Originally Posted by w00tPORSCHE

Alex, I agree with most of what you said. Cayenne, Audi and VW where exactly my choices too. Trust me I put a lot of thought into why someone would spend north of 85K on a SUV. After having the Cayenne fully equipped with performance options, PASM, AS, PDCC, PTV all I can tell you is that it handles like a 911 and there is almost no let down on the sports car feel. I asked myself this question: As someone who spends 75 % of the time driving with my family, why not get a SUV with a sports car like performance. After spending 5 weeks on my 2011 CS, I can confidentally state that I made the right choice for me but 9 out of 10 people out there it is oxymoronic. When I see people say that I just chuckle coz only I know how much fun it is the carve corners without any bodyroll sitting that high up and let me be the first to tell you that I don't drive like a maniac. I would say in the world of SUVs, for the performance, exclusivity, reliability, quality of interior fit and finish nothing comes close to the Cayenne. In fact it IS the best bang for the buck provided one has the guts to take that giant leap (I know it is hard for many for that 20K delta and I can certainly understand their perspective) and the wallet to support it. The V6 is very capable and the V8 is insanely fast and nimble. The turbo ... let's not talk about that.

Originally Posted by alexb76

Case in point... as 2nd car, and for gravel road/camping this summer, I am looking into a used Audi Allroad (no longer available in N.A). 2.7T or 4.2 engine, with adjustable height suspension... bring it down for highway, twisties, lift it up for gravel/light offroad/snow!

Originally Posted by keninirvine

I was wondering when someone would suggest the A4 Avant. To me, station wagons are coming back. They always had more room than most SUVs, and handle better, use less gas, etc. Plus, I think the A4 Avant is a gorgeous looking vehicle. Haven't driven one to see how the 2.0T motor feels (the only choice), but with the new 8-speed automatic (only choice in 2011), it should do fine.

Originally Posted by racer

Bad idea imho. I am a longtime Porsche fan.. but the correct "tool" for the job is a dreaded minivan. Holds all the kid crap and plenty more.. gets better mileage.. sits lower to the ground.. has power sliding doors that makes it easy for young growing kids to climb in and out of. I know, there are no style points with a minivan.. but imho, they are the only tool for a young growing family. If you need to spend lots of money, you can rachet them up to $40K+ to make you feel better.

Then, keep the 4S for weekends, and for nights out with the wife, daily driving etc. On the plus side, kids will get bigger and the crap they need can be whittled down. My two boys LOVE riding in my lowly 944 because its NOT and SUV/Minivan!

unless I've completely misunderstood and YOU expect to drive the Cayenne all the time (which doesn't make much sense unless the kids are in your car everyday). Go take the kids and try one out. Get used to the high liftover to put the kid in the carseats.. to put the stroller in the back (is it a double stroller??) then imagine fitting the costco run of crap in there.

Originally Posted by alexb76

I haven't been in the new Cayenne, so can't specifically comment, but I think you are absolutely stretching it, claiming "it handles like a 911"!

I am sure it handles very well for SUVs, but basically due to laws of physics, its weight, tires, weight distribution, etc... it is absolutely impossible for it to handle "like a 911". I've been in the older body Turbo, and it sure was fast as hell, but it definitely didn't handle like a sports car, not even a sports sedan!

My point is... an SUV is meant for utility, for hauling stuff around and for occasional times when one needs to get through heavy snow or gravel roads and need extra clearance. No one needs V8 Turbo for that, you need some torquie engine (if you tow) which a TDI is a perfect solution.

If one's primary concern is sporty feel, power, handling, and close to sports car performance but with more room (for family)... the only option is to get a sports sedan, being Panamera, S4, S6, M3, M5, AMG, etc...