2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe (9Y3)

Exterior design, changes, features, and specs

The BMW X6 pioneered the Coupe SUV segment in 2008, blending SUV practicality with coupe-like styling. While revolutionary, its design grew increasingly polarizing with weird body proportions over time. Audi’s Q8, launched in 2018, refined the concept more subtly, maintaining interior space despite its sloping roofline. While the Coupe shares the snazzy styling of the redesigned Cayenne launched in 2019, it boasts a more athletic appearance with its 0.78-inch lower roofline, which gives it a more refined look and strikes a sporty demeanor simultaneously.

However, this sleek silhouette drops the cargo capacity in the Coupe variant by 5.2 cubic feet, offering a standard cargo space of 22 cubic feet (27.2 cubic feet in the SUV). Maximum cargo capacity takes a blow, with the Coupe compromising 6.0 cubic feet. The raked rear window and smaller rear side windows impair rearward visibility compared to the regular Cayenne, making the rear seats feel more confined. Porsche’s decision to omit a rear wiper raises concerns about the rear windshield being prone to dirt, which can’t be easily cleared without a wiper. We find the Coupe’s styling changes too subtle, with only the body panels from the A-pillar back being unique.

Despite these criticisms, the Cayenne Coupe is more aerodynamic than its SUV sibling. Its fascia features a shallower grille, while air curtains optimize airflow. Active grille shutters improve aerodynamics and thermal management, and the redesigned rear doors, quarter panels, and bumpers broaden the shoulders by 0.7 inches. A deck lid rear spoiler extends 5.3 inches at speeds above 56 mph, increasing downforce.

A standard panoramic fixed glass roof floods the cabin with natural light, which is optional for the SUV variant. Buyers can opt for a carbon fiber roof, embellishments, lightweight sports packages, and a range of wheel options from 20 to 22 inches to add a distinctive flavor or personalized touch. Standard LED headlamps and taillights promise excellent illumination, but Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and matrix LED headlamps with PDLS+ are optional for added safety and improved visibility at night.

Exterior features highlights

• Air curtains and active grille shutters

• LED headlamps and tail lamps

• Adaptive rear spoiler

• Standard panoramic fixed glass roof with integrated sunshade

• Metallic/Special Paint ($910/$3,590)

• Lightweight Sport Package - $14,440 ($15,600 for black, $17,920 for carbon fiber)

• Sport Design Front Fascia ($3,610 Exterior Color, $5,660 High Gloss Black, $8,280 Carbon Fiber)

• LED headlamps with PDLS - $580/$960

• LED Matrix headlamps with PDLS+ - $2,150

• Clear Taillights - $990

• 21-inch alloy wheels - start at $3,100

• 22-inch alloy wheels - start at $3,830

Engine specs, performance, and fuel economy

Like its traditional SUV brother, the all-new Cayenne Coupe gets the new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mill, replacing the 3.6-liter naturally aspirated unit from the previous generation. The 3.0-liter turbo-six generates 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, 35 horsepower and 37 pound-feet more than before. A slick-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and a standard Sport Chrono Package deliver 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, the same as the SUV variant, despite the Coupe being 81 pounds heavier. The top speed remains the same at 151 mph.

The Cayenne Coupe is fast and offers sufficient oomph for swift highway runs. However, buyers seeking more muscle will love the Cayenne S for its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Its engine produces 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet. With that 99 horsepower and 73 pounds more from the engine, the Cayenne S shaves the 0-60 timing by a second and offers a top speed of 163 mph. Spirited drivers should love the flagship Cayenne Turbo Coupe for its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which cooks 541 horses and 567 pound-feet to get to sixty in 3.7 seconds and maxes at 177 mph.

When you drive a Porsche, fuel economy is the last thing you care about. However, for eco-conscious buyers, the base Cayenne Coupe offers the best everyday practicality, with 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Trims like the S and Turbo are brawnier but less fuel-efficient, with the Cayenne S Coupe dropping the figures by a mile in the city and highway. The Turbo drops the numbers to 15 mpg (city) and 19 mpg (highway). All trims pack a 23.7-gallon tank, with the Base Coupe offering a 545.1-mile range on the highway, making it an excellent tourer in this segment.

