more about this model
Pros Hybrid power delivery and regenerative braking mode are completely seamless, multiple driver-selectable modes available, attractive new interior design, exceptional overall performance for a luxury SUV -- particularly a hybrid version.
Cons Steering and handling reflect increased weight of hybrid drivetrain, substantial price increase over a base V6 model.
Carving through the 17 sweeping turns of sinewy Barber Motorsports Park sounds like a typical day in the life of an automotive reporter; so does off-roading through 6-foot-deep puddles and up steep, muddy inclines in a dense forest. And cruising at near-highway speeds in a high-tech hybrid vehicle running solely on electricity? Sure, more and more folks are doing that every day as part of their daily routine. But what isn't so typical is the ability to accomplish all three of these tasks in one vehicle -- the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
Yet that's exactly what we did during our test-drive of the all-new Porsche Cayenne in and around Birmingham, Alabama. While our track time confirmed Porsche's engineering savvy via the lighter-yet-stronger Cayenne chassis, and our off-pavement excursion validated the crossover's ability to challenge a Range Rover or Mercedes G-Class in any wilderness environment, it was the advanced drivetrain in the Cayenne S Hybrid that truly reflected just how far Porsche has moved the technology needle.
And green technology is only one element of this new Cayenne. The artisans in Stuttgart also wanted to improve the crossover's luxury quotient with an all-new interior inspired by the recently introduced Panamera performance sedan. They further sought to upgrade interior space and ride quality via wheelbase and suspension improvements. What do all these changes mean to the end user? An all-new Porsche Cayenne with an even wider range of capabilities than the current model.
Performance Pairing an internal combustion engine with an electric motor may cut fuel use and tailpipe emissions, but it also yields two power sources where there's usually just one. This design typically means uneven throttle and braking response, but not in the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. By incorporating a lightweight, modular design for the engine, motor and (all-new) eight-speed transmission, and by utilizing a dry clutch to engage or disengage the motor, Porsche has removed what it calls the "rubber-band effect" felt in most hybrid drivetrains.
We found Porsche's claims to be accurate, as the Cayenne S Hybrid delivered the most seamless power delivery we've experienced in a hybrid vehicle. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6, based on the engine from the Audi S5, provides the internal combustion portion of the equation and produces up to 333 horsepower. It's paired to a 47-hp high-torque electric motor, giving the hybrid a maximum 380-hp rating and a maximum torque figure of 427 pound-feet at just 1,000 rpm. This kind of "instant on" power imbues the Cayenne S Hybrid with substantial punch at low speeds while pushing the nearly 5,000-pound Porsche to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
The hybrid drivetrain is only one of many fuel-efficiency features on the 2011 Porsche Cayenne. Beyond the aforementioned weight reduction (approximately 400 pounds) and the eight-speed transmission (of which both 7th and 8th gear are overdrives), there's an automatic start/stop function to shut the engine down whenever the vehicle is stationary. This start/stop technology is actually standard across the entire Cayenne line for 2011, except in base V6 models with a manual transmission.
But while every 2011 Porsche Cayenne can shut its engine down when stationary, the hybrid model can also shut it down when the driver lifts off the throttle at speeds up to 97 mph. In this mode, dubbed "sailing" by Porsche's engineers, the dormant engine disengages from the drivetrain to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.
The engine subsequently springs to life as soon as the driver engages the throttle, and while it may sound unconventional, we noted no abrupt drivetrain feedback during our "sailing" adventures with the Cayenne S Hybrid. And, because accessories like air-conditioning, power steering and power brakes are powered by electricity in this model, no drivability issues occur while the engine is shut down at speed. EPA mileage figures haven't officially been released, but Porsche expects the hybrid to achieve 20 city/23 highway mpg.
With this much technology onboard, Porsche thought it should let drivers play a more active role in how the Cayenne S Hybrid operates at any given moment. That means two extra buttons in the center console near the shifter, one marked "E-Power" and another marked "Boost Mode." With E-Power, the Cayenne will stay in pure electric mode at higher speeds and greater throttle inputs, though the engine still kicks on with anything approaching aggressive driving. With Boost mode the driver can get help from the electric motor when accelerating with only 70 percent or greater throttle input (without Boost mode it takes full throttle to get additional go power from the motor).
These driver-initiated modes are in addition to the automatic features in the Cayenne S Hybrid, including regenerative braking for charging the 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery with braking energy. There's also what Porsche calls "shift in load point" mode, which charges the battery pack by putting a light load on the engine when accelerating or holding a steady speed. These are in addition to sailing mode (coasting).
If there's a downside to all this technology, it comes in the form of increased weight. At 4,938 pounds, the new hybrid model weighs almost exactly what the previous Cayenne S weighed. But the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne S (non-hybrid) weighs 500 pounds less than before, and if you drive the two back-to-back, the hybrid's extra poundage is impossible to ignore.
That's not to say the hybrid is incapable of thrilling its occupants. With the increased wheelbase (1.6 inches), stiffer chassis (15 percent) and updated, fully independent suspension, the hybrid handles at least as well as the previous Cayenne S. However, the other new models handle better still, and offer improved steering feel via their hydraulic steering systems.
