Since its introduction in 2002, the Cayenne has been a huge success for Porsche. With its design, technology and 100% Porsche performance, the first SUV from the Zuffenhausen manufacturer simply redefined what a luxury SUV could be in its class, in the Greater Montreal area as well as elsewhere in the country and in the world.
This success allowed the second Porsche SUV, the Macan, to see the light of day and, above all, allowed the Cayenne to build a true lineage. The Cayenne is already in its third generation and currently has a classic SUV variant as well as a coupé variant. Thus, the Cayenne is offered in a real range! But this also poses a big problem: which one to choose, especially between the most popular S and Turbo versions?
Porsche Lauzon, your Porsche dealer of choice in Laval, on the North Shore of Montreal, helps you choose between said variants in this 2021 Porsche Cayenne S vs 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo comparison. Read on without further delay!
The same Porsche SUV styling DNA but more subtle for the S versus the sporty Cayenne Turbo.
To start, for the first round of this friendly Cayenne S vs Cayenne Turbo match, the exterior lines! Just to clarify, in this blog, we'll be talking about the "classic" versions of the Cayenne, which has been the ultimate variant of the Porsche SUV since its very beginnings.
And in this respect, the general design of the two variants of this third generation of the Porsche SUV is logically the same. With its increased ground clearance, which emphasises the wide, beautifully curved fenders, its inverted teardrop headlights and its stunning rear light strip, which is futuristically reminiscent of that of the Porsche 911 Type 964, the first mass-produced 911 to be equipped with all-wheel drive, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne S and the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo are undoubtedly authentic Porsches.
However, there are still differences between the two versions. But as usual in Zuffenhausen, these are discreet. More aggressive and airy front bumper for the Turbo compared to the S version, different roof spoilers, and four round tailpipes in the case of the S vs. four very aggressive rectangular ones for the Turbo: while the 2021 Cayenne S plays on an understated but present sportiness, the Cayenne Turbo asserts its athleticism more explicitly, without, however, falling into unnecessary overkill.
Hence:
- Choose the 2021 Porsche Cayenne S if you like a more reserved look on the road.
- Go for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo if you want an SUV that clearly displays its high-flying capabilities through its exterior styling!
Always 100% Porsche performance, but on a different level!
However, a Porsche is more than just its looks, it is above all about outstanding performance. And in this respect, both the 2021 Cayenne S and the 2021 Cayenne Turbo are genuine Porsches. Indeed, according to data from Porsche Canada, both feature technical specs that are simply unmatched in the metropolitan area.
The Cayenne S is powered by a 2.9-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine housed under the front hood. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of power are transmitted to the ground via a highly efficient all-wheel drive system. This engine allows the Porsche sports SUV to achieve very high levels of performance, with a 0-100 km/h sprint achieved in 4.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package as well as an 0-160 km/h acceleration time of 11.6 seconds, on top of a top speed of 265 km/h. Performance that would be the envy of many a so-called sports car!
Want even more sportiness? Then you'll have to turn to the Cayenne Turbo and its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 541 hp and 567 lb-ft of maximum torque. With such values from this engine, performance logically leaps forward, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package, and a 0-160 km/h time of only 9.4 seconds. Top speed is also up, now at 286 km/h. Once again, the standard all-wheel drive system and an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission are available to exploit this incredible performance at all times. This means that the Cayenne Turbo offers performance that rivals the best supercars of the moment! However, in order to fully take advantage of these capacities, the Cayenne Turbo has even more rigorous road behaviour, which may seem too sporty for some.
So, our advice is:
- Choose the 2021 Porsche Cayenne S if you are primarily looking for a sporty Porsche SUV that offers a perfect balance of top-class performance and everyday ride comfort.
- Opt for he Porsche Cayenne Turbo if top performance and sportier handling are the most important criteria, even if it means sacrificing a little of the ride comfort on board.
Interiors: similar design for both versions, and an unrivalled level of luxury.
Finally, here is the cherry on the sundae for this Cayenne Turbo vs Cayenne S comparison: the interiors! Here again, the features between the two versions are similar, with a rising centre console putting the controls within easy reach and a sleek horizontal dashboard with sharp angles. So, whichever version you choose, you will have sober interior lines that blend perfectly with flawless ergonomics, designed above all for dynamic driving and driving pleasure! The quality of the finish is typically Porsche: the materials used are of the highest quality, and the assemblies are simply perfect and, above all, ultra solid.
The two SUVs are also equivalent in terms of on-board equipment. Quite simply, both versions can offer technology and luxury levels that are second to none in the industry's top-of-the-line limousines! Power front seats that can be adjusted to 18 different positions, an interior that can be fitted with leather, Alcantara, wood, carbon or aluminum, an induction charger for your smartphone, a rear-seat entertainment system or a sound system from Burmester: depending on the Cayenne model you choose, you'll have everything you could possibly want for your daily commute between Laval and the metropolitan area!
Choose the S for a balance of comfort and performance, and the Turbo for the ultimate in sport!
That's all there is to it after this friendly Cayenne Turbo vs S match! The 2021 Porsche Cayenne S, with its more discreet look, is the perfect ally to enjoy a very high level of driving fun while offering an as high level of everyday refinement.
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, on the other hand, offers even more performance, with a more aggressive yet elegant appearance and, above all, even sportier driving characteristics than its smaller sibling. Thus, the Porsche high-performance SUV will appeal primarily to those who want the best of the Cayenne performance and are okay with a sportier ride.
Still undecided after reading our Cayenne S vs Cayenne Turbo duel? Contact one of our specialists directly at Porsche Lauzon, your reference Porsche dealer in the metropolitan area! We'll help you make the choice that best suits your lifestyle. We'll also take the opportunity to show you the Porsche leasing and financing programs that will allow you to drive away behind the wheel of the Cayenne of your choice. We look forward to welcoming you to our dealership soon!