2020 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe

What’s new?

As an all-new model for 2020, the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe introduces a sleek fastback body style to the Cayenne lineup. It shares its underpinnings and 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with the Cayenne S SUV but features a unique rear-end design with a steeply sloped roofline, an adaptive rear spoiler, and a license plate bracket integrated into the bumper.

The Coupe variant’s roof sits 0.78 inches lower than the SUV’s, and its rear track is 0.70 inches wider for enhanced stability. Its cabin comes standard with eight-way power sports seats and a panoramic fixed glass roof. A carbon fiber roof and lightweight sport package is available, further differentiating the Coupe from its more traditional sibling.

Bold appearance meets improved aerodynamics in the Cayenne S

Sleek and sporty, the Cayenne S makes a bold statement with its fastback-inspired silhouette. Compared to the standard Cayenne, the Coupe’s roofline sits 0.78 inches lower and slopes more dramatically towards the rear, giving it a more athletic stance. This design choice, while visually appealing, reduces rear headroom and cargo space.

While it shares the base Coupe’s overall shape, the S model gets a sporty bumper with larger intakes for improved airflow to optimize engine and brake cooling. A pair of LED headlamps with unique DRLs are standard, but buyers can outfit LED headlights with PDLS or Matrix headlights with PDLS+ function, improving the appeal and visibility with four-point DRLs.

Porsche offers a range of customization options, including a striking carbon fiber roof that not only looks great but also lowers the center of gravity. However, this option comes at the expense of the standard panoramic glass roof, which many buyers appreciate for its airy feel. At the rear, an adaptive spoiler extends at speeds above 56 mph, enhancing both aesthetics and aerodynamics.

20-inch alloy wheels are standard, with Cayenne Design or Sport wheels available for upgrades. Buyers can also fill the arches with optional 21 and 22-inch wheels to make their examples more imposing and improve handling. As with larger wheels, the ride quality will be stiffer, and noise and vibration levels will increase, reducing the luxurious cabin experience of the SUV.

Color choices are plentiful in this luxury SUV. There are metallic paints, starting at $910, and special paints, costing $3,590, besides the generic colors, for buyers to add a unique touch to their examples. As for dimensions, the Cayenne S rides on the same 114-inch wheelbase as other Coupe models, but its rear track is wider by 0.70 inches, giving it a more planted stance and stability.

Sufficient power with a capable twin-turbo six-banger

The Cayenne S Coupe is an important trim in the lineup, for it bridges the gap between the base and Turbo trims. It packs a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, code-named EA839TT, shared with the Porsche Macan GTS and the Porsche Panamera GTS. Its engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission for mediating the output to all wheels.

Its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine can generate 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Such outputs are sufficient to propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with the optional Lightweight Sport Package, but we expect the numbers to drop by two-tenths of a second, considering Porsches tend to be fast in real-life tests. Its top speed is rated at 163 mph.

Fuel efficiency isn’t an advantage for this luxury SUV, and it returns only 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Thankfully, the 23.7-gallon tank offers 521.4 miles of highway range.

When you compare these numbers against competitors, the Cayenne S fails to impress in terms of output and efficiency. The 2021 AMG GLE 53 packs a 429-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo straight-six mild-hybrid engine, presenting 18 and 23 mpg, respectively. On the other hand, the BMW X6 M50i is the most powerful of the three with a 523-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 unit, delivering 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds, albeit at the cost of fuel economy.

Apart from the gas-only models, the Cayenne Coupe brings two plug-in hybrid models for extra power and efficiency. The Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe sports a 455-horsepower powertrain based on the 3.0-liter engine, which uses a battery to deliver 14 miles of electric driving range.

Regarding our choice between the E-Hybrid and S trim, however, we’d prefer the E-Hybrid for its higher power, better efficiency, and all-electric range, plus its lower MSRP of $86,400.

Premium in-cabin experience with cozy seats and modern infotainment features

Stepping into the cabin, you’re greeted by a luxurious and tech-laden interior that seamlessly blends sportiness with sophistication. The sleek roofline does bring some compromises, particularly in rear headroom, but Porsche mitigated this by lowering the rear seats by 1.18 inches. Despite this, taller passengers will find the back seats snug on longer journeys.

The dashboard is meticulously designed, keeping in mind functionality and aesthetics. Clean lines with standard piano black accents dominate most of the part, but you can opt for brushed aluminum or carbon fiber inlays to add a sportier touch. Unlike most luxury SUVs, the Cayenne features a combination of physical dials and touch buttons in its center console to balance contemporary looks and function.

