Luxury cars - page 24

In 2004, Porsche took a bold step into the SUV market by introducing the Cayenne. While controversial among brand purists, this move ultimately proved to be a savior for the company, as the Cayenne quickly became Porsche’s best-selling model. Designed to compete with the likes of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the Cayenne offered a unique blend of Porsche performance and SUV practicality.

In the race towards electrification, Porsche and Audi offer powerful contenders - the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and the Audi RS e-tron GT. Both manufacturers are rewriting the EV market’s performance, style, and innovation rules with these stunning machines.

The Audi SQ8 debuted as the performance variant of Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q8, which Audi released in 2018 as a rival to the BMW X6. The X6 was introduced in 2008 and was the first coupe SUV. Though its styling elicited some controversy due to the reduction in rear passenger and cargo space when compared to the comparably-equipped BMW X5, it made a success as BMW sold 4,548 units in the U.S. alone in 2008. As a result, Mercedes-Benz followed suit in 2015 with the GLE-Class Coupe seven years after the release of the X6. Audi took a long time to enter the segment by introducing the Q8 in 2018, 10 years after the X6, and one year after the Lamborghini Urus, which came out in 2017.

The 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is a two-door, four-seater sports car that combines classic 911 styling with all-wheel drive traction and stability. The Carrera 4 offers a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and luxury at an accessible price range. Available in Coupe, Convertible, and Targa body styles, this trim is highly versatile, serving well for buyers with different tastes.

It was not long ago when BMW wanted a piece of the pie in the full-size SUV segment, where American brands such as Ford, Cadillac, and GM have been thriving for over a decade. Joining late to the full-size sports-utility bandwagon, the BMW X7 is the most practical BMW you can buy right now.

Porsche introduced the third-generation Cayenne for the 2019 model year, ushering in a new era of performance and refinement for the brand’s flagship SUV. Riding on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB EVO platform, the redesigned Cayenne featured a sleeker, more athletic exterior that maintained its distinctive silhouette while incorporating modern Porsche design cues. Its cabin was inspired by the Panamera sedan, offering a perfect blend of luxury, technology, and sportiness. New technologies like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and semi-digital cluster with two integrated displays promised better connectivity while treating occupants with top-notch comfort with massage seats.

Blending sleek aesthetics with practical utility, coupe SUVs burst onto the scene with the original BMW X6, which pioneered this niche in 2008. Porsche joined the fray in 2019 with its 2024 Cayenne Coupe (9Y3), built on Volkswagen’s MLB Evo platform shared with the Q8. This new addition to the third-generation Cayenne lineup aimed to capture buyers seeking a sportier silhouette without sacrificing the brand’s performance pedigree.

Limited to just 2,500 units globally, the all-new 911 Dakar is the newest trim in the sports car’s lineup and celebrates Porsche’s 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally victory. Based on the 992-generation platform, this model is the most expensive non-Turbo trim in the 992.1 lineup, sitting above the Carrera 4 GTS and commanding a hefty $222,000 starting price. Interestingly, Porsche initially planned to name it "Safari," but Tata Motors’ existing trademark forced a change to "Dakar."

The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T marks the return of the lightweight, performance-focused variant to the 992.1 generation lineup. Discontinued in 2019 with the 991 generation, the Carrera T or "Touring," slots between the base and S, offering enthusiasts a track-oriented package at a more accessible price point. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged boxer-six engine producing 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, the 992 generation adds nine horsepower and a seven-speed manual transmission, with an optional eight-speed PDK, fulfilling the expectations of purists via a compelling powertrain package.

The 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet was based on the 997 generation, succeeding the 996 (1999-2004) and running until 2013. This four-seat convertible packed a 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing 325 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. As the entry-level convertible in the 911 lineup, it offered an attractive blend of performance and open-top driving pleasure.

The 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe marked a significant refresh for the iconic sports car, ushering in the 996.2 generation. This update brought many changes, including a sleeker exterior design, an upgraded interior, and a new 3.6-liter flat-six engine replacing the previous 3.4-liter unit. As the entry-level model in the 911 lineup, the Carrera offered an irresistible blend of performance and everyday usability.

The 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo from the 996 generation, first went on sale in the United States for the 2001 model year. Slotting between the Carrera 4S and hardcore GT2, the Turbo brought racetrack-ready performance to the street at a more palatable price point. One of the most important changes bought by the 996 Turbo was a new Mezger 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine tuned to make 415 horsepower. Such power was enough for a 0-60 mph time of four seconds and a top speed of 189 miles.