justabout

The adaptive cruise helps to avoid collisions so is essential on modern cars where the tech distracts the drivers. I never was interested in ACC until realizing I’m reading menus instead of focusing on the road.

911NV

I live in the mountains and enjoy the engine braking of the V8. With the V6 I was always having to ride my brakes or shift into 3rd and have the engine screaming all the way down.

Oldboy52

Yup, I came from a v8 to v6 in my 2019 and really miss the engine braking. Downshifting in the v6 for engine braking effect is feeble. If engine braking is important, get the v8.

Ericson38

When I would downshift our 2009 cayenne 957 base with the VR-6 D.I. engine (3.6 liter), it would slow things down for sure. The 3.0 liter engine in our 2023 is less effective at it, and part of it has to do with the Miller cycle the ECU is putting the engine in during closed throttle conditions. The other reason is that a 4700 lb vehicle is being moved around by a 3.0 liter engine, with reduced compression (Miller).The Miller cycle reduces the compression stroke by either closing the intake valve early or later than what would be optimum for the highest dynamic compression values, which has a net effect of increasing the power stroke's expansion ratio, since the exhaust valve timing is not adjusted in the same manner.

Turrrbo

V8 with minimal important options should do it for you. ACC, LKA, HUD and 14 ways seats. Add SportDesign package if you can, so the car doesn’t look too boring over time. Good luck

oCid

Por que no los dos? Get the V8 with the options you want. The GTS engine is amazing, but I would never get a Cayenne with a base interior. It feels like a VW.

Consider this -- it's a completely unnecessary luxury SUV that costs 3x as much as a perfectly fine Mazda CX-50.

At this point, why sacrifice comfort and fun just to save a few % off the price?

luv2sleep

There are many variables but since we are talking about the Cayenne, I’d opt for the 4.0TT. For me, the 2.9L just doesn’t cut it in the Cayenne; the Cayenne is too heavy for the V6. There’s a reason why Porsche is ditching the 2.9L on the Cayenne. Don’t get me wrong, the 2.9L is a good Audi engine and is totally suitable on the Macan but not on a heavier SUV such as the Cayenne. If you can/are willing, fork out the extra $$ and go for the 4.0TT. In the age of dying big block IC engines, enjoy them while they last. Yes, there’s no replacement for displacement.

justabout

“If you can/are willing, fork out the extra $$ and go for the 4.0TT. In the age of dying big block IC engines, enjoy them while they last.”

agree but I recall when 6.6 (400 cubic inches) was a big block.

Needsdecaf

And made probably half the horsepower with 1/4 the reliability.

LDT

I always thought my GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L gas hog would be my last V8. Todays V6 with turbos provide plenty of zip to meet my needs. However there was never a V6 that has an exhaust note like a V8. I’m still yearning for one and yes, get ‘em while you can.

luv2sleep

Me too. I also remember 0-60 in 6ish seconds was categorized as a super car.

sevasnex

Thanks guys for all the comments. I'm leaning towards the "base + a ton of options" option. There are some options that I cannot live without (red interior, heated and ventilated seats, 3D view camera, roof lining in race-tex). I've made a poor job asking the question, I guess. I am not looking for what is better (V8 is better, of course), I'm looking for what I can live with for 7-10 years. I cannot live with a bare bones car even if it has a V8. The most of my driving is going to be in a congested European city with cobble stone roads.