

I would definitely try and drive both if you can.

[Taffy66]

I'm on my third new Cayenne which is an s-e hybrid on steel/pasm with 20'' rims and after driving countless iterations have concluded that i have the best spec for overall dynamic compromise.