2011 Porsche Cayenne Review

The next-generation 2011 Cayenne is lighter, more fuel efficient, spacious, and inevitably, coming from Porsche, a little sportier.

Can you believe it’s been over seven years since the Porsche Cayenne launched in North America? Can you believe, after all these years, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne is only now the 2nd-generation offering?

Well, when your SUV is your top-selling product selling over a quarter of a million units worldwide, why meddle with a sure thing? But onwards and upwards, the next-generation 2011 Cayenne is lighter, more fuel efficient, and spacious, and inevitably, coming from Porsche, a little sportier.

An entry-level Cayenne V6 with all the goods

2011 Porsche Cayenne Review
2011 Porsche Cayenne. Photo: Amee Reehal

Our tested 2011 Porsche Cayenne here with the 3.6-litre V6 and Tiptronic is the entry-level model. With all options, ringing in at a total price (before taxes/fees) of around $57,300 USD or $78,310 CAD

Regarding customizations straight from the factory, Porsche doesn’t hold back. This version came equipped with some extras, including:

  • Meteor Grey Metallic paint
  • 18-inch Cayenne S III wheels
  • 8-speed Tiptronic with Auto Start-Stop
  • Comfort lighting package
  • Power tilt/slide moonroof
  • Driver memory package
  • Ski bag
  • PCM with Navigation
  • Front and rear park assist
  • Bi-Xenon lights and PDLS, and
  • BOSE surround sound system
2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 headlight
2011 Porsche Cayenne V6. Photo: Amee Reehal

All-new Tiptronic S eight-speed transmission

First, here’s a look at the key performance specs for the 2011 Cayenne V6:

SpecMetric
Engine3.6L V6
HorsepowerApproximately 300 HP
TorqueApproximately 295 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic with Tiptronic
0 to 60 MPH AccelerationApproximately 7.1 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 142-143 mph

The philosophy or premise behind Porsche’s development mandate is to increase power on less fuel, create greater efficiencies, and lower CO2 emissions—a principle the company dubs “Porsche Intelligent Performance,” epitomized by the all-new 2011 Cayenne where Porsche managed to increase horsepower to 300-hp while reducing fuel consumption by 20-percent compared to the former model by way of the all-new Tiptronic S eight-speed transmission with the Auto Start-Stop.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Review
2011 Porsche Cayenne. Photo: Amee Reehal

Innovations contributing to these efficiencies in this new eight-speed transmission include a wide spread of gear ratios, thermal management on the engine and transmission cooling circuit, on-board network recuperation, variable engine cut-off and intelligent lightweight construction.

New, sleeker Porsche SUV looks with a longer wheelbase for 2011

Dimensions Specs: 2010 Cayenne vs. 2011 Cayenne

First, we compare the outgoing model’s specs to the next-generation 2011 model:

Dimension2011 Porsche Cayenne V62010 Porsche Cayenne V6
Length190.8 inches (4,847 mm)188.9 inches (4,800 mm)
Width76.3 inches (1,941 mm)76.3 inches (1,941 mm)
Height67.0 inches (1,702 mm)66.9 inches (1,699 mm)
Wheelbase114.0 inches (2,895 mm)112.4 inches (2,855 mm)
Curb WeightApproximately 4,498 lbsApproximately 4,553 lbs

You’ll notice the reworked exterior styling—a lot sleeker and elegant with longer, flowing lines while retaining some beefy SUV appeal. Porsche made substantial efforts to give the 2011 Cayenne a more car-like character, more in line with its other product lines.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Review
2011 Porsche Cayenne. Photo: Amee Reehal

Many claimed the original Cayenne looked nothing like a Porsche. I disagreed, but perhaps we can put that to rest; the all-new sportier 2011 Cayenne certainly makes a statement with styling that is genuinely Porsche: new headlights, strong rear shoulder lines, and rear wings typical of Porsche.

The 2011 Cayenne grows in size, too, with a wheelbase almost 1.6 inches longer and 1.9 inches longer overall than the outgoing model.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Interior

2011 Porsche Cayenne Review
2011 Porsche Cayenne. Photo: Amee Reehal

Above all, the cabin in the all-new Cayenne is dramatically different than its predecessor, finding a much-needed, newly designed interior that was long overdue. Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the centre console, with entirely new instrumentation and buttons flanked by a couple of grab handles.

The entire console sits nice and high, with a comfy yet aggressive cockpit feel. Most of the new cockpit is from the new Panamera sedan, including the optional Burmester high-end sound system. The extended wheelbase allows for more rear legroom, while the front seats are upgraded for greater comfort.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Review
2011 Porsche Cayenne. Photo: Amee Reehal

A few other new features, all optional on the entry-level Cayenne, include the PDLS Porsche Dynamic Light System: the current xenon light system but now with speed-related headlight control with various light modes, including bad weather lights. There’s also the option Lane Change Assistant (LCA) monitoring the lanes right and left of the vehicle up to 70 metres, including the driver’s blind side, and Auto Cruise Control (ACC) using radar sensors to automatically monitor cruise control speeds by gauging distance to nearby vehicles.

Takeaway

Porsche has taken a proven, winning product and improved it dramatically with the 2011 Porsche Cayenne V6 Tiptronic. From the sportier and more elegant exterior styling to the completely redesigned and roomier cockpit interior, along with the introduction of some new assistance systems thrown into the mix, the Porsche Cayenne is arguably the most dynamic, well-rounded SUV on the market. Hands down.

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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.