Used 2021 Porsche Cayenne Coupe

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe mimics BMW’s formula with its X6 – take a popular midsize crossover SUV (the X5, in BMW’s case), slope the roof and dial-up the performance. The Cayenne Coupe takes everything that’s virtuous with the 3rd-generation Cayenne SUV and enhances it with fresh sloped-roof styling and superior tuning for the driving enthusiast. A choice between six strong powertrains, numerous sporty option packages, and 4- or 5-passenger seating configurations help the Cayenne Coupe appeal to its driving-enthusiast audience.

In addition to the BMW X6, the Cayenne Coupe will be competing with the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class coupes (especially in Mercedes-AMG trim) and the new Audi Q8. All four Germans promise uncompromised engineering, premium luxury, and outstanding driving dynamics – being frank, there isn’t a dud in the bunch.

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is arguably the highest-performing crossover-SUV coupe in the segment (without stretching up to the near-exotic Lamborghini Urus), with comprehensive optional equipment and pricing in agreement with performance. Porsche has been building race-winning sports cars for more than half-a-century, and there’s plenty of that competitive DNA in the new Cayenne Coupe.

Porsche maintains a high level of consistency between the various trim levels with regards to the passenger cabin. You can even option the base Cayenne Coupe to Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe levels of lavishness – so the driving position and comfort are consistent across the lineup. The front seats are very supportive, and outward vision is excellent.

The second row is ideal for two adults. Compared to the standard Cayenne, Porsche has lowered the seat cushions slightly to compensate for the lowered roof (headroom is enough for even 6-plus footers), but the C-pillar blocks much of the view outside.

All six available powertrains are powerful and effortlessly capable of launching the 4,600- to 5,600-pound coupe off the line with authority. The turbocharged V6 engines are silky smooth, but the twin-turbocharged V8 is the real champ – its roaring soundtrack accompanies neck-snapping output. Electric-motor assist, which supplements the combustion engines on the plug-in Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe and Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, is an efficient way to add significant power. The 8-speed automatic transmission is buttery-smooth and very responsive.

As expected, the Cayenne Coupe excels in driving dynamics. All six models are equally confident on a twisty canyon road as they are on a highway. Steering is accurate, high-speed stability is exemplary, and the brakes are strong.

Tuning of the new-for-2021 GTS Coupe is for the driving enthusiast, with more aggressive suspension, a larger wheel and tire package, and sporty features as standard equipment. Its ride is firm, yet comfortable, and its performance is impressive – the world’s best sports cars didn’t drive this well a decade ago. The GTS aims at those who enjoy driving, while the more powerful Turbo models engineering is for owners seeking the utmost power.

Like the standard Cayenne SUV, the Cayenne Coupe cockpit is driver-oriented with 7-inch digital displays sitting on each side of the tachometer. At first glance, there is a lot of glossy black plastic (which tends to show fingerprints and dust), but most of the real estate reveals itself as backlit haptic-feedback switchgear once the vehicle starts.

The highlight of the dashboard is a large 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen, which is centrally located and easy to access. Powered 8-way sport seats are standard, with 14- or 18-way seats on the options list (opt for the Lightweight Sport Package, which deletes the panoramic glass roof and upholsters the seats in extremely comfortable Houndstooth cloth). The second row offers two individual seats (with storage between the passengers) in standard configuration. A comfort bench with seating for three is a no-cost option.

The all-new Porsche Cayenne Coupe vaunts a stylish 4-door exterior with a dramatically sloped roofline that complements its aggressive flared fenders. Compared to the standard Cayenne SUV, the windshield’s A-pillar is flatter, the roof is nearly an inch lower, and the proportions have been sharpened.

The designers have moved the license plate down below the bumper, contrasting that on the standard Cayenne, which carries the plate on the rear hatch. An active rear spoiler, located below the window on the tailgate, is unique to the Cayenne Coupe. A range of available wheel sizes from 20 to 22 inches in diameter (with multiple finishes) and an optional Sport Design front fascia allow personalization.

The new-for-2021 GTS model is distinguished by the Sport Design package, which is standard. It features 21-inch RS Spyder wheels and black accents in trim and badging for a sporty appearance. Porsche recalibrates the air suspension on the GTS to deliver a slightly lower ride height.

PORSCHE ACTIVE SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)
For the ultimate in ride control and cornering, the active-shock setup in the PASM system is a must-have. The system, which is standard on the new GTS, utilizes a 48-volt electrical system to adjust the torsional rigidity of the suspension to nearly eliminate body roll. The shocks are adjusted in milliseconds, reacting to changing road surfaces and even the driver’s own habits.

UNEXPECTED UTILITY
Drop the second row of seats, and the Cayenne Coupe provides an unexpected amount of cargo capacity. Plus, a very capable standard all-wheel-drive system promises 4-season traction in the most inclement weather.

There are currently six trim levels offered for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Coupe, and each aligns with unique upgraded equipment. All Cayenne Coupe models get Porsche Communication Management (with a 12.3-inch touchscreen), Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Traction Management (PTM), 8-way sport seats, 20-inch wheels, and an adaptive rear spoiler. Other standard equipment includes a 10-speaker/150-watt audio system (with Apple CarPlay) and keyless entry with a knob to twist on the traditional left side of the steering wheel.

Standard safety equipment includes front and rear side airbags and Porsche’s Warn and Brake Assist. Advanced driver-assist systems are also available on the Cayenne, but they are part of extra-cost packages.

Porsche offers a comprehensive options list that is simply dizzying in its breadth. In addition to standard paint colors, the automaker offers “paint to sample” (to match nearly any color in the spectrum). There are dozens of wheel choices, unique upholstery, and stitching selections, and the seatbelts are available in yellow, silver, or red (in addition to black, which is standard). Pricing is upon request.

Those seeking more luxury will opt for the massaging seats ($2,000), steering wheel heating ($280), or motorized sunblind for the rear windows ($450). Enthusiasts will likely choose Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control ($3,590), Rear Axle Steering ($1,620), or the Sport Exhaust ($3,220) to enhance the driving experience.

Porsche offers three different engines in the 2021 Cayenne Coupe ranging from 2.9-liter V6s to 4.0-liter V8s. Single- or twin-turbocharging, a plug-in electric motor assist, mixed and matched to produce six unique powertrains. All models share the same 8-speed automatic gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive.

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Cayenne Coupe)
335 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,340 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/23 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe)
335 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,340 rpm
134 horsepower electric-assist motor
Total output: 455 horsepower @ 5,250-6,400 rpm, 516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,000-3,750 rpm
Combined EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21 mpg

2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Cayenne S Coupe)
434 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
405 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/22 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Cayenne GTS Coupe)
453 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
457 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Cayenne Turbo Coupe)
541 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
567 lb-ft of torque @ 1,960 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe)
541 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
567 lb-ft of torque @ 1,960 rpm
134 horsepower electric-assist motor
Total output: 670 combined horsepower, 663 lb-ft of torque
EPA fuel economy: 39 MPGe (electric), 18 mpg (gas)