2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe

What’s new?

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe is a new addition to the Cayenne lineup, offering a sleeker, sportier alternative to the traditional Cayenne Turbo SUV. While sharing the same 541-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission, the Coupe features a unique rear body design with a steeply sloped roofline, an adaptive rear spoiler, and a rear bench that sits 1.18 inches lower than the standard Cayenne.

Distinctive design elements include a panoramic fixed glass roof, 22-inch GT Design wheels, and two new colors: Lava Orange and Chalk. The Coupe also comes standard with the Sport Chrono Package, 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats, and a 2+2 seating configuration with a center storage compartment. Optional Lightweight Sport Packages, which include a carbon fiber roof, can reduce weight by up to 48 pounds, further enhancing the Coupe’s performance-oriented nature.

Looks more elegant and sporty than the SUV variant

The new Cayenne Turbo Coupe makes a strong statement with its sleek and athletic exterior design. Its fascia is dominated by two triangular LED headlamps with black housings delivering an aggressive touch. Compared to the SUV, the Coupe variant features a dramatically sloped roofline that sits 0.78 inches lower to create a more dynamic overall profile. While the coupe roofline undoubtedly looks sporty, it reduces the rear headroom and digs into the cargo space, compromising practicality for looks.

Porsche packs this trim with standard PDLS+ LED headlamps, but buyers can opt for Matrix Design LED headlamps with black surrounds to optimize visibility and enhance the looks. The sportier silhouette is accentuated by the Turbo model’s unique front bumper with larger air intakes and a more aggressive stance. At the rear, this trim narrates an equally sporty story, with standard LED taillamps running from one corner to the other via a thin LED piece. Available clear LED taillamps with an integrated light strip add extra spice to the rear.

One of the most distinctive elements of this trim is its adaptive rear spoiler, which automatically extends at speeds above 56 mph. This enhances aerodynamics and adds to its sportier looks. 21-inch Cayenne Turbo wheels are standard with this model, but buyers can upgrade to 22-inch GT Design wheels to spice the looks.

While the larger wheels slightly improve handling, they may translate to a stiffer ride quality, which we don’t recommend if you’re using it for daily drives or family use. 21- and 22-inch wheels with painted, Sports Classic, 911 Turbo Design, RS Spyder, and many more designs are available for customization, but they range between $1,250 to $4,060.

Full display of raw power with a muscular twin-turbo V8

Like its SUV counterpart, the all-new Cayenne Turbo Coupe is motivated by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine derived from the Bentley Bentayga and Audi SQ8. The powerplant is tuned to produce 541 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque in the Turbo Coupe, helping it propel from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph.

In independent testing, this performance SUV reached 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, half a second faster than the claimed figure. Power is routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

However, the engine output isn’t the highest in the segment, given rivals like the Maserati Levante GTS achieve 550 horses with a smaller Ferrari-sourced 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. Even though lower on power than its rivals, the Porsche is faster off the line than the Levante GTS and the X6 M Competition, a big plus.

Another area we appreciate is efficiency. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 gets 15 mpg (city) and 19 mpg (highway), offering 450 miles of max range with its 23.7-gallon tank. Rivals pack smaller tanks, and their lower economy puts them behind the Porsche in fuel range.

If you want economy and range from the Cayenne, the Turbo S E-Hybrid gets a plug-in hybrid system. It uses a 541-horsepower engine with electric motors and a battery to deliver 670 horsepower and roughly 12 miles of all-electric range.

Sharp handling, poised dynamics with impressive track and off-road chops

There are very few performance SUVs as versatile as the Cayenne Turbo Coupe when it comes to drivability and handling. This luxury coupe SUV comes with an all-wheel-drive system, pairing Porsche Traction Management technology to distribute equal traction to all four wheels. The Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) optimizes traction and agility by selectively applying brake pressure to the inside rear wheel during cornering.

Its chassis is paired with performance-tuned adaptive air suspension, which combines with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) feature to constantly adjust the damping force on each wheel, delivering agility and comfort. Ride quality is mostly smooth, and passengers are treated with a creamy ride quality. The performance-tuned adaptive shocks greatly reduce body roll in sports mode, giving the SUV extra agility while cornering or sharp turns. These dampers reduce the ground clearance at higher speeds to add more stability and allow the drivers to select among various off-road modes like "Gravel," "Mud," "Sand," and "Rock" to increase the ride height to 9.6 inches. This allows for easier terrain exploration, and the 20.8-inch water-wading capacity lets you easily navigate small streams.

