Why the Porsche Cayenne S Deserves a Serious Look from Every Luxury SUV Buyer
When shopping for a luxury SUV, most models force you to choose between comfort and performance. The 2024 Porsche Cayenne S refuses that compromise, delivering sports-car thrills, everyday versatility, and strong long-term value. Here’s why the Cayenne S stands out—and why it should be on your must-drive list.
A Potent V8 Powerplant
For 2024, Porsche revived the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the Cayenne S, replacing the outgoing V6. This engine produces 468 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, enabling the SUV to sprint from 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package—on par with many performance sedans—and reach a top speed of 169 mph . Unlike some high-output SUVs that feel unruly, the Cayenne S delivers power with linear, immediate response and a satisfying V8 growl under hard acceleration.
True Porsche Dynamics
Despite tipping the scales at around 4,900 lbs, the Cayenne S handles with remarkable agility:
Adaptive air suspension adjusts ride firmness instantly.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Torque Vectoring Plus sharpen cornering precision.
Optional rear-axle steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) further reduce body roll and enhance turn-in.
In Car and Driver’s testing, a Cayenne S hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and achieved a skidpad rating of 1.02 g, figures that underscore its sports-car heritage . The result is an SUV that feels planted and communicative, whether carving canyon roads or navigating city streets.
Everyday Comfort and Utility
Performance is only part of the story. Porsche updated the Cayenne’s cabin in 2024 to blend luxury with practicality:
A 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch PCM touchscreen provide intuitive access to vehicle settings.
Available 10.9-inch passenger display lets front occupants share navigation or media.
Generous cargo volume of 27.2 ft³ behind the second row, expanding to 60.3 ft³ with seats folded .
Options include ventilated, massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, and a Burmester® surround-sound system.
Whether you’re hauling kids, pets, or weekend gear, the Cayenne S delivers space without sacrificing style or refinement.
Strong Resale and Ownership Economics
Buying a luxury SUV is an investment—and the Cayenne S holds its value better than most rivals:
A new Porsche Cayenne loses only 47.9% of its value over five years, compared to 55.1% for the luxury midsize SUV segment average iseecars.com.
Within the luxury-SUV cohort, the Cayenne’s five-year depreciation of 44.5% ranks it third-best—behind only Lexus RX 350 (34.6%) and GX 460 (39.5%) autos.yahoo.com.
Kelley Blue Book estimates average annual maintenance costs of $2,296 (totaling ~$11,481 over five years) and depreciation of $9,541 per year kbb.com.
Factor in lower insurance and running costs compared to higher-trim SUVs, and the Cayenne S becomes a remarkably savvy choice.
Competitive Edge
Among its key rivals, the Cayenne S holds distinct advantages:
BMW X5 M60i: Similar 0–60 mph (~4.2 s) but heavier, with less engaging steering.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 580: Plush ride but lacks Porsche’s chassis precision.
Audi SQ7: Strong performance but more insulated feel, less driver-centric.
Range Rover Sport P530: Ultra-luxurious but not as agile or efficient.
The Cayenne S undercuts many of these models on price—starting at $97,350—while matching or exceeding their performance and refinement .
Final Take
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne S occupies Porsche’s “sweet spot”: more potent than the base model, more agile than heavier SUVs, yet far more affordable and usable than the Turbo variants. It blends real-world comfort, genuine driving excitement, and sound ownership economics in a way no other luxury SUV can. If you want a vehicle that thrills you on twisty roads, accommodates family needs, and still makes sense on your balance sheet, the Cayenne S belongs at the top of your list.ing all-electric Macan/Cayenne?
