3 Things We Like About the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupé and 2 We Do Not
Recently, we got to spend a week with the all-new 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupé. Refreshed for this model year, we wanted to see how the entry-level model stacked up in the world of sport luxury SUVs as well as within the Porsche family itself.
In short, we were impressed overall, but no vehicle is perfect. Below we explore what we really like about the new 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupé, and what we would like to change.
Like – Driving Dynamics
When a Porsche badge appears on a vehicle, it needs to be a driver’s vehicle first, regardless of size, weight, or classification. The Cayenne Coupé succeeds in this regard, even in its entry level form.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid six-cylinder gets the mid-size SUV from 0-60 mph in 5.4-seconds which is respectable. But the real surprise is how connected the driver feels to the SUV. The steering, responsiveness, and agility defy what a high-riding 4,740 pounds (2,085 kg) vehicle should be capable of. In fairness, our Cayenne Coupé did have some performance options added on, but more on that later.
Don’t Like – Thirsty
Even with the smallest engine and a mild-hybrid boost, the six-cylinder Cayenne Coupé is thirsty. Officially it is rated at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. For comparison, the 2024 BMW X6 xDrive40i is rated for 23 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. In fact, the heavier, 523 horsepower X6 M60i is nearly rated the same as the Cayenne at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
With Mercedes-Benz it’s a similar story. Although the brand doesn’t have a GLE-Coupe equivalent to the entry-level Cayenne Coupé, the 429 hp AMG GLE 53 Coupe is in a dead heat with the Porsche, rated at 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Like – Available Options
Unlike a lot of vehicles, Porsche offers nearly every Cayenne Coupé option available on even the entry level model. Customers aren’t forced into higher, more expensive trim levels just to get the options they want. This allows folks who want more luxury than sport from their Cayenne Coupé to customize it just the way they want.
Don’t Like – Price
Problem with the above point, the price escalates quickly. The Cayenne Coupé is already one of the more expensive options in the segment, with a $10,000+ premium compared to the similarly powerful BMW X6 xDrive40i. Although we believe this price is worth it, if one starts to get carried away with checking option boxes, the price will skyrocket.
Our specific tester, which starts at $85,950 including destination charges, saw a nearly 50% increase in pricing due to added options and packages.
Like – Styling
SUV Coupes are a love it or hated affair. But we feel the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupé is one of the best iterations of the sub-genre. In fact, I’ll even go as far as to say I think it’s the better-looking Cayenne currently on sale.
There’s something about the way Porsche slants the rear roofline into the upright lower hatch that gives the SUV more presence and a sportier appearance. Maybe it’s because the Cayenne Coupé is more restrained in the ‘coupeification’ of the SUV, that makes it look just right.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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