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Spec'ing a new Cayenne

Alex L

Alex L

PCGB Member
Member
Any tips?

I am pretty familiar with all Porsche options, but wanted to see if anyone spec'ed something they now they cant live without, or even wish they hadn't.

Rough spec right now:

* White
* Adaptive cruise control
* 8-speed Tiptronic S inclusive Auto Start Stop function
* Heated front seats
* Light comfort package icw comfort memory package or driver memory package
* Preparation for mobile phone
* SportDesign steering wheel with paddles
* Bi-Xenon lighting system incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
* Automatically dimming exterior and interior mirrors
* Panoramic Roof System
* Deletion of model designation
* 3rd Year Warranty
* Floor mats
* Porsche Communication Management (PCM) incl. navigation module
* 100 litres fuel tank
* Comfort-memory package (14-ways)
* Black standard interior
* 3rd Year Porsche Assistance
* All-Season tyres for 20-inch one-piec e alloy wheels
* SportDesign package with side skirts
* BOSE® Surround Sound System
* Tyre-pressure monitoring system (TMS)
* Universal audio interface
* 20 inch RS Spyder Design wheel
* Porsche Active Suspension Managmement (PASM)
* Reversing camera including ParkAssist front and rear
* Wheel hub cover with full-colour Porsche Crest

Wouldn't mind black wheels but dont want 21" as the tyres will cost a fortune to replace (20's are bad enough!)

Appreciate your thoughts...
 
I have ordered one recently, with a September build date, and it's a very similar spec. I had a demonstrator from OPC Solihull for a couple of days, a white one pretty fully loaded, so a good opportunity to refine my list. I went for the multi function wheel rather than the paddles. I have paddles on my 911 and they suit that car nicely, to put it mildly. I think for the Cayenne with it's 8 speed Tiptronic S these are less attractive than the multi function (which has a heater as well for the cold mornings - I was going to say "in winter" but with recent weather probably summer as well!!). obviously personal choice but the "buttons" are more than adequate for this car imho. I have gone for dark blue with 21 inch Turbo wheels and an espresso interior, which looked good in the white one and I hope even better with my blue. I used the white one on a couple of days when we had heavy rain (which I grant you could have been any two days for what seems like ages!) and it was pretty dirty when I took it back.

I went for the Burmeister system rather than the Bose as I am intending keeping the car long term.

The only other significant difference is the air suspension I chose. The demo car had it and it was a beautiful ride. Smoothed all the bumps as you would expect but was very good to drive at pace. I gave a mate a lift who has just bought a new LR Discovery - he was impressed to say the least.

The one thing I definitely added as a result of the test drive was the rear facing camera. It was a real boon for a vehicle this size. I didn't go for TPMS but otherwise we match.

I found I quickly got used to the auto stop start function.

I'm really looking forward to getting the car in a couple of months. Hope you enjoy yours when it arrives.
 
Thanks Peter for the great insights.

The air suspension I have been discouraged from by my salesman. I would quite like this though so it may go back on.

Steering wheels - I just really hate the puddles, and the paddles are cheaper! I know 8 gears for a paddle shifter is not the best but getting to a tight corner and blipping down twice can be quite useful.

21 inch wheels in black is what I really want but these are much more expensive and going to cost a packet to replace the rubber on. 20" is bad enough. I would go rolling resistance 19's but I hate all the wheel style choices for that.

TPS have saved me in my 911 twice before - so I would say these should be standard safety features of all cars these days.

Burmeister is a bridge too far for me - but if it's a keeper then you have made the right decision.

** I wish you could use your PCGB membership 10% discount on new cars! :(
 
I think I am going to hold my build slot open until the Cayenne Diesel S comes out.

This should have the engine from the new Audi A6: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/audi-biturbo-diesel-engine-launched-42291.html

The Macan should have this engine too as it should be based on the new Audi SQ5: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/audi-sq5-revealed-2012-06-18

...sounds really good in the video!
 
Ok slight update after chatting with OPC yesterday

The Cayenne Diesel S will have a V8 engine, be around £10k more, and have a lot worse MPG. So I have lost interest in that one already.

The Macan was originally scheduled for early next year, may now not be out until 2014. The Diesel will get the Audi 3L bi-turbo engine. Unlikely to be as off-road orientated as the Cayenne.

 
That's what I had heard too. I will stick with my order and be content with the higher MPG. To be honest I found the demonstrator perfectly adequate for our roads and an mpg of 34mpg over the two days is very attractive. I use my 911 on the continent so no need for the extra grunt.
 