Comfort remains top-notch inside, with a standard capacity of four passengers. A three-seater rear row is offered as a no-cost upgrade if you want to increase rear passenger capacity. A pair of eight-way power sports seats are standard, offering superb comfort for daily drives. Should you need more comfort, 14-way power seats with memory are available. Buyers requiring an upright seating position can outfit 18-way adaptive sports seats with memory, but they aren’t ideal for long distances, and we’d happily opt for the 14-way seats.

While the seats provide decent comfort, we don’t like the fact that Porsche demands extra bills for heated-cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel, which are standard on most luxury SUVs in this range. Amenities like heated rear seats and ventilated front seats with massage are optional. Thankfully, leather seats are standard, and you get club leather seats to elevate the luxury. A dual-zone climate control system provides decent comfort in summer, but the HVAC system is loud, and sadly, Porsche has no fixes for this problem. The optional four-zone AC retains this issue, although cooling capabilities remain fast.

The Cayenne Coupe is one of the least practical in the sector, with just 22 cubic feet of default cargo space behind the rear row. You can fold the rear seats to get 54.3 cubic feet. If you seek storage space, the SUV model is better with 27.1 and 60.3 cubic feet, respectively. Buyers prioritizing practicality will be allured by the GLE 53 for its class-leading space of 44.8 cubic feet behind the rear row and 68 with the seats folded. BMW isn’t bad either, at 27.4 and 59.6 cubes, respectively.

Whether you like it or not, Porsche needs to work on its infotainment, as the Cayenne S Coupe packs one of the most outdated features in this sector. You don’t get an all-digital cluster yet, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen is the backbone of the infotainment corner. The PCM software, although smooth, is complicated, and buyers will need time to become familiar with the interface. A Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, voice-assist, navigation, and a ten-speaker setup are standard, but sadly, there is no Android Auto! In case the 10-speaker unit isn’t enough, you can select between a 14-speaker Bose or a 21-speaker Burmester 3D audio system.

Options

• 14-way power front seats with memory: $1,290

• 18-way adaptive sports seats with memory: $1,710

• Club leather seats: $5,170

• Heated steering wheel: $470

• Heated front seats: $530

• Ventilated front seats: $850

• Heated front and rear rows: $1,060

• Front seats with cooling and massage: $1,150–$2,000

• Ambient Lighting: $430

An upscale driving experience makes the Cayenne S a sector standout

The Cayenne S Coupe pampers you with an amazing driving experience. Its eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission feels quick, and the optional sports exhaust promises a mean exhaust note. An all-wheel-drive system with Porsche Traction Management and a limited-slip differential delivers superb grip on the road or in rough and slippery conditions.

Aluminum multi-link independent front and rear suspension with the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system continuously adjusts damping forces, providing a comfortable ride in normal driving conditions while firming up for spirited cornering. Ride quality isn’t too firm or spongy; instead, it’s agreeable on most occasions. If you want more poised characteristics, the optional adaptive air suspension combines with the Sport and Sport+ modes to lower the ride height to add extra stability and soak up body roll.

Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control Sport promises more high-speed stability by using electronic anti-roll bars to keep the vehicle poised. Another standout feature is the rear-axle steering system, which rotates the rear wheels in the opposite or same direction as the front wheels to improve maneuverability and high-speed stability. While these features do an excellent job of enhancing the overall experience, hardcore Porsche enthusiasts may find the overall driving feel artificial since it’s too perfect for a heavy SUV.

The electromechanical Power Steering Plus rack is responsive and light, but it doesn’t offer any feedback, which we think could have added more engagement to the behind-the-wheel experience. 20-inch alloy wheels are standard, with all-season Pirelli P Zero tires offering sufficient grip on most surfaces. Porsche offers various 21 and 22-inch wheels for improving the looks, but we’d stick to 20-inch wheels, given that larger wheels will result in a stiffer ride quality and increased noise and harshness levels.

Braking performance remains a highlight of this vehicle. Its front wheels are paired with 15.3-inch discs and six-piston calipers, while the rear wheels have 13-inch discs and four-piston calipers. The standard braking hardware provides adequate stopping power and uses the Porsche Torque Vectoring+ function to increase stability while cornering. Should you need more stopping prowess, the optional Surface Coated Brakes ($3,490) and Ceramic Composite Brakes ($9,080) use larger discs and calipers for faster deceleration, but they have shorter life spans and are expensive to replace.

Warranty

Porsche offers one of the best warranties in the luxury SUV landscape. The Cayenne S Coupe comes with a four-year basic warranty. Its powertrain includes a four-year warranty, and buyers get complimentary maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz provide the same basic and powertrain warranty, but Mercedes doesn’t offer complimentary maintenance, while Bimmers have a three-year or 36,000-mile free maintenance perk.

