autoX Awards 2023: Porsche Cayenne Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2023: Those old enough will remember that when the Cayenne made its debut over 20 years ago, it was considered a sacrilege by many, especially Porsche enthusiasts. The idea of a revered carmaker responsible for some of the most desirable sports cars in the world building an SUV was nothing short of blasphemy, at least for snooty collectors and enthusiasts. However, with the advantage of hindsight, it indeed was a brilliant move by the company, which significantly reshaped its profile, expanding its capabilities, facilitating investments in new technology, and enabling the creation of even more exciting cars. The Cayenne quickly became the largest-selling Porsche in the world at the time, outselling its sportscar sibling by a huge margin, but also the largest-selling Porsche of all time. What made it such a remarkable success? Undoubtedly, the fact that it was an engineering marvel. It’s no surprise, then, that the Cayenne is one of the most coveted SUVs in the world.

Over the years, the design of the Cayenne has evolved, and I must say that the current-generation Cayenne looks quite handsome. Elements like the full-width taillight, 3D Porsche lettering at the back, and an aggressive front further add to its aesthetic appeal and give it a terrific road presence. That said, to truly make the Porsche Cayenne stand out, you do need to spec it with a large set of wheels and consider a bright colour scheme.

Inside, you are greeted by the traditional Porsche feel of terrific build quality and meticulous attention to detail – everything here feels solid and works just like you expect it to. Even in terms of space, the Cayenne is spacious enough for five adults and has a pretty large boot. Its commendable ground clearance further adds to its practicality.

Also Read: 2023 Porsche Cayenne Review: Stuttgart's Flagship SUV Kicks Physics in the Teeth!

If we were to pick a point of contention, the Cayenne felt a little sluggish, compared to the EVs in our test, in terms of power delivery, resulting in a marginally slower performance on the track than the C40. Along with this, the only other reason that the Cayenne didn’t win this year was its steep starting price of ₹1.35 crores – pretty high for its segment, I’d say – which can easily surpass ₹2 crores for a well-specced version. And while it’s a remarkable SUV, it’s by no means a value-for-money proposition. Had it not been for its exorbitant price, I would safely say the Cayenne is one of my favourite SUVs in the world.

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