The Porsche Cayenne II (facelift, introduced in 2014) S 3.6 V6 Tiptronic represents a significant iteration of Porsche’s popular luxury SUV. Produced from 2014 to 2017, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the Cayenne lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It sat above the base V6 models and below the more potent Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S, appealing to buyers seeking a substantial power upgrade without the top-tier price tag. The facelift brought revised styling, enhanced technology, and refinements to the engine range, solidifying the Cayenne’s position as a leading contender in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Generation | Cayenne II (facelift 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | S 3.6 V6 (420 Hp) Tiptronic |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.0 – 12.4 l/100 km (18.1 – 19 US mpg, 21.7 – 22.8 UK mpg, 7.7 – 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.0 – 7.8 l/100 km (29.4 – 30.2 US mpg, 35.3 – 36.2 UK mpg, 12.5 – 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.8 – 9.5 l/100 km (24 – 24.8 US mpg, 28.8 – 29.7 UK mpg, 10.2 – 10.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 229 – 223 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 259 km/h (160.94 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5 kg/Hp, 201.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm, 263.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 420 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 116.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 1350-4500 rpm (405.66 lb.-ft. @ 1350-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CURA |
| Engine displacement | 3604 cm3 (219.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2085 kg (4596.64 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2860 kg (6305.22 lbs.) |
| Max load | 775 kg (1708.58 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 670 l (23.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1780 l (62.86 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4855 mm (191.14 in.) |
| Width | 1939 mm (76.34 in.) |
| Height | 1705 mm (67.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2895 mm (113.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1655 mm (65.16 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic S |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 255/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.0J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cayenne S 3.6 V6 Tiptronic lies the Porsche-developed 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, internally designated as the CURA engine. This engine represents a departure from the naturally aspirated V6s previously offered, delivering a significant boost in power and torque. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection, ensuring precise fuel delivery and optimized combustion. The twin-turbocharger setup, with one turbocharger per cylinder bank, minimizes turbo lag and provides a broad, flat torque curve. The engine produces 420 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a robust 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1350 rpm all the way to 4500 rpm. This broad torque band is crucial for effortless acceleration and strong performance in various driving conditions.
The “Tiptronic S” transmission is an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It offers both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector. The Tiptronic S transmission is known for its quick and smooth shifts, contributing to the overall driving experience. The transmission is designed to handle the engine’s substantial torque output and provides optimized gear ratios for both performance and fuel efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The Cayenne S 3.6 V6 Tiptronic delivers a refined yet potent driving experience. The twin-turbocharged V6 provides ample power for confident overtaking and effortless cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 5.2 seconds, making it a genuinely quick SUV. The Tiptronic S transmission contributes to smooth and responsive gear changes, enhancing the driving experience. Compared to the base V6 Cayenne, the S model offers a noticeable performance upgrade. While not as aggressively sporty as the Cayenne Turbo, the S model strikes a good balance between performance and comfort. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cayenne S 3.6 V6 Tiptronic came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a premium sound system. Common options included adaptive air suspension, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The interior design was typically Porsche – functional, luxurious, and driver-focused. Trim levels were relatively straightforward, with most customization occurring through optional packages and individual options.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayenne S 3.6 V6 Tiptronic features a fully independent suspension system, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This suspension design provides a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. Standard brakes consisted of ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Larger brake rotors and upgraded calipers were available as options. The Cayenne’s chassis is robust and well-engineered, contributing to its overall stability and handling prowess.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayenne S 3.6 V6 Tiptronic was well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, refined ride, and luxurious interior. It was often seen as a compelling alternative to other luxury SUVs, such as the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. Fuel economy was respectable for a vehicle of its size and performance, averaging around 24 mpg combined. Compared to the Cayenne Turbo, the S model offered a more accessible price point without sacrificing too much performance. The 1.8L models were often criticized for being underpowered, making the S a more desirable option for those prioritizing performance.
Legacy
The Porsche Cayenne S 3.6 V6 Tiptronic has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle, with the CURA engine generally holding up well over time. However, like any complex vehicle, it’s susceptible to age-related issues, such as turbocharger wear and cooling system leaks. On the used car market, these Cayennes remain popular due to their blend of performance, luxury, and Porsche brand prestige. Maintenance costs can be higher than those of mainstream SUVs, but the overall ownership experience is generally positive for those who appreciate the Cayenne’s unique qualities.