Warranty highlights

• Four years or 50,000 miles of basic warranty

• Four years or 50,000 miles powertrain warranty

• Four years or 50,000 miles of roadside assistance

• 12 years or unlimited miles of perforation and corrosion warranty

• One year or 10,000 miles of complimentary maintenance

How does it compare against rivals?

2020 BMW X6 M50i

With prices beginning at $85,650, the BMW X6 M50i undercuts the Cayenne S Coupe’s price by $2,950. While cheaper, the X6 M50i outperforms the Porsche in several important areas. It’s powered by a brawnier 523-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds, which is faster than the Porsche. However, its top speed maxes at 155 mph, which is less than the former’s 163 mph. Moreover, the X6 M50i is significantly heavier than the Cayenne S, so it can’t beat the latter in handling, especially at high speeds.

The BMW’s exterior styling is more aggressive, with a larger grille and more angular lines, while its interior features a more minimalist design with high-quality materials. BMW packs its cabin with a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, and its cabin comes with roomier seats. The 27.4 cubic feet standard cargo space, 59.6 cubic feet maximum roof, and a three-year complimentary maintenance scheme help it beat the Porsche.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53

Another great buy in this segment, the AMG GLE 53, is the cheapest among the three SUVs. It starts at $76,500, or $12,100 cheaper than the Cayenne S Coupe. Unlike its rivals, the GLE 53 sports a 429-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo inline-six hybrid engine, with which it takes 5.2 seconds to clock 0–60 mph. Albeit 0.6 seconds slower than the Porsche, the hybrid system is slightly more efficient.

Both luxury SUVs feature stylish exteriors, but preferences will vary with tastes. The GLE is more modern and sleeker, plus it offers a bevy of upgrades. Its interior comes with a standard five-passenger layout like the Bimmer, but the dashboard layout is the most modern among the three. Two 12.3-inch displays, one all-digital cluster, and a touchscreen rule the dashboard, and you get Android Auto, which its rivals lack. Mercedes also takes practicality seriously, with up to 68 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, bettering its rivals. However, it doesn’t come with complimentary maintenance, a minor drawback.

Conclusion: A superb luxury SUV for daily life and occasional track fun, but rivals are better

There’s no doubt Porsche makes great cars, and the new Cayenne S Coupe is powerful, fast, luxurious, and pampers you with handling rivals can’t match. It comes with a long options list, and the material quality remains superb. However, there are flaws.

Firstly, the MSRP is steep and higher than rivals. The 2.9-liter engine can’t beat the X6 M50i’s raw V8 power or AMG’s hybrid straight-six’s efficiency. Secondly, amenities like an all-digital cluster and Android Auto are absent, while the smaller cargo trunk reduces its practicality.

In addition, the Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe brings a 455-horsepower plug-in hybrid V6 with an electric range of 14 miles. As a bonus, it’s $7,500 cheaper, so we find it a better pick.

FAQs

How much does the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe cost?

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe starts at $88,600, positioning it between the base Cayenne Coupe ($76,500) and the Turbo Coupe ($130,100). This pricing puts it in line with competitors like the BMW X6 M50i ($85,650) and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe ($76,500). However, Porsche’s extensive options list can quickly drive the price well over $100,000 for a well-equipped model.

How powerful is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe?

The Cayenne S Coupe is equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package and reach a top speed of 163 mph. The engine pairs with an 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

How does the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe compare against rivals?

The Cayenne S Coupe is the most expensive in the segment. It’s $2,950 more expensive than the 2020 BMW X6 M50i and $12,100 more expensive than the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. In terms of power, it sits in the middle, with the X6 M50i being the most powerful with a 523-horsepower 4.4-liter V8 and the GLE 53’s 429-horsepower mild-hybrid turbo straight-six. The Porsche is the lightest among the three, exhibiting better handling and driving dynamics, while its rivals offer more standard features and larger cargo space.

How does the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe compare against the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S SUV?

The Cayenne S Coupe shares its powertrain with the Cayenne S SUV but features a more stylish, sloping roofline. This design reduces rear headroom and cargo space slightly. The Coupe sits 0.78 inches lower and has a 0.7-inch wider rear track for improved handling. It also comes standard with more performance-oriented features like the Sport Chrono Package and sport seats. The Coupe commands a $4,300 premium over the SUV.

What are the disadvantages of the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe?

The Cayenne S Coupe’s sloping roofline reduces rear headroom and cargo capacity compared to the standard Cayenne. It’s also more expensive, with a higher starting price and costly options that can quickly inflate the final cost. The 2.9-liter V6, while potent, lacks the visceral thrill of larger V8 engines offered by the X6 M50i. Additionally, rear visibility is somewhat compromised due to the rakish design, and fuel economy is lower than the mild-hybrid turbo inline-six system of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53.