2013 Porsche Cayenne Review

The Porsche Cayenne is an upscale SUV that is gradually finding relevance in the Kenyan market thanks to a growing demand for premium cars. It’s a performance SUV with excellent power delivery across the model range with the crown going to the record setting Turbo S that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. It's closely related to the VW Touareg and the Audi Q7 with which it shares a common platform. Other competitors include the BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class, and Range Rover Sport.

Detailed Review

The Porsche Cayenne is a five seater luxury SUV that has been in production for three generations starting from 2003 till present. It’s closely related to the VW Touareg and Audi Q7 with which it shares a common platform known as the E-Platform. The first generation was in production from 2003 to 2010, the second generation was in production from 2010 to 2017 and the third generation has been in production from 2017 to present.

Porsche is best known for building performance cars such as the world famous Porsche 911 and the Cayenne is no exception. The performance is strong across the model range with the slowest being the 3.6L petrol model that takes 7.8 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/ to the lightning fast 4.8L Turbo petrol model that takes 4.5 seconds to cover the same lap. The exterior design has not changed much across the generations and it still retains the same smooth aerodynamic profile. The interior has been upgraded and modernized taking inspiration from the cockpit of an airbus jet.

It’s offered with 4 engine options; these are a 3.0L V6 Petrol Hybrid, a 3.6L V6 Petrol, a 4.8L V8 Petrol Turbo, a 3.0L V6 Diesel and a 4.2L V8 Twin Turbo Diesel. These are linked to an 8-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission and available only in 4WD.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Grades

  1. Porsche Cayenne S – This is the entry level grade that comes with leather seats, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, electric adjustable steering, front and rear parking sensors, dual zone climate control, cruise control, audio system with 7-inch touchscreen, 18-Inch Alloy rims, electric windows and Porsche Traction Management
  2. Porsche Cayenne GTS – This comes with the same features as the Cayenne S plus a firmer suspension, lower ride height and aggressive body styling.
  3. Porsche Cayenne Turbo – This is an ultra-performance version that comes with air suspension, Porche Active Suspension Management, Sat Nav, three spoke multi-function steering wheel, 19-Inch Alloy rims, xenon headlights, Bose audio system and heated seats.
  4. Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – This is similar to the Turbo version but with more and a tuned suspension.
  5. Porsche Cayenne Hybrid – This comes with all the features of the S grade plus a 3.0L V6 Petrol Hybrid engine

Interior & Exterior
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxurious car with a tastefully furnished interior that is built with precision and attention to detail. All come with leather seats but depending on grade, you get many other extras such as the panoramic sunroof. In terms of seating space, at the first row, the legroom is excellent and the seats can adjust to fit any desired seating position. At the second row, the legroom is similarly impressive and tall people will find it comfortable.

On the outside, the Porsche Cayenne has a well crafted exterior with a sporty front profile and a rounded exterior. All grades come with alloy rims, fog lights and a dual exhaust and spoiler.

Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and the center-box. At the second row, there are 2 cupholders in the armrest compartment, front seat jacket pockets and door pockets.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Boot Space
The Porsche Cayenne has a sizable boot that is sufficient to carry luggage for a family of five. When extra space is required, the rear seats can fold down in a split configuration.

Other Extras: USB charging ports, air suspension, panoramic sunroof, heated seats

Safety Features: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Antilock Braking System(ABS), Hydraulic Brake Assist(HBA), a comprehensive Airbag system, Traction Control, Side Scan, Lane Assist

2013 Porsche Cayenne Fuel Consumption
2013 Porche Cayenne 3.0L Petrol Hybrid fuel consumption: 14.4 km/L
2013 Porche Cayenne 3.0L Diesel fuel consumption: 14.8 km/L
2013 Porche Cayenne 3.6L Petrol fuel consumption: 10.6 km/L
2013 Porche Cayenne 4.2L Diesel fuel consumption: 10.2 km/L
2013 Porche Cayenne 4.8L Petrol fuel consumption: 10.6 km/L

2013 Porsche Cayenne Acceleration
2013 Porche Cayenne 3.0L Petrol Hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 sec.
2013 Porche Cayenne 3.0L Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 sec.
2013 Porche Cayenne 3.6L Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 sec.
2013 Porche Cayenne 4.2L Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 sec.
2013 Porche Cayenne 4.8L Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 sec.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Fuel Tank Capacity: 85 Litres

2013 Porsche Cayenne Stability and Handling
The Porsche Cayenne is a perfectly balanced machine with a rare sense of refinement that is not common with SUVs. The interaction between the mechanical and electronic systems is perfectly synced and the car just seems to glide on the road. In fact, it’s so refined that we feared taking it off-road lest we break something.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and not as easily available.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.

German cars generally do not age well especially the newer models that come with a host of sensors that control virtually everything. These cars can be problematic with age and its advisable to buy them at very low mileage. It’s absolutely important to buy them from credible dealers that can guarantee their quality. We will give you their contacts at the end of this review.

Another factor to consider is the quality of maintenance and the service history of the car. These greatly determine the long-term reliability of the car and its important to have the car thoroughly examined by a qualified technician before you purchase it. Once this is done and you have purchased the right car, you then have to ensure that service is done on time using genuine parts. If you skimp on any of these, then be prepared for serious problems down the road.

If you are planning to own or currently own the 2013 Porsche Cayenne, it’s vital that you read the Owner’s Manual. If you need the manual, you can request it from us via [email protected]

Resale Value: Average

2013 Porsche Cayenne Competitors: Mercedes M-Class, BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and VW Touareg.

Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: from Ksh.4,000,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 120,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 80,000/- for 4 Tyres

See Latest Porsche Cayenne Prices here

What we like about the 2013 Porsche Cayenne
1. Precise Handling
2. Comfortable interior
3. Sports car performance

What we don’t
1. Expensive parts

Conclusion
The Porsche Cayenne is an exceptional SUV that is leading in many aspects such as performance, comfort and design.

Where to Buy the 2013 Porsche Cayenne in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Porsche Cayenne locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and UK who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.

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