The Cayenne Coupe’s nearest rival—the BMW X6 xDrive40i’s 3.0-liter turbo inline-six is good for 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet, identically powerful. But the X6 raises the bar with a 5.2-second 0-60 timing, plus a 20-mpg city and 26-mpg highway rating. The Audi Q8 sticks to a hybridized version of the 3.0-liter turbo V6, generating 34 pound-feet more torque. 0-60 mph time is the same as the Cayenne Coupe at 5.6 seconds, but the Q8 has a higher 155-mph top speed. On the contrary, it is less efficient than the Cayenne, with 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

How does the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe drive?

Behind the wheel, the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe demonstrates its capabilities as a true driver’s SUV. Porsche’s signature handling abilities shine, making daily drives an engaging experience. The standard electromechanical rack-pinion steering column is well-weighted and precise, providing more feedback than drivers receive from the BMW X6 and GLE Coupe. The accurate tuning allows for a more purposeful and planted stance at lower speeds.

Unlike the X6, Porsche sells the Cayenne Coupe only with an all-wheel-drive system, which may or may not be in everyone’s favor, considering AWD SUVs are less fuel-efficient than RWD models. On the brighter side, Porsche pairs the PTM AWD system with a center mechanical limited-slip differential for optimal power distribution and grip in various driving conditions. Standard aluminum multi-link suspension balances comfort and sportiness, keeping most owners happy in daily drives.

Porsche also offers optional Adaptive Air Suspension with PASM at $2,170, which further enhances versatility with three adjustable modes: Normal, Sport, and Sport+. The ride quality and handling mannerisms stay agreeable with the Normal mode, but Sport and Sport+ modes incorporate firmer tunings to keep the SUV stable, albeit with stiffer ride quality.

The standard Sport Chrono Package adds a dash-mounted stopwatch and a drive mode selector with a Sport Response button, allowing drivers to unleash their full potential when needed. Those seeking more agility can equip the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC) at $3,590, pairing the SUV with electromechanical anti-roll bars for better precision while taking corners.

Porsche pairs the wheels with 13.77-inch front and 13-inch rear vented rotors, complemented by four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. This allows the 4,663-pound SUV to stop when drivers mash the brake pedal. For high-speed drivers, the optional Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) with larger rotors and upgraded calipers halts it faster during occasional track sessions.

Make no mistake—the Cayenne Coupe isn’t a 911, but its compact body and shorter wheelbase contribute to its nimble handling. However, the higher curb weight slightly dampens its agility. 20-inch wheels with all-season tires balance with good grip in most driving scenarios, keeping ride quality mostly aggregable. Buyers can opt for 21—and 22-inch wheels with summer tires. If done so, we recommend getting the adaptive air suspension, as larger wheels and summer tires provide a firmer ride quality.

Interior design, comfort, changes, and features

As the sleeker version of the traditional Cayenne SUV, the new Cayenne Coupe has a fair share of strengths and weaknesses. Its interior is dominated by a tech-forward dashboard, which looks very similar to the Panamera luxury sedan. However, you can spot differences like the unique air-con vents and front console design in both vehicles. Standard piano black accents add an upscale look but attract unnecessary smudges. Buyers can opt for aluminum, leather, or carbon fiber accents for a richer touch.

At the cockpit’s center is a rising center console and multifunction steering wheel inspired by the Porsche 911. This driver-focused setup places key controls within easy reach, making it easy to pilot the car on longer journeys or short drives. However, unlike its five-seater rivals, the interior is anything but practical with a standard four-seater configuration. You can outfit the rear with a bench seat, but that adds $1000, which, in our opinion, should be a no-cost upgrade.

Standard eight-way power-adjustable sport seats with integrated headrests provide excellent support and comfort, with optional upgrades like 14-way power seats or 18-way adaptive sport seats for those seeking a more upright posture. Rear passengers are treated with slightly lower seating than the standard Cayenne, ensuring ample headroom despite the Coupe’s sloping roofline. Depending on the buyer’s needs, the rear bench can be configured as either a two-seat layout with a center storage compartment or a traditional three-seat arrangement.

