What's all this about?
It had to happen - Porsche couldn't just sit there idle, while its three main compatriots (and rivals) knocked out cars like the Audi Q8, BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe. So here comes what is sure to be the most controversial Porsche product, in the eyes of Porschephiles, since... since... well, since the original Cayenne reared its ugly mug, way back in 2002. This, folks, is the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.
Oh lordy - must they?!
What, don't you like it? We actually have to say we do. Sorry. The Cayenne Mk3 is a reasonably handsome beast in standard trim and this sloping roofline treatment doesn't seem to hurt it. In fact, though this statement is sure to inspire apoplexy in people who think the only real Porsche is a 993 GT2, we think there's more than a hint of 911 to its side profile.
Have you gone mad?!
No, we have not. So allow us to talk you through the aesthetic features. The rakish rear windscreen is echoed by a front windscreen and A-pillars, which are more shallowly angled than on the regular Cayenne, resulting in the Coupe's roof sitting 20mm lower to the ground. Said roof is made up of a large panoramic glass panel as standard, although - as befits the Coupe's sportier SUV status - a contoured carbon confection can be ordered up instead (haters, stop your frothing at the mouth, this instant!). The rear arches are 18mm wider than the regular Cayenne's and the back doors have been re-sculpted to suit the Coupe better, while at the back the Cayenne Coupe takes a leaf out of the Macan's book by having its number plate recessed into the bumper, instead of mounted on the boot lid. This one detail apparently makes the whole thing look like it is closer to the ground.
Is that it for the externals?
No, the Cayenne Coupe uses Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA), which makes it both more efficient when it needs to be and also more hunkered down to the ground, when the devil takes the driver's mood. PAA here is evolved from the adaptive roof spoiler first seen on the Cayenne Turbo, in the Coupe's case featuring a fixed upper item at roof level and then an adaptive spoiler below the rear screen; this one can extend itself by 135mm at speeds of 56mph and more, creating greater downforce on the rear axle. And it will also helpfully alert coppers that you're approaching the national speed limit.
Ha! Presumably the Coupe is less practical than the Cayenne?
Yes, slightly. It's a four-seat model as standard, the rear two passengers sitting lower (by 30mm) than in a regular Cayenne and also separated by a little cubby/storage area. The boot also loses 145 litres of capacity, standing at 625 litres for the Coupe with all seats in place (it's 770 litres in the regular Cayenne) and 600 litres on the Turbo model (745 litres in the Cayenne Turbo). Fold the rear bench away and anything between 1,510-1,540 litres are on offer in the Cayenne Coupe, although that does compare to 1,680-1,710 litres in the more upright version of the Porsche SUV.
What engines have Coupe buyers got to play with?
Two, from launch, both petrol-powered: these being the 340hp/450Nm Cayenne Coupe and then the 550hp/770Nm Cayenne Turbo Coupe. The former employs a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, to record 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds (5.9 seconds with lightweight option packs), a top speed of 150mph, fuel economy of 23.9mpg and CO2 as low as 212g/km. The Turbo Coupe is a little more potent: 0-62mph takes a mere 3.9 seconds, the top speed is 177mph, it'll chew through a gallon of fuel every 20.8 miles and the CO2 emissions are rated at 258g/km.
Can you tell me about those lightweight option packs you skirted over?
Absolutely. That aforementioned carbon roof is part of three optional lightweight sports packages, which bring in things like 22-inch GT Design alloys, Sport Design styling features, seat centres in Porsche's classic checked fabric, and carbon and Alcantara trim accents. The Cayenne Turbo Coupe also gains a sports exhaust system, as part of the deal.
What's standard on the Cayenne Coupe, when can I order and how much will it cost?
Both the Cayenne Coupe and the Cayenne Turbo Coupe are available to order in Porsche Centres throughout the UK right now, with cars hitting dealerships at the end of May. Standard kit includes 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear Park Assist including a reversing camera, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the Sport Chrono package. Prices start at £62,129 for the Cayenne Coupe and a rather more robust £104,729 for the Cayenne Turbo Coupe. All customers, as is the way with Porsche GB, will be invited to a bespoke driving session to get to grips with their Cayenne Coupe, this being held at the Porsche Experience Centre located at Silverstone.
Matt Robinson - 21 Mar 2019
