Not convinced?
HERE ARE THE ALTERNATIVES
Audi SQ5 £44,055
Audi’s SQ5 is one of the best of the fast luxury SUVs. Strictly speaking it’s in a different segment to the Cayenne S Diesel, though it does have similar performance. In fact, the SQ5 is officially the world’s fastest diesel SUV. Powered by a 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine, it can reach 62mph from standstill in just 5.1 seconds and move on to a top speed of 155mph. It mixes sporty driving with good fuel economy – progress is easy thanks to its eight speed automatic transmission – and can return 41.5mpg combined. Unsurprisingly its 540-litre boot is smaller.
BMW X5 £60,830
The X5 xDrive M50d SUV model is BMW’s rival to Porsche’s Cayenne S Diesel. Powered by a V6 diesel engine rather than a V8, it has two cylinders less but its 381bhp power output is essentially the same. However, it’s quicker with a zero to 62mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds, has a slightly better combined fuel economy (37.4mpg) and lower CO2 emissions (199g/km). The six cylinders deliver less torque than the Porsche’s V8, so there’s less drama. The 620-litre boot is 50 litres smaller, though its cabin feels more spacious. It is a tad more expensive too.
Range Rover Sport from £59,995
The world’s press has just been driving the latest Range Rover Sport, which is now sleeker, less boxy and lighter than ever. Powered by a 3.0-litre V6, which outputs 292bhp, the 0-62mph dash takes longer at 6.8 seconds, but economy (37.3mpg) and CO2 emissions (199g/km) are better. It also has a much bigger 784-litre boot. Comfortable, refined and effortless to drive, the Cayenne can’t touch the Sport’s off-road abilities. If you want to match the Cayenne S Diesel for on-road performance you’ll need to wait for Range Rover’s forthcoming V8 diesel version.