Hi everyone. I thought I’d share my initial impressions of my new 2011 Cayenne. Some context so you can relate (or not) to my comparisons and thought: unlike many who I’ve had the pleasure of reading over the last few months, I don’t have any prior experience with Porsche; my last few vehicles were a 01 BMW 330ci manual, 04 4Runner Sport, 07 BMW 530i, and most recently, a 08 Lexus GS350. I didn’t shop for any other SUV prior to making the purchase, but have driven an X5 and RR Sport in past, the 11 CS & C, and my wife’s RX350AWD. While there are rave reviews on the CS and CTT, there isn’t much feedback on the 6. I’m hopeful this is insightful and helpful to any prospective buyers of the V6.

Background…
I’ve always been an admirer of the Porsche brand from afar, but never thought I’d be an owner. I’ve traditionally been a BMW fan and was even more so after the 3, but my last year with the 5 left a scar that may keep me away from BMWs indefinitely. Going to the GS was circumstance, as the lease on the 5 was due, but no other car within reason was of interest. Additionally, there was a manufacturer to dealer incentive too good to pass up, so I “settled” on the GS I’ve been driving for the past 2 years, always feeling unsatisfied with a wandering eye. Once I caught a glimpse of the 2011 Cayenne in person and was able to test drive, I was sold. I tested the CS first, as the 6s weren’t on the lots yet. The beauty of the interior, updated exterior styling, handling, and feel of the drive, had me mesmerized. A month or so went by of hemming and hawing about the CS (it was a bit out of my desired price range) when a 6 hit the local dealership and I immediately went for a spin. Given a month or so had passed, I didn’t have a good comparison vs. the CS, but the test drive brought back those fond feelings. Sold. No more than 30 mins of drive time in either the 6 or CS, no highway driving. A little impulsive, yes, possibly… but I was “saving” at least $15k by not opting for the CS. J

The Order…
Spending the kind of money that these things cost, I wanted to get exactly what I wanted- no settling this time. Given that most of the incoming 6s were sold or selling at MSRP, I figured I’d custom order. After finding a dealer willing to work with me a little on price, I finalized the below order with the help of many of you on this forum- thank you. Ordered late Sept, locked in late Oct, build date scheduled for Dec 4, build completion on 11/29, boarded on vessel ~Dec 10, arrived at the dealer on 1/19 (in LA), delivered to me in Vegas on 1/22. I wavered on ext. color between White, Gray, and Silver, but am very happy with my final choice.

Cayenne Tiptronic
Classic Silver Metallic
Standard Interior in Black
TPMS
8spdTipS InclAutoStartStopFunc
Extended Range Fuel Tank
ExteriorPackageHigh-glossBlack
ElectricSlide/TiltSunroofGlass
Porsche Entry & Drive
19" Cayenne Turbo Wheel
Heated Front Seats
Servotronic
ParkAssist Front and Rear
Heated3-spokeMultifuncLeathrSW
14-way Power Seats-Memory Pkg
Non-smoker Package
Premium Package
Bi-Xenon Headlights with PDLS
Auto Dimming Interior Rearview
Automatically Dimming Exterior
PCM with Navigation Module

Initial Impressions… after 2+ days and a little more than 80 miles of driving.
Posting some random thoughts here, so please bear with me. Initially, I was overwhelmed with all the buttons. The PCM was nice, but it seems to stay where you last were- I’m used to my GS where it defaults back to the map. Multi-steering wheel controls seem somewhat complicated for simple tasks such as changing the radio stations- up/down or +/- seems more functional than the rolling wheel/click. However, love that both the PCM and MF wheel are customizable, as well as many of comfort features. The 14-way seats are very comfortable and snug (I’m 5’11, 180lbs), but I can see bolster wear due getting in/out. The base stereo is more than adequate for my ears, the iPod integration works well. Non-smoker package provides virtually useless ashtray replacements and the center console area is rather small. All in all, while there are a few short-comings, I’m pleased with the interior design, although it’s taking a bit of getting used to.

A review wouldn’t be a review with some comments on the drive. Simply put, it’s amazing. For a vehicle this size and weight, without any of the suspension upgrades and with just a V6 engine, I’m truly amazed with the handling, feel, and responsiveness. Taking corners and turns at similar speeds as I did with my GS, I feel much more in control in this obviously larger and heavier vehicle. The V6 engine, while not fast, provides ample acceleration, and hasn’t felt even the slightest bit sluggish during both city and highway driving (can’t say the same for our RX). I often find myself checking my speed, esp. as I’m passing everyone else on the road. The standard brakes seem to work efficiently without much effort, stopping the vehicle with relative ease. While this is a large and heavy vehicle, it somehow feels nimble and agile. The exhaust note is also nice to the ears- I’m definitely not used to anything like it.

So far, I couldn’t be happier… in just a short 2+ days, I can certainly see why Porsche owners are so loyal and passionate about the brand and their cars. Thanks again for all your input, you all have been a big help throughout the whole process.

 

You are a great man to put up with a Lexus for two years and absolutely deserve the pepper just for that. Kudos for ordering one and not settling for one on the lot which could have been a compromise to you.

I get goosebumps slw, those dates exactly mirror mine. Our Cayennes were twins for sure. Hopefully they had their best workdays. Probably same shift too. Mine also was Dec 4 then changed to 11/29 and loaded the same day. Wow...

Suspension upgrades, V8, turbo etc does not matter ...what matters is how amazed you truly feel ... whcih you are...that's what matters.

I take pride in being the first to congratulate you. It is meant to be that way since your pepper's twin is safely resting in my garage. OOps, she's crying ... got to go

 

Congrats and thank you for the review!

I'm also in the market for the new Cayenne, and trying to decide between the V6 and V8.
How do you find the ride quality? I'm probably going to get the 20" or 21" optional wheels, so I'm wondering if the ride quality will be decent or I'll need PASM to help cushion it some
Also, did you already change out the sidemarkers or did it come w/out amber markers from the factory?

 

Thx w00t!

I would drive the 6 first and see if it's sufficient. If not, then go to the CS. I don't think one can fairly compare the 2 engines since the specs are so different. If budget isn't an issue, then it's an easy choice. I'm very happy with my 6 and the wife is also very happy that an additional $15-20k didn't go into my new toy.

I'm really impressed with the ride quality. I can only imagine how much better it would be with PASM, or PASM+Air, or even the other performance upgrades, but I definitely feel the standard PSM does an excellent job.

I changed out the side markers on my own- it comes with Amber lenses from the factory. I found it to be a pain for the first side, but much easier on the other once you know what you're dealing with. If you are buying from a local dealer, I suggest buying the markers from Suncoast and having the dealer install.

 

Nice review, congrats!

 

Congratulations and enjoy in good health!!
Great vehicle you built!!

 

Thx guys!

Jace- can't wait to see pics of your bad boy. About a month or so?

 

Was told last week of
February. Went to paint today..... Should get another update when it hits the boat.