Comfort Despite its handling capability, the new Cayenne still offers a supple ride. In spite of its supportive seats and advanced all-wheel-drive system, the hybrid model is the least driver-oriented of the new Cayenne models (meaning it's still more engaging than most luxury SUVs). Additional comments on comfort will reveal themselves after a longer, more comprehensive test-drive.
Function The new Cayenne's longer wheelbase allows for greater rear passenger room and comfort, as does a three-position reclining rear seat that slides 6.3 inches fore and aft. These features make it easy to increase cargo capacity without folding down the seatback, though maximum cargo jumps to 62.9 cubic feet when it's time to move things instead of people. And as in many modern vehicles, thick A-pillars allow the Cayenne to pass the NHTSA's new roof-crush standards, yet they also hamper forward visibility, particularly when making left-hand turns.
Porsche gets credit for including a USB audio input and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a touchscreen infotainment interface, as standard equipment across all 2011 Cayenne models. High-tech options range from adaptive (smart) cruise control to a lane change assistant for monitoring blind spots to Porsche's Dynamic Light system that is both speed- and steering-sensitive for improved night visibility. A Burmester high-end surround-sound system, with 16 speakers and a rear entertainment display, is available for Porsche audiophiles but comes at a staggering price of $5,690.
Design/Fit and Finish With the Panamera as Porsche's new benchmark for luxury, the Cayenne's interior adopted many of the performance sedan's design traits. A high center console rises up to the dash for an unbroken transition between the two, and materials quality across all surfaces has clearly been raised a notch (or two).
Subtle exterior tweaks further reflect the model's makeover, with a sharper headlight/hood and sleeker roof line accented by a more pronounced "shoulder" just below the windows. The new look is clearly Cayenne, but park it next to a current model and the exterior refinements are readily apparent.
Who should consider this vehicle With environmental awareness at an all-time high, many luxury crossover and SUV buyers are looking to maintain their vehicle choice while offering a nod to Mother Earth. The all-new 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid answers the call, providing enough performance (whether on pavement or off) and luxury to honor the brand.
Yet, as Porsche's first foray into production hybrid technology, this Cayenne displays a refinement and effectiveness the more experienced hybrid carmakers can't match. Economically it probably doesn't make a lot of sense, but welcome to the world of luxury hybrids. For customers in this market, whose concerns have little to do with financial rationale, the Cayenne S Hybrid is an excellent choice.
Others To Consider
BMW X5 xDrive35d, Lexus RX 450h, Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne V6.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
2011 Porsche Cayenne Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2011 Cayenne featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2011 Cayenne 4.7 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2011 Cayenne.
Review
I have 12,000 miles on this car, drive it mostly as a sedan (no pulling or racing around). The gas milage is terrific (21mpg around town and 23-24 on hwy). the car performs great, very comfortable and has very good breaking. The problem is that it likes to drink oil.. I have had to put 6 qts of oil in the car so far. > 1qt for every 2K miles. I am not the only one , there are 11 pages on Renslist concerning this issue. Porche's 24 page service bulletin concerning this problem is also posted. The first 12 basically instruct the dealer to tell the customer {the manual states up to one quart / 1K miles is within normal limits}. REALLY???? until Porsche fixes this issue Buyer Beware
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Available Porsche Cayenne 2011 Submodel Types: SUV, Hybrid, Turbo S
Available Trims: Base, S, Platinum Edition, GTS, Tiptronic, Turbo, S E-Hybrid, S E-Hybrid Platinum Edition, S Hybrid, Turbo S
Exterior Colors: Black, Meteor Grey Metallic, Crystal Silver Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, White, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Sand White, Carrara White Metallic, Moonlight Blue Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Titanium Metallic, Umber Metallic, Macadamia Metallic, Basalt Black Metallic, Dark Sea Blue, Jarama Beige Metallic, Jet Green Metallic, Marine Blue Metallic, Olive Green Metallic, Prosecco Metallic, Purpurite Metallic
Interior Colors: Black leather, Luxor Beige leather, Black leather/sueded microfiber, Black/Luxor Beige leather, Black, Sand Beige premium leather, Black premium leather, Platinum Grey leather, Saddle Brown leather, Agate Grey leather, Black/Cohiba Brown leather, Havanna/Sand Beige premium leather, Luxor Beige leather/sueded microfiber, Stone/Steel Grey leather, Havanna/Sand Beige leather, Saddle Brown/Luxor Beige leather, Sand Beige, Stone Gray/Steel Gray, Stone Grey leather/sueded microfiber, Stone Grey/Steel Grey leather, Umber/Cream premium leather, Umber/Light Tartufo premium leather
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Trip Computer, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Auto Climate Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Alarm, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Leather Seats, Bluetooth, 6000lb Towing Capacity, Aux Audio Inputs, Automatic Emergency Braking, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Navigation, Upgraded Headlights, USB Inputs, Parking sensors, Sunroof/Moonroof, Heated seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Back-up camera, Upgraded Stereo, Cooled Seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Towing Hitch, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, four wheel drive