On the road, the Turbo Coupe balances sports car-like agility with luxury SUV comfort. An optional Rear-axle steering enhances low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. This works by rotating the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels to reduce the turning radius and improve maneuverability at lower speeds or add more high-speed stability. The optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) takes things a step further with active anti-roll bars that keep the SUV remarkably flat through corners.

Porsche ensures fast stopping power with standard Surface Coated Brakes. The front wheels have 16.3-inch rotors with six-piston calipers, while the rear wheels are equipped with 14.3-inch rotors with four-piston calipers. These brakes provide decent bite for almost all purposes, promising swift halts. If you want extra stopping power, there are Ceramic Composite Brakes for $5,580, pairing the wheels with larger discs and ten-piston front calipers to stop the SUV from sixty at just 100 feet. If that doesn’t sound impressive, remember it weighs north of 5,000 pounds.

Handling features highlights

• Adaptive Air Suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)

• Porsche Surface Coated Brakes

• Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC): $3,590

• Rear Axle Steering: $1,620

• Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+): $1,500

• Optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)

• Four selectable off-road modes: Gravel, Mud, Sand, and Rock

• Maximum ground clearance of 9.6 inches

• Wading depth of 20.8 inches

A spacious five-seater cabin with advanced creature comforts and technology

The all-new Turbo Coupe packs one of the best cabins in this segment, but the fact that Porsche allows buyers to customize according to their preferences sets it apart from the competition. Inside, this luxury SUV features a clean and driver-focused layout, using premium materials and spacious treatments to deliver a rich ambiance.

Its dashboard features a clean design, focusing on functionality. A 12.3-inch touchscreen dominates the cockpit, with ergonomically-placed touch buttons in the front console. Material quality is superb, with standard gloss black accents and Dark Walnut inlays offered as a no-cost upgrade. You also get textured aluminum, exterior color-keyed, carbon fiber, and leather inserts at extra cost. Even the roof is upholstered with suede to deliver a stately touch.

The cabin seats four passengers by default via a 2+2 seating layout, but you can increase rear capacity for three passengers via a no-cost 2+1 rear seat, which is optional in Porsche’s other vehicles. That’s a positive point here! Black leather seats are standard, with optional two-tone leather seats and club leather upholstery.

Standard 18-way adaptive sports seats with memory and heating, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats should keep most buyers cozy. For upgrades, buyers can opt for ventilated front seats with massage for extra comfort during long tours or summers. Headroom and legroom remain sufficient for taller passengers in the front, but taller passengers may fall short in the back with lesser headroom due to the lower roofline.

The cockpit, while dominated by technology, doesn’t include a full-digital cluster. So, you have to stay satisfied with a semi-digital cluster with two seven-inch displays. While less modern, many buyers may appreciate Porsche for the presence of the analog speedometer. An updated PCM interface adds wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Wi-Fi, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, Radio Plus, and navigation with voice assist, meeting most infotainment needs.

Audiophiles will also appreciate a Bose 14-speaker surround audio system for its crisp quality. Still, if you need an upgrade, there is a Burmester 21-speaker 3D audio set for a whopping $5,810.

Practicality is one plug point, as this luxury SUV promises 21.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats for storing five to six bags and medium-sized luggage. For extra space, the rear row folds to yield 53.3 cubic feet of maximum room. Rivals offer lesser standard space but roomier maximum space. The SUV variant provides slightly more cargo space and more rear headroom.

Interior features highlights

• 18-way adaptive sports seats with memory and heating

• Ventilated front seats with massage

• Club leather seats

• Carbon fiber interior trim

• GT steering wheel with heating

• 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless phone pairing

• Wireless charging

• Voice assist with navigation

• Bose 14-speaker surround audio set

• Burmester 21-speaker 3D stereo set

• Head-up display

Reliability and warranty

Warranty

Porsche packs the Cayenne Turbo Coupe with a four-year basic warranty and powertrain coverage. Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit or 10,000 miles. While BMW and Maserati offer the same basic powertrain warranties, the X6 M Competition comes with three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Therefore, the Bimmer needs less ownership costs in the meantime.

Warranty highlights

• 4 years/50,000 miles basic warranty

• 4 years/50,000 miles powertrain warranty

• 4 years/50,000 miles roadside assistance

• 12 years/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

• 1 year/10,000 miles complimentary maintenance

How does it compare against rivals?

