Car review: Porsche Cayenne Coupe - the verdict for the UAE

What's up with SUV coupes? They look amazing.

HOW MANY TIMES have you come across a product where the base model is better than its stylised version or sequel? Perhaps only in Hollywood where movies' first outings are generally the most acclaimed, or the lauded robustness of the original iPod are the few examples that spring to mind when attempting to illustrate numero uno is numero uno.
Generally later or more expensive incarnations of objects we like to buy tend to be better. The world would now collectively lose its mind if Amazon Prime simply disappeared tomorrow and we were left with the standard service, right? However, we recently stumbled across a car which bucks this trend. Okay, it does happen to be a 2019 altered rendering of an existing model, the Porsche Cayenne, but for once we're here to say there is no need to opt for the top-end, fancy-pants 'S' or 'Turbo' badges. Having tried all of them, the straightforward Porsche Cayenne Coupe will do you proud. This is why.
Base model better?
We're not exactly saying 'better'. It's just we found the entry Cayenne Coupe to be so good anyway; forking out more money for an upgraded package seems unnecessary. Obviously, everybody has their individual tastes, but for us the reasons are two-fold. Firstly it's a given whichever you plump for is going to drive well (it's a Porsche), but the element which most sold the Coupe to us was how it looks and they all look the same. Sharper contours with a unique rear end make this one of the most attractive Cayennes since its revolutionary 2003 market entry.
Yes, it's a SUV - a segment of which we are never overwhelmingly enamoured - but if we were ever going to have one it would look exactly like the pictures you see before you. The athletic shape, killer exhausts, the lower suspension, and yes even the gleaming black paint job tick all our boxes. Loaded with four people, whether the car is able to sprint from 0-100km/h a couple of seconds behind the pricier category, to us, simply doesn't matter that much.
But isn't faster always better?
On the whole we'd have to agree, but when it comes to this range of vehicles, is that what you're looking for? For us a Cayenne should turn heads and be comfortable. The base Coupe more than obliges. Plus it's no slouch. A six-cylinder turbo-charged engine provides 340hp and will do 0-100km/h in six seconds flat. Compare that to the notch above 'S' accelerating the same amount in around five seconds or the top of the range Turbo doing it in 3.9 seconds and you are left with different times, sure, but not so vastly diverse you'd lose any sleep. The standard Coupe's top speed is 243km/h for crying out loud. That's quick!
Okay, so it's a bit slower, but how did you find taking it around?
To answer that we have to highlight the Cayenne Coupe's greatest feature: its panoramic fixed glass roof fitted as standard. This has nothing to do with performance, but it will always alter your mood for the better. The 0.92m2 glazed expanse brings the outdoors in and the light and scenery it admits will always turn an everyday drive into a memorable journey.
Is it practical and luxurious?
With these features, you tell us. Up front there are eight-way sports seats, whilst in the rear: a bench that has the characteristics of two individual seats comes fitted as standard. Rear passengers sit 30mm lower than in the regular Cayenne, meaning there is plenty of headroom despite the vehicle's sportier credentials.
In the boot you have a 625-litre capacity, which is much more than your average family saloon. And if it's a toss-up between the Cayenne Coupe and a typical family saloon, we know which way we hope the coin will land.
Specs
Engine: Six-cylinder turbo
Power: 340hp
0-100km/h: 6secs
Top speed: 243km/h
david@khaleejtimes.com