RESP

Hello There, Like the look of this forum, and like the look of the Cayenne.
We are wavering between a new BMW 535xi and the Cayenne. Waiting to see which one my wife likes the most.
Have been looking through the posts and faqs, nothing to stop us from the Porsche based on what I have read so far.
Any comment on someone who will be driving this SUV for 20 to 25,000 per year, mostly highway? This vehicle will be replacing a 2001 BMW 740i, so we do appreciate comfort.
Thanks in advance.
paul

ManMachine

Base or S?

Because of the VW V6 in the base, most probably go for the S or higher.

RESP

We have driven the S. Didn't know the V6 was a VW engine. Thanks for the info.
Quite enjoyed the power in the S, and the comfort level seems right.

We do drive for up to 12 hours in a single day, often both of us, with my wife as the passenger. The navigation has to be enjoyable to work with, as she is the one working it during most of our trips.
I am certain we would be going with at least the 14 way seats.

w00tPORSCHE

The 14 and 18 way seats are very different in their look and fit. IMO the looks of the 18 way befits the sporty looks of the car and it also has the extended support to the undersurface of one's thighs. But the outer bolsters are quite prominent and for some folks their body (torso or lower body may not wedge properly. Please do an extended test drive and go in for the right one & do report back to us. The BMW seats are very comfortable but I heard that their i-drive is not very user friendly. Do you need a sedan or an SUV. Since you are coming from a BMW why not go with a Porsche. The 2011 interior is a giant leap forward but it could be too busy looking for some.

RESP

Thanks for the input w00t.
Will definitely be doing an extended test drive before we decide and buy.
Sedan or SUV isn't the issue. We have a Lexus RX400h for snowy city driving, this car/truck is to be the highway cruiser. We total about 40k per year, split between the 2 cars. Need the awd/4wd to get through the snow about 3 or 4 months of the year (Edmonton, Canada). When I am visiting clients who are farmers, I will need something to get me up a snow filled half mile driveways, with real tractor and truck ruts. A sedan may not make it.
Our BMW 740 is a 2001, pre I-drive. Have found the "buttons" added around the I-drive make the tool almost user friendly. Found the steering wheel controls on the Cayenne much more elegant and user friendly.

ltc

Since you already have the 400h, I would go with the 535xi...nice cars.

wilfred

Since you appreciate comfort, definitely get one with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management, aka air suspension). Since you travel in snow quite a bit and put a lot of miles, definitely get one with 18" wheels. 255-55-18 is a very popular size tire, much cheaper and easier when replacement time comes. Don't know about the new Cayenne but previous generation has been known to eat tires generously. I think average life span is 20k miles! But if you must go bigger, go with the 20", 275-40-20 is still a somewhat popular size. Definitely not 19" & 21", these are very rare sizes therefore your choices will be very limited and expensive!

ManMachine

Just to point out that PASM is not the same as air suspension.

Also, 19" is fine for summer tires, and you should get winter tires with the 18".

RESP

Thanks for the additional info. I usually go with the smaller dimension wheel to get the taller aspect ratio for my snow tires. I will definitely check out the tire prices before committing to a rim. i do miss my days in the USA when rubber was much less expensive. The tires for my S2000 kill me here in Canada!

Dennis C

I'd recommend PASM and a smaller diameter wheel (18") for maximum highway comfort. The comfort seats are nice too.

RESP

Was back at the dealer today, test drove the V6 (very basic, not many options). No one could find anything to quible about the power (okay, not as "ooomphy" as the V8). Nice rainy day test, lots of traction action. My wife actually enjoyed the comfort and drove it this time.
Will be thinking about Euro delivery. Any other canucks who have done Euro delivery? Any opinions??
Thanks again for everything so far.