The base has plenty of power for an SUV and daily driver for me. If I want more acceleration I’ll hit the sport button, which I’ll occasionally do when merging onto a highway.

 

The engines are very similar. Both EA839, main difference in power output being the twin turbo setup. They both suffer from a decreasing power curve up past 5k RPM's but the torque response below 2k is phenomenal in both applications!

I doubt you will notice any difference in sound between the two.

 

Only if you stay conservative with options. I think an S in the $95K to $100K range is a decent value in the Porsche world. A base model, which carries basically the same standard equipment as the S but for the engine, is the steal of the lineup if you don't need to go particularly fast in a straight line. Option one up for $80K and you've got a really, REALLY nice do-it-all car.

The Turbo is for fools like you and me who enjoy parting with lots of money for no real reason other than to drive like teenage boys when the hammer drops. Only when we optioned our initial S into the mid-$120K range did we say to ourselves, "This is stupid. That's Turbo money. Buy the Turbo." So we did.

 

The 2019's 4.0L Twin Turbo Cayenne has 100 more HP and is 1 second faster than the 2.9L Twin Turbo Cayenne S, and the latter is 100 HP and 1 second faster than the 3.0L Cayenne Base Turbo.

The question is how much power do you need/want.. or how much power you will regret not having later...

I am very satisfied with my current 2019 2.9 Twin Turbo Cayenne S.. My older SUVs had 300+ HP and were great.. My 2.9 Twin Turbo Cayenne S smokes them easily...

 

The Cayenne Twin Turbo model V-8 engine is a Porsche manufactured engine, the other engines are Audi engines, and that's not a bad thing, it's a synergistic move. Audi makes great engines. Period.

Further, look closely at the options included in each model; the Base model is a very base model, but includes many options not ordinarily included in other base model cars. It maintains the same technology. However, as you move up the models, to S, or to Turbo, you are provided what are additional otherwise considered optional equipment on lower models. So what you should do, in my opinion, is decide which options are critical to you and the enjoyment of the vehicle. Then add the options you would like to have, and then look at the models.

My opinion is that the Base started struggling rather quickly when I pushed it, the S had higher range and could run further with more torque more quickly. The Turbo, it just does not run out of torque or power--it is the pure Porsche experience.

Porsche got smart about it, and manufactured a variety of models to ensure capturing anyone who wants to own a Porsche, despite being less than a steaming machine. And it has worked, as there are a majority of buyers that do not "want" the crazy power or options that come with the Turbo.

When I test drove the base I was not impressed to be honest, as I felt it was a rather pedestrian drive. Then I drove the S and that was what I was expecting from a Porsche. Then I drove the Turbo and I was done.

Drive it, build it, then back into which model meets your needs, and more importantly, what you can afford and will enjoy the most.

 

Not sure if I'm with you on additional standard equipment when moving from Base to S. When we were building our Cayenne, I remember the $14K jump to the S included the engine (duh); slightly larger but still fairly basic brakes; different tailpipe finishers; different badging; and that was about it. Even the wheels stayed 19".

Moving from S to Turbo, however, added a whole ton of previously optional equipment for the $40K jump: PSCB; Alcantara headliner; PASM with air suspension; standard full-leather interior; active aero spoiler; 21" wheels; etc.

Am I misremembering? Just want us to be clear for folks contemplating jumping up a model or two.

 

It's been a few months since I did this, but as far as I can gather (may be off, so feel free to correct):

• 355 HP vs 434 HP
• 0-60 5.9 vs 4.6s
• Top Speed: 152 vs 164
• Bigger alloy wheels
• A panoramic moonroof, which is fantastic
• Cayenne S wheels are $600 more
• Seats:
  • Power 8-way seats are standard on both, but 14-way cost nearly $400 more on Base
  • Adaptive Sports Seats 18-way cost $400 more
• Packages:
  • Premium Package cost $2000 more
  • Premium Package Plus cost $1,800 more
  • Assistance Package Equal
• Exterior:
  • Panoramic Roof System cost $1,850 (included on "S" Model)
• Performance:
  • PASM cost nearly $2,000 more
  • Power Steering Plus $300 (Included on "S")

Any oversight or errors let me know.

 

So what did you end up buying? I have an S without acoustic and its super quite and very fast but fast is a relative term. Fast compared to the base but slow off the line compared with my 2009 Cayenne Turbo S. Either way, great car, fun to drive and great gas mileage.

 

roughly what mpg - highway & mixed urban driving?

 

The only part of the "S" level I wanted was the additional HP but was not willing to pay the premium. I am hoping that the JB4 piggy back that I have decided on will close the gap. It is my understanding that the base model has somewhat deeper gearing also.

 

I'm in the same camp as you. I have a different vehicle with about 700hp and when I want to feel big power I drive that. However, it would be nice to get a bit more out of the Cayenne. When do you plan to get the JB4? Please post your observations once you've installed it.

 

Funny that you ask about observations as I have been waiting to hear a review from someone who has installed a JB4 on a base '19/'20 Cayenne. I'm also thinking about a '20 SQ8 if they ever get them here.

 

So I did what I told myself I wouldn't do - test drive the S. I have a base on order, but now thinking of switching to S. I drove both back to back today. In my mind there is a big difference, and probably worth the $13k or so price increase if driven appropriately. My issue is that we live in the city, so won't notice the additional power 90% of the time. But after driving the S today I got out feeling like "that was really fun", and the motor matched up very well with the car. My base build is at $94k, and my inclination is to have the same build on the S at $108k, or drop some options to get it closer to $100k. Or keep the base because I won't get the "value" out of the S. I'm torn.

 

Funny how expensive those test drives can be. Same thing happened to me, although I went from the S, to the Turbo. The S came to $114K, the way I spec'd it out, and the Turbo ended up at $139K.

 

I decided to switch my order to an S. I will definitely not test drive the GTS or Turbo.