Configuration:
2012 Cayenne S:
-Classic Silver Metallic – Standard Interior in Black
-Air Suspension with PASM
-19” Turbo Wheel
-Panorama Roof System
-Premium Package Plus (with all the goodies that go with)
-Bose Audio Package
-LED Rear Lights Tinted Black with adaptive break lights
-Deletion of model designation
-Compass Display on Instrument Panel
-Voice Control
-Exterior Package in high gloss black
-Porsche entry and Drive
-Heated Three Spoke MF Wheel
***
MSRP: $84,695
Paid: Invoice plus $5,000. Should be in the $80k range
Delivery: build should be complete just before Porsche’s August production closing; I believe they call it “going on holiday” across the pond. Might have it mid September unless the difficulties in Japan affect the rear camera production.

Notes:
-Attempted to add black headlights, but you cannot do this without buying each individual item of the packages separately since the black headlights are in the Convenience Package (first package). To get everything in the PP Plus would be almost double the cost. Thanks Porsche.
-Elected not to wait for the Sport Design Package (available for order in August), because I could not justify paying Porsche $5K to paint a few additional sections of the vehicle ( every man has his limits). I might have it done later myself if I can’t live with the black plastic.
-Decided against the white dials because they looked quite busy in person; all of the lighted notifications are visible at all times.
-Considered full leather option (W00t’s photos/description tempted me severely), but decided that you have to stop somewhere.
-Also tempted by the 18 way seats, but too nervous about the bolsters getting in the way and wear issues.

For those who have PM’d me about pricing in NC, my SA told me that Porsche has proscribed the out of state sale of Cayenne’s (and only Cayenne’s) because of the overseas exportation problem. Apparently, the profit is so high that there is a thriving export business; there have been instances of individuals driving up the east coast and attempting to buy Cayenne’s at each dealership for ultimate sale in China, etc. The profit is apparently (or allegedly, take your pick) over $30K per vehicle. I asked whether the prohibition is in effect for other states than NC, and he confirmed that it is, but you might want to check with your local dealer. I am not sure what to make of it, but there it is.

Others vehicles considered:
-BMW X5 50i: perfectly nice vehicle. Good performance, nice engine sound. Interior is a major let down, even with all the electronic goodies, including some the CS doesn’t have (top down camera, etc). Moreover, I own a 335 hard-top convertible and loathe the idrive system even in its updated configuration.
-Mercedes ML550: already own a GL (will be wife’s) and I find the interior “meh” (or maybe I am bored with it). I also didn’t think the performance was comparable.
-Audi Q5: not event in the same league as the CS in terms of interior and finish quality, though I acknowledge not equally priced as well. You do generally get what you pay for.
-Audi A7: This was a close call. Beautiful vehicle, inside and out and a great performance from a v6 engine (I believe). I thought both the front and rear seats were not very comfortable, however, and ultimately decided I wanted to stay in an SUV, though the CS is much more than that.

To those who have come before, thank you for your invaluable information which helped me to make many complicated choices. To those yet to come, I am happy to share any details of the ordering process, pricing, etc. Now the wait begins.

 

As I am sure you've weighed all available options so I won't critique your order other than great job. You'll enjoy every minute in her.

Waiting is hard but worth it!!

Congratulations!

 

Congrats,great build
Good luck with the wait!,but all you need to know is that it will...
...be worth it
One(..or two)notes on the 18 way seats:bolsters are exactly that..meant to keep you nice n snug in ur seat:i am 5'10, slim and adore my 18 way seats..but so did a bulky 6'5 bouncer friend of mine.I also have an uncle who is 6'4 and slim and has been around the world in every suv,car,contraption ever invented...so man was i delighted when he told me:"this is the first time I feel comfy in a car"

 

I agree with the 18 way seats.

I ordered the 14 I'd you remember reading all my posts but the 18 accidentally got installed. Long story short and I won't re-hash but great mistake. I'm 6 ft 2 in 205 lbs
Love the 18 way seats with the adjustments the 15 way can't give.

 

14 typo... Ha

 

Yup, still torn on the seat decision, but I have a few weeks to obsess over it, which I will of course.

 

Congrats, great build! I'm definitely partial to the silver/black combo. it wil definitely be worth the wait.

 

I don't believe that is correct regarding out of state sales, at least in other states beside NC. I am buying, and have bought, my cars from ATL and I live in KY. So...

 

great build! yes waiting is the hardest part!

I originally wanted the 14 ways for the same concerns, but after driven one at local dealer and talked to my rep i eventually went with the 18. If you have a chance see if you can test drive both and see which you like better.

it is true regarding out of state sales. I know people in the exporting business and Yes, they are trying to export every cayenne they can get hands on to china (preferably Black color). While i was looking for discounts some dealer even asked for both of my current porsches' VIN number as he wants to make sure I am buying the car for myself and not for export.

 

That's exactly what my SA said; they are doing checks like that to ensure the car is for you. Purchasing more than one Cayenne, big red flag.

I will keep an open mind on the 18 way seats; sat in the Panny 18's but I here they are not as wide as the Cayenne's. Dealer has no Cayenne's for several weeks and the one's coming in have the 14's.

 

Was there anything you saw that showed the updates in the 2012 from the 2011 model? Am looking for the differences to decide on whether to wait or not (probably will wait at this point, but....).

Any info appreciated.
Tom B.

 

IIRC the only new (2012) options available that were not available for 2011 were the "LED Rear Lights Tinted Black with adaptive break lights". I also believe that the "Yachting Mahogany Interior Package" is new for 2012. The 2012 cayenne can be configured with the "sport design package" on the Canadian, UK, Latin American, etc. sites, but won't be available for selection on in the US until August. Though I am not a fan of the black plastic trim, as I stated in the OP, I can not justify what I have calculated (using the UK and Canadian currency exchanges) will be a near $5K cost for what is mostly just painting of the trim. Other than that, I am not sure there are any additional options available, but others can chime in.

As for waiting, if you are ordering custom, I believe you will get a 2012 at this point.

 

I've read somewhere saying that the 2012 Cayenne's will be more fuel economy, is it true? How?

 

Vs 2011? Haven't heard that. Vs pre 2011, yes. Plent of advancements. 8 speed, auto stop/start to name a couple.

 

Yep 2012's vs the 2011's that's why I'm curious. Cause I've experienced the improvement from my 2011 CS to the 08's Cayenne Base, thanked to its 8 speed that's what they say. The 08' 3.6 V6 is still doing 13 mpg city / 18mpg highway while the 2011 CS with 100 more hp on it is also doing 13 mpg on the same city BUT 21.3 mpg on highway.
No surprise at the city mpg, could do worse cause of the typical booming Asia traffic jams but 21.3 mpg on highway on a 4.8 V8, it's the first time for me and I know some of you guys already done better than that, so what's the best score?