We'll I finally got around to going to my local Porsche Dealer today and taking the Pepper Turbo for a test ride. I must say that this freaking SUV halls some serious *** and feels great in the corners. I loved how responsive the steering was for such a big vehicle and the punch from 70 or 80 is excellent.

I thought that drivers seat was very comfortable and all of the conrtrols were positioned where they should be, such as Radio on steering wheel and Navigation buttons weren't so bad, not as good as the touch screen Lexus nav, but hey the power makes up for that ....I was almost sold on buying one today until my good friend Alfi at IRA Porsche said sit in the back seat and when I did, it wasn't good....Very uncomfortable and since I am 6'1 the rear seat passengers that do get stuck behind me won't enjoy long rides. I must also admit that the seats felt almost to stiff, in other words no sink in feeling at all.

I would have been trading in my 04 LS430 for this vehicle which is used for long rides with my wife and usually business associates or other friends.

I am taking the wife to look at the vehicle tomorrow and will wait and see what she thinks. But I know that she will agree that the back seats just are not fit for long rides, at least IMHO...again that is coming from someone with a Ultra Lux equipped Lexus LS430 with rear reclining seats and all sorts of other traveling goodies....

 

It's hard to beat the LS430 Ultra for carrying passengers. I really miss my 2002.

I think that the seat back in the Pepper is too upright and too firm for comfort.

The back seat in my RX330 has a manual recliner, and is much softer than the Pepper.

 

John, its so funny you made this post. I meant to mention the 'Pepper to you the other day. After seeing one with tasteful and aggressive mods at a meet last week, these things have joined the BMW X5 on my "only SUV I would drive" list!!

Plus 450hp cant hurt! Too bad about the rear seat, but comparing it to a LS is kinda unfair, it is a P-car afterall. Although a taller and heavier one, it still is predominantly a sporting vehicle.

Check this baby out, I really the lowering

 

P.S.- perhaps a visit to a custom upholsterer could help rear bench softness? Also, I know Porsche is infamous for providing leather options up the wazoo, perhaps a custom interior order?

In case you cant tell, I kinda want you to get one of these! But keep the LS

 

do not forget to wait for 2005 model, they come with more options and the panorama roof looks hot!!

 

I heard the pana roof wont be available in the 05 models.

 

I think as long as your sitting in the front... get a Cayenne Turbo.. A lexus is a bit boring when compared to CTT

 

When I'm bored and want to go fast I drive My 996 Turbo and when I want to just chill out I drive the LS430 and the other days the Tundra. I love the pepper's speed but at this point if I am looking for comfort and speed I would rather just spend the extra loot and buy a cl600 and go Renntech. However right now I am happy with the LS430 considering the level of luxury and don't get me wrong the Pepper also has luxury but I just can't stand the seating in it for the life of me.

John

 

John

I am thinking the same as you...did you find the front seats uncomfortable in the Cayenne too?

What are we gonna buy?

Rover?

Mark

 

Cant agree with you more, the ls 430 is very comfortable compared to the cayenne

 

I am not trying to compare both vehicles because it would be unfair for both vehicles in different categories. I am simply stating for my personal preference that I do not like the rear seats and or room that rear seat passengers have in the Pepper.

 

jcramair1: if you plan on buying a car for you to drive, the Cayenne is a good choice. As long as you sit in front, its fine, when you have to sit at the back, you'll get pissed.... My mom went to NY, she sat at the back and she had a backache, poor mom

 

Its true, since both vehicals are in different categories. If your looking for extreme comfort stick with the ls 430. Sitting in the back of the Cayeene is not bad but of course not as good as the 430.

 

jcramair1,

why dont you look at the new maserati sedan.. but I do agree a lexus is comfortable for a business car..a cayenne is uncomfortable in the rear, just like many other Suv's. I would hold off on buying a Cl or an S because there going to be redesigned in a year or so. Also IRA lexus service is top notch.. so that always helps. My family has bought many cars from them.

michael T.

 

coming from a hardcore 911 TT driver, I'm just glad my pepper s has a back seat at all! And if you're in it, we will be going so fast, you'll be hanging on for your life. but that's just my .02