Hi Alex, I have had a solid sprung Cayenne in the past and now have the air suspension - would have to say air, PASM and PDCC every time. My PDCC has the monster cornering like my 997 turbo, flat as a pancake no body role at all. If you are expecting to keep the Cayenne long term obtain a second (smaller 19") set of wheels and fit Vredestein snowtrac tyres they meet the official porsche winter tyre spec so no warranty issues (official as Notts did refer back to PCGB when I had a warranty job completed and no dispute). I had these on all winter and I know we didn't have much snow but they give you so much grip in frosty/icy and waterlogged conditions plus you can smile at the gritter lorries as they sand blast your second wheel set and hidden kerbs hold no danger to your rims. Putting my 21" wheels on in April with not one chip gave me lots of satisfaction, with the winter tyres I had the confidence to tackle some really muddy tracks on Sutton Bank in December it really would have shown my previous RRS a clean pair of exhausts in any condition. That said my Wife's BMW 1 Series had winter tyres on this year and as well as the minimal tyre wear, for 5 months it ploughed through some awful road conditions its as they say winter driving is all about having the correct tyres.
I note your panoramic roof option, does this upset the Cof G for cornering? as I know in the RR Evoque the full glass roof version felt as though it roled more than non pano roof option. Although its really nice for passengers to take in the scenery. I have the smaller glass sunroof which I find excellent.

Both original and new Cayennes are superb and the new centre console well if someone came up with a retro fitting kit for my Cayenne I'd be a very happy chap.

Best Wishes

Paul
 
The Cayenne Diesel S will have a V8 engine, be around £10k more, and have a lot worse MPG. So I have lost interest in that one already.
Click to expand...

the bi turbo 300 plus V6 used in Audis would be better!
 
The new Cayenne is a terrific vehicle, and can be made better by optimising the options list - albeit at an ever escalating cost[:-]

PASM + Air + 20" wheels should give the best ride/handling/aesthetics compromise, and the Sports steering wheel with Paddles adds to the sporting feel. Sports seats would further this feeling, but Comfort seats are apparently more practical.

All season tyres very good throughout the year and should last 30k mls.

Colour options are personal, but there are some nice mixes and upgrades possible. Even the wood or c/f effect can improve the cabin.

Power tailgate is must have, I think, and the Pre-Heater is a brilliant option for 8 months of the year. TV also works extremely well, but not visible to driver on the move. Heated seats in the back popular with rear seated passengers.
 

ORIGINAL: Monty2

I have had a solid sprung Cayenne in the past and now have the air suspension - would have to say air, PASM and PDCC every time.
Click to expand...

All great feedback thanks Paul!
 

ORIGINAL: Frutti_pig

Hey Guys,

What about this then?

TOP GEAR - Cayenne

I think it looks fantastic, only a second slower to 60 but 20k less!!

Cheers John.
Click to expand...

My sales guy says there are only 2 Cayennes worth buying - the Diesel and the GTS.

I want much cheaper running costs though than my current Audi RS6 so that takes the GTS off the menu :(
 

ORIGINAL: lamboman

The Cayenne Diesel S will have a V8 engine, be around £10k more, and have a lot worse MPG. So I have lost interest in that one already.
Click to expand...

the bi turbo 300 plus V6 used in Audis would be better! 
Click to expand...

Yes, if Porsche suddenly decide to use this for the Diesel S then I will definitely change my order last minute. Should know more in the next few months.
 
Hi Alex
Experience from three Cayennes now, including the current diesel. Multi function wheel is great, I know what you mean about the paddles/puddles, but have the paddles which suit the 991 but think the mf suits the Cayenne and makes the systems more user friendly. Panoramic roof is fantastic, especially with a dark interior (and makes it much more airy for the rear passengers). Air suspension is preferable to steel, which gives the rear passengers, particularly, a rather bouncy ride. The adaptive cruise is an expensive addition, particularly as normal cruise is standard. I would recommend the spare wheel option, from bitter experience. My salesman tried to upsell the full leather interior which looks great, but rather pricey.

Other than that, you'll really notice the difference in fuel consumption, mine goes literally twice as far as the V8 on a gallon of fuel. But the torquey push from the diesel turbo is impressive though no match for the V8.
 
All good feedback thanks Peter!

I have my OPCs demo car this week. Am I the only one who thinks the positioning of the sports button in the new models (Cayenne/Boxster/911/Panamera) is RIDICULOUS? You have to turn your head completely away from the road to press it, which is ludicrous when you want to active it for overtaking etc.