Dual-zone climate control keeps occupants comfortable, while features like heated and ventilated front seats, massaging functions, and four-zone climate control add more comfort. A semi-digital instrument cluster with two seven-inch displays provides essential information at a glance, but switching between screen displays in the instrument cluster can be distracting. An optional head-up display provides easier access to crucial information while driving.

Buyers often lament the lack of a roomier cargo area, noting that the Coupe’s stylish silhouette comes at the expense of practicality. The Cayenne Coupe is hardly practical, with just 22 cubic feet of standard cargo space and 54.3 cubic feet of maximum space. The BMW X6 has 27.4 cubic feet of standard room (5.4 cubic feet more) and 59.6 cubic feet of maximum space (5.3 cubic feet more).

Interior feature highlights

• Four-seater interior/five-seater available

• Eight-way power-adjustable sports seats

• Semi-digital instrument cluster with two 7-inch displays

• Seat Heating (Front) - $530

• Seat Heating (Front and Rear) - $1,060

• Seat Ventilation (Front) - $850

• Front seats with massage and ventilation - $2,000

• 14-Way power seats with memory- $1,680

• 18-Way Adaptive Sport Seats with memory - $2,100

• Leather/Club Leather Interior - $3,750

• Alcantara headliner - $1,690

• 4-Zone AC - $990

• Heated and Alcantara multifunction wheel - $470

• Heated steering wheel with Anthracite chestnut/carbon fiber/dark walnut/aluminum - $800

• Carbon fiber/dark walnut/deviated leather interior trim - optional

• Head-Up Display - $1,720

Infotainment and safety

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe’s infotainment system revolves around the Porsche Advanced Cockpit, featuring a sleek 12.3-inch touchscreen display with a customizable interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration for iOS users. However, the absence of Android Auto support leaves Android device owners out in the cold. As mentioned earlier, the cockpit misses out on a full-digital cluster, which is present in the BMW X6 and Audi Q8, but the absence of an all-digital cluster isn’t a bad thing, considering a semi-analog cluster exhibits a pure design.

A standard 10-speaker audio system leaves room for improvement, with some critics describing muddy lows and harsh highs that persist despite equalizer adjustments. The optional 14-speaker Bose Surround Sound System or the range-topping Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System allows for a more refined listening experience and a better fit for audiophiles.

On the safety front, features like front and rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection are standard. However, many advanced driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist are optional.

Porsche’s InnoDrive system, which includes adaptive cruise control, and the comprehensive Assistance Package bundles these technologies together, but they come at a steep price. The Assistance Package cost $6,250, while the InnoDrive demanded $3,610, requiring a hefty premium besides the Cayenne Coupe’s already expensive price.

Infotainment and safety features

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display with 10-speaker audio system

• Porsche Connect Plus (LTE-compatible sim card, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi hotspot)

• Voice assist and navigation

• Standard front/rear Park Assist and cruise control

• 6-Disc CD/DVD Changer - $560

• Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System - $7,000

• Bose 14-speaker Surround Sound System - $1,200

• Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System - $7,000

• Smartphone Compartment - $690

• Porsche Innodrive including Adaptive Cruise Control - $3,610

• Assistance Package - $6,240

• Lane Change Assist (LCA) - $950

• Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Traffic Sign Recognition - $1,300

• Night Vision Assist - $2,420

• Park Assist (Front and Rear) with Surround View - $1,200

Problems and reliability

Porsche has long been known for building reliable, high-performance vehicles, and the 2020 Cayenne Coupe upholds that reputation. J.D. Power gives the 2020 Cayenne 84 out of 100, indicating above-average dependability. However, as with any complex luxury vehicle, the Cayenne Coupe is immune to potential issues.

