Overview
Large as they are mighty, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo and Coupe Turbo S E-Hybrid deliver sports car-like performance wrapped in SUV shells. Not to be confused with the squareback Cayenne Turbo SUV, the Coupe Turbo models have aggressively sloped rooflines that add some drama to their silhouettes. Both body styles use a 541-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 and the electrified S E-Hybrid adds an electric motor for a combined output of 670 horsepower. But power is only part of what makes these models great; their refined and modern cabins will certainly keep owners happy, too. The interior is home to a host of modern features including a standard 12.3-inch infotainment display. As if all that wasn’t enough, these Porsche SUVs can tow as much as some pickups, with tow ratings reaching as high as 7716 pounds.
What’s New for 2021?
Aside from a slightly larger battery capacity for the S E-Hybrid model, which increases to 17.9 kWh, the Cayenne Coupe Turbo models are largely unchanged for the 2021 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’re very fond of the base Cayenne Coupe Turbo, which comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hotspot—among other popular equipment—and our preferred configuration would expand upon that with thoughtful options.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Cayenne Coupe Turbo tears a hole through the atmosphere courtesy of a 541-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine that makes 567 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne Coupe Turbo S E-Hybrid uses that powerplant plus a 134-hp electric motor to increase its combined output to 670 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. Porsche’s quick-acting eight-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes for both drivetrains. The Cayenne Turbo rides on standard 21-inch wheels with a staggered setup, meaning its rear wheels and tires are wider than the front. Like the squareback Cayenne Turbo SUV, the Coupe’s handling is precise and agile, and the ride it delivers is composed. When we first sampled the Cayenne Turbo Coupe, we compared its handling with that of a big sports sedan. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate its eager and athletic nature.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Cayenne Turbo has gobs of towing power, topping out at 7716 pounds of max trailering capacity.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the thriftier of the two powertrains, earning an EPA-estimated combined city and highway rating of 18 MPGe. It also has an all-electric range of 15 miles. The gas-only Cayenne Coupe Turbo gets an estimated 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway fuel rating from the EPA. Despite its unimpressive highway figure, the plug-in hybrid is the more eco-friendly option for folks who live in urban areas. For more information about the Cayenne Turbo Coupe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Porsche essentially provides a blank canvas inside the Cayenne Turbo Coupe for customers to outfit as they see fit. Everything from the interior trim to the seatbelt colors to the surface materials can be individually selected. The driver faces a snazzy gauge cluster with an analog tachometer flanked by two 7.0-inch screens that display selectable information. In addition to traditional options such as heated and ventilated front and rear seats, the Cayenne offers desirable upgrades, including more supportive seats, massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, and more. The rival Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 have three rows, but the Porsche has only two. Still, its back seat is adjustable and provides plenty of stretch-out space. The Cayenne entices Porsche enthusiasts with ample passenger capacity and cargo volume, which are obviously far greater than the racy 911 sports car’s. The Cayenne provides 22 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and up to 54 cubes with the seats folded flat. That’s five and six cubic feet short of the normal Cayenne Turbo SUV, respectively. Interior cubby storage is unremarkable, with most small items seeking refuge in the door pockets or the shallow center-console bin. Every Cayenne includes a power-operated liftgate; the optional passive-entry system (called Comfort Access) allows it to be opened or closed with a foot gesture.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system uses a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dashboard. Its slick interface includes a configurable home menu and many personalized settings. While the system was responsive and easy to operate during our testing, the screen attracted smudges. A rotary controller would help reduce distractions during driving. Every Cayenne has Porsche Connect Plus, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A set of upgraded audio systems includes a 14-speaker Bose unit or a much pricier Burmester setup that pumps 1455 watts through 21 speakers. An available rear-seat entertainment system attaches two 10.0-inch displays to the back of the front-seat headrests.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Cayenne Turbo Coupe is available with a bevy of driver-assistance technology to help keep occupants safe. Every model has forward-collision warning and parking sensors at both ends. It even supports night vision with an optional infrared camera. For more information about the Cayenne’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Porsche provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty. However, BMW and Volvo provide lengthier coverage for complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4- or 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
BASE PRICE
$131,450
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
244 in3, 3996 cm3
Power
541 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
567 lb-ft @ 1960 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 114.0 in
Length: 194.5 in
Width: 78.4 in
Height: 65.1 in
Passenger volume: 104 ft3
Cargo volume: 21 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 5100 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.4 sec
100 mph: 8.9 sec
¼-mile: 12.0 sec
Top speed: 177 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 17/15/19 mpg