The other things that bug me about the new Cayenne are:

1) Why are there two huge cup holder holes in the rear arm rest? Completely destroys the 'arm' rest.
2) Diesel only got 29mpg on a 100 mile run yesterday with a combo of B/A/M-roads
3) Huge turbo lag - especially with small throttle inputs
4) Vague/light steering at speed
5) Cruise control stalk completely counter intuitive
6) Wipers control stick completely counter intuitive
7) Hand-brake switch counter intuitive
8) Driving position (which I can play with more) gave me a really bad neck and shoulder
9) Making sharp steering corrections with a car that heavy and that high results in some wobbly moments
10) Loud click noise when you open and close the central locking (think that comes from the fuel cap).

Everything else I really like. Very different from my RS6 and sadly nowhere near as solid/good drive. Quite nippy for a 2 tonne 245hp diesel though. Should suit the Mrs much better.

 
Alex
In order..
Sport button agree, on both cars, but getting used to it.
Cup holders? Blame the yanks. Miss the double storage of the previous model's arm rest.
You should get 35mpg +, particularly if Nicky is driving [:D]
Don't agree the turbo lag is particularly bad - but it's not a petrol n/a for sure.
I'm used to the cruise, same as the 991
I assume you mean the rear wiper is counter intuitive, the fronts are as before.
Hand brake, don't bother using it.
Driving position v comfortable for us, but maybe sports seats the way to go for you.
If you think the steering is wobbly try a RR!

Enjoy your week with it though.

 

ORIGINAL: Alex L

All good feedback thanks Peter!

I have my OPCs demo car this week. Am I the only one who thinks the positioning of the sports button in the new models (Cayenne/Boxster/911/Panamera) is RIDICULOUS? You have to turn your head completely away from the road to press it, which is ludicrous when you want to active it for overtaking etc.

Sited for convenience in LHD cars - same with most Porsche models now, soon becomes intuitive

The other things that bug me about the new Cayenne are:

1) Why are there two huge cup holder holes in the rear arm rest? Completely destroys the 'arm' rest.
It can still be used as an arm rest, but it's probably the best (safest) place for drinks on the move

2) Diesel only got 29mpg on a 100 mile run yesterday with a combo of B/A/M-roads
30-40 mpg is normal, depending on conditions and driving style

3) Huge turbo lag - especially with small throttle inputs
Odd, the engine, new turbo and 8-spd box are said to have significantly reduced sub-2000 rpm lag. The 'Sport' button virtually eliminates delay when overtaking

4) Vague/light steering at speed
It's not a sports car. Some prefer the optional and excellent Servotronic steering, but it can feel odd at first

5) Cruise control stalk completely counter intuitive
Now normal, soon becomes intuitive

6) Wipers control stick completely counter intuitive
Now normal, soon becomes intuitive

7) Hand-brake switch counter intuitive
Favoured in the US. Most people probably never use it

8) Driving position (which I can play with more) gave me a really bad neck and shoulder
May need to consider multi adjustable Comfort or Sport seat options

9) Making sharp steering corrections with a car that heavy and that high results in some wobbly moments
Benefits from the optimum spec (air +pasm) and appropriate settings, but it will always be a 2-tonne SUV which requires more anticipation with inputs

10) Loud click noise when you open and close the central locking (think that comes from the fuel cap).
Not heard that

Everything else I really like. Very different from my RS6 and sadly nowhere near as solid/good drive. Quite nippy for a 2 tonne 245hp diesel though. Should suit the Mrs much better.
Click to expand...

The only defects I detected was the performance of the reversing lights on dark winter nights - mounted too high and poor view below rear screen. Benefits from the TV camera, but the camera lens can get dirty in winter. And, some blind spots in the door mirrors on the motorway.
 
I have tweaked my spec based upon feedback and experiences with the demo car.

* White
* Black standard interior
* Deletion of model designation
* SportDesign package with side skirts
* Panoramic Roof System
* Powerliftgate
* Reversing camera including ParkAssist front and rear
* Bi-Xenon lighting system incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
* Air suspension with self-levelling and height adjustment incl. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
* Servotronic
* 20 inch RS Spyder Design wheel
* Wheel hub cover with full-colour Porsche Crest
* Tyre-pressure monitoring system (TMS)
* All-Season tyres for 20-inch one-piece alloy wheels
* Floor mats
* SportDesign steering wheel with paddles
* Cargo management
* Heated front seats
* Sidebags rear
* Adaptive cruise control
* Adaptive sports seats with comfort memory package
* Porsche Communication Management (PCM) incl. navigation module
* BOSE® Surround Sound System
* Preparation for mobile phone
* Universal audio interface

I want to experience servotronic, adaptive cruise, reversing camera, cargo management options before I finalize them though. Anyone have any experience with these?

Also, how do the all season tyres compare to regular tyres?
 
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