A Monstrous SUV

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, equipped with a 500-horsepower engine, is the most powerful in the series. It's an ultra-premium model where a sports car manufacturer has pushed the boundaries within the SUV category.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the second generation, which underwent a full model change in 2010. Compared to its predecessor, the wheelbase has been extended by 40mm and the overall length by 48mm, while the body has been made lighter. For the Turbo model, the current model after the model change weighs 2230kg, compared to the previous generation's 2480kg. This reduction is attributed to a thorough review of structural materials in various areas.


What's noteworthy about the Cayenne Turbo is its overwhelming power. The Cayenne itself was a model developed with great effort by Porsche in response to the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) trend that began in the mid-1990s, primarily in the United States. It's no exaggeration to say that its characteristic lies in its high-speed driving performance, comparable to that of a sports car.

To describe the Cayenne Turbo in a single word is almost too gentle. It's a monstrous SUV. It's likely impossible to truly appreciate the meaning of each digit in its 500-horsepower output. However, merely resting a light foot on the accelerator pedal makes it easy to experience performance that overwhelms all others.

A Four-Door with Unparalleled Sporty Feel

The appeal of the Cayenne lies in its excellent handling. The chassis, which conveys a sense of high rigidity, the masterfully tuned front and rear suspension, and the meticulously tuned engine characteristics across all models combine to impress the driver. This is in stark contrast to rivals in the high-end SUV market, such as the Mercedes G-Class, which originates from a serious off-road cross-country vehicle. The Cayenne is a model that captivates the driver from the moment the steering wheel is turned.


I personally valued the Cayenne for its unique presence as a four-door with a sporty feel unlike that of a 911 sports coupe. Porsche's high development capability is evident even in its six-cylinder models, which offer ample charm. Therefore, the eight-cylinder model gives the strong impression of adding excess rather than filling in any gaps or deficiencies.

Power Comparable to a Submarine

The overwhelming sense of power from the Cayenne Turbo is astonishing. While a relatively compact coupe like the 911 might be described with the automotive journalism term 'wearing' its agility, the Cayenne Turbo is not just a wetsuit but possesses a power comparable to a submarine.

At its core is an engine torque that erupts like a torrent. From around 1500rpm, it propels the vehicle forward with acceleration that belies its over two-ton weight. The suspension is quite firm, offering agile handling. Turn the steering wheel, and the car responds promptly from the initial input, exhibiting stable straight-line stability at high speeds while also capable of tackling a series of tight corners on mountain roads at awe-inspiring paces.

The suspension setting is stiff, and with the taut, leather-clad seats characteristic of German cars, a Japanese person's weight might even feel jostled by road imperfections. Damping can be adjusted in stages via buttons on the center console. Furthermore, with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control System, even sportier settings can be selected.


The Cayenne Turbo's orientation is clear: to be more sporty. While the V6 model already offers sufficiently sporty driving, one might wonder why it needs to go this far. As I've written elsewhere, let me reiterate the manufacturer's explanation that the American preference for a 'sport mode' has influenced this.

Comparing many European and American specifications, US models often have stiffer suspension settings. A domestic car manufacturer's development representative once commented, 'In the US, there's a tendency to favor stiffer rear suspension, where sharp shocks are welcomed as 'sporty' when going over road bumps.' BMW exhibits a similar trend. Though I don't particularly appreciate it.

For Those Who Desire the Unique

If the Cayenne has another appeal, it's the quality of its interior. While the first generation showed signs of development driven by cost considerations and a need for balance, the current Cayenne features all parts designed with a sense of quality, and the precision of assembly and fitment is high. For the owner, the constant awareness of being in a model that costs around 20 million yen while inside would surely be a pleasure.

However, while the chrome coating on the air vents might be a result of pursuing emotional functionality, the arrangement of controls on the center console is cluttered and likely to be divisive. This aspect is similar to the Panamera.


Styling is also a matter of taste, and compared to rivals in the Japanese, European, and American markets such as Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Infiniti, its individuality seems less distinct. While the 911 faced criticism at one point for not departing from its original styling, the Cayenne exhibits a similar tendency.

For automotive journalism, which tends to use price versus performance, or performance versus comfort, as a critical axis for cars, accepting the Cayenne's immense power presents a logical challenge. Therefore, all that can be said in the end is this: if you want something unique, buy it without hesitation. After all, a sense of balance can sometimes hinder progress towards greater heights.

PORSCHE Cayenne turbo | Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Body Size | Overall Length 4,845 x Width 1,940 x Height 1,700mm
Wheelbase | 2,895mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,230kg
Engine | 4,806cc V8 DOHC + Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 368kW (500ps)
Maximum Torque | 700Nm / 2,250-4,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic (Tiptronic S)
Top Speed | 278km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 4.7 seconds
Price | 15.73 million yen