2020 BMW X6 M Competition

The BMW X6 M Competition is the best alternative to the Turbo Coupe. It starts at $117,600, undercutting the Porsche’s MSRP by $12,500. The X6 M Competition is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet, being more powerful than the Cayenne. However, its heavier curb weight makes it equally fast at 0-60 mph as the Porsche.

The X6 M Competition’s exterior design is more aggressive, with its bold kidney grille and muscular proportions. Its coupe profile gives it a bold stance, but the overall body silhouette looks more controversial. Its cabin looks modern and offers decent functionality with a driver-centric layout. You get a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a standard five-seater layout, which isn’t the case with the Porsche. A larger cargo trunk, complimentary maintenance of up to three years, and lesser MSRP are compelling reasons to prefer the X6 M Competition over the Cayenne.

2020 Maserati Levante GTS

Starting at $125,890, the 2020 Levante GTS is $4,210 cheaper than the Cayenne Turbo Coupe. This luxury SUV brings an Italian flair to the segment with its Ferrari-derived 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 550 horsepower and 538 pound-feet. While slightly less powerful than the Porsche, the Levante GTS offers a more exotic touch and a distinctive exhaust note. Its 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds is competitive, though not class-leading.

The Levante’s exterior design is sleeker and more understated than the Porsche, appealing to those who prefer a less flashy look. On the inside, the Maserati offers a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, but its infotainment system lags behind the Porsche’s in terms of technology and ease of use. While it features a semi-digital cluster like the Cayenne, it’s not as modern as the Porsche, and the 8.4-inch touchscreen falls behind the 12.3-inch touchscreen inside the Porsche.

On the bright side, the Levante GTS provides a comfortable ride and capable handling, though it’s not quite as sharp as the Cayenne Turbo Coupe on twisty roads. It also offers more maximum cargo room, proving more practical.

Conclusion: Mighty performance, sporty styling, and premium amenities come at a steep price

The all-new Cayenne Turbo Coupe blends high performance, chic looks, and luxury in an appealing performance SUV. It’s undeniably fast, more efficient than rivals, and pampers you with track-ready dynamics. The twin-turbo V8 and advanced chassis technologies deliver exhilarating driving dynamics, while the sleek coupe styling adds a touch of flair. However, its steep MSRP, reduced rear headroom, and cramped cargo trunk may deter buyers.

Rivals like the BMW X6 M Competition bring more power, modern amenities, and superb handling at significantly lower prices. On the other hand, the Maserati Levante GTS gives you Italian flair through a Ferrari-derived engine and masterful craftsmanship, but it can match the handling of the Germans. Summed up, the Cayenne Turbo Coupe is for those who prioritize driving engagement and brand prestige, but shoppers seeking a cheaper and equally luxurious SUV may find the X6 M fruitful.

FAQs

How much is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe?

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe starts at $130,100, excluding destination charges, options and dealer markups. This price tag is $3,600 higher than the Cayenne Turbo SUV, which starts at $126,500. The premium for the Coupe variant reflects its sportier styling and additional standard features, including the Sport Chrono Package and a panoramic fixed glass roof.

How powerful is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe?

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 541 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque. This engine enables it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reach a top track speed of 177 mph.

How is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe different from its SUV counterpart?

The 2020 Cayenne Turbo Coupe features a more dramatically sloped roofline, sitting 0.78 inches lower than the standard Cayenne Turbo. Its rear track is wider by 0.70 inches, and an adaptive rear spoiler makes it aerodynamically superior. The Coupe comes standard with a panoramic fixed glass roof, Sport Chrono Package, and 21-inch wheels. It also seats four passengers by default, as opposed to the SUV’s five-seater layout.

How does the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe compare against the 2020 BMW X6 M Competition and Maserati Levante GTS?

The Cayenne Turbo Coupe is more expensive than the X6 M Competition and Maserati Levante GTS. However, Porsche’s 541-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes less power than the 617-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 of the X6 M Competition and 550-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. Being heavier, rivals are slightly slower than the Cayenne Turbo Coupe but offer more maximum cargo capacity.

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

The 2020 Cayenne Turbo Coupe’s sloping roofline reduces rear headroom and cargo space compared to the standard Cayenne, potentially limiting practicality. Its high starting price and expensive options can make it less accessible than some competitors. Additionally, it packs fewer standard features than rivals, and once essential features are added, the prices skyrocket.