One area of concern for some owners is the base model’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine (M02.2Y). While generally robust, a few reports of engine failures around the 40,000-mile mark surfaced. These incidents, though rare, leads to costly repairs if not covered under warranty. The engine’s complex design, with its "hot V" turbocharger layout, makes certain maintenance tasks more challenging and expensive than naturally aspirated engines. The eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system are reliable, but owners often experience clunking sounds or vibrations from the drivetrain, particularly during low-speed maneuvers.

Electrical concerns are common in the Cayenne Coupe. Some owners reported intermittent faults with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system, leading to freezes, reboots, or loss of certain functions. Other electrical issues include malfunctioning air suspension components, erratic blind-spot monitoring, and occasional false alarms from the parking sensors. Some owners noted minor rattles or squeaks from interior trim pieces, particularly in the rear cargo area. The panoramic sunroof is a potential source of leaks if not properly maintained.

As with any used luxury vehicle purchase, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Porsche technician is highly recommended. This is especially crucial for examples with incomplete service records or multiple owners. While a well-maintained Cayenne Coupe can provide years of driving enjoyment, neglecting regular maintenance or skimping on repairs can lead to more serious issues. Be cautious of examples with suspiciously low prices, as they may have hidden damage or a sketchy history. Opting for a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle from a reputable Porsche dealer can provide added peace of mind, as these cars undergo rigorous inspections and have extended warranty coverage.

Pre-Purchase Tips:

• Opt for a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Cayenne Coupe for added peace of mind and extended warranty coverage.

• Have a qualified Porsche technician conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection, paying close attention to the engine, drivetrain, and electrical systems.

• Check for any signs of water leaks or damage, particularly around the panoramic sunroof and rear hatch area.

• Ensure all infotainment and driver-assistance features are functioning properly, as repairs can be expensive.

• Verify that all required maintenance has been performed according to Porsche’s recommended schedule.

• Be cautious of examples with incomplete service records, multiple previous owners, or suspiciously low prices.

• Budget for higher maintenance and repair costs than non-luxury SUVs, as Porsche parts and labor can be expensive.

Is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe a good purchase?

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe is a great car and a sleeker alternative to the traditional Cayenne SUV, but whether it’s a good purchase depends on individual preferences. With its lowered rear roofline mimicking a luxury wagon, the Cayenne Coupe balanced style and practicality. As for driving dynamics and power, it closely matches the BMW X6 in acceleration but provides superior handling, making it a true enthusiast’s choice. However, the X6 packs better value and standard features.

Among the Cayenne Coupe lineup, the S model offers the perfect balance, delivering an additional 99 horsepower and faster acceleration for a $13,300 premium over the base model. For those seeking raw V8 power and a sportier appearance, the Turbo Coupe is a top choice, boasting a 3.7-second 0-60 time and a wealth of features. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal priorities, but if you prioritize practicality over style, the regular Cayenne SUV remains the more sensible option.

FAQs

How much is a 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe?

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe started at $75,300, while the standard Cayenne SUV began at $66,800 – making the Coupe $8,500 pricier. Today, used 2020 Cayenne Coupes typically range from $40,000 to over $60,000, depending on trim and condition.

How powerful is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe?

The base Cayenne Coupe packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This setup propels the Coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds (5.6 with the Sport Chrono Package) and a top speed of 151 mph.

What are the differences between the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the Cayenne SUV?

The main differences are in styling and practicality. The Coupe features a sleeker, lower roofline and a more aggressive rear design. However, this results in less rear headroom and cargo space than the standard Cayenne. The Coupe also comes with more standard features to justify its higher price tag.

What are the problems in the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe?

Some reported issues include occasional infotainment system glitches, premature wear on brake components, and potential water leaks around the panoramic sunroof. A few owners have experienced engine problems, though these are relatively rare. As with any luxury vehicle, repairs can be costly.

What are the pros and cons of the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe?

The Pros include a striking design, excellent handling for an SUV, powerful engine options, and a luxurious interior. The Cons involve reduced practicality compared to the standard Cayenne, a high starting price, expensive options, and potentially high maintenance costs. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes style and performance over utility.