The Porsche Cayenne II S 4.8 V8 Tiptronic, produced between 2010 and 2014, represented a significant evolution of Porsche’s foray into the luxury SUV market. Falling within the second generation (958) of the Cayenne, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It served as a step up from the base V6 models, while remaining more accessible than the range-topping Turbo variants. The Cayenne II platform, built upon a Volkswagen Group MLB architecture, aimed to deliver a more refined and capable SUV experience than its predecessor, and the S 4.8 V8 Tiptronic was a key component of that strategy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Generation | Cayenne II |
| Type (Engine) | S 4.8 V8 (400 Hp) Tiptronic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.5 l/100 km (16.2 US mpg, 19.5 UK mpg, 6.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg, 26.9 UK mpg, 9.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 245 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 258 km/h (160.31 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.2 kg/Hp, 193.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 242.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 400 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 83.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 3500 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M48.02 |
| Engine displacement | 4806 cm3 (293.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt, 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2065 kg (4552.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2840 kg (6261.13 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 | 4846 mm (190.79 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.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm (8.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Approach angle | 26° |
| Departure angle | 24.5° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 20.5° |
| Wading depth | 500 mm (19.69 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| 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 |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cayenne S 4.8 V8 Tiptronic lies Porsche’s naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine, internally designated the M48.02. This engine is a sophisticated design featuring direct fuel injection (DFI) and variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The DFI system, operating at pressures up to 200 bar, ensures precise fuel delivery for optimal combustion efficiency and power output. The engine produces 400 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 368 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. The ‘Tiptronic’ transmission is a sophisticated 8-speed automatic gearbox developed by Porsche and ZF. It offers both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector lever. The transmission is designed for smooth and responsive shifts, contributing to both performance and comfort.
Driving Characteristics
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 Tiptronic delivers a distinctly refined driving experience. While not as brutally quick as the Turbo models, the 400 hp V8 provides ample power for confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 5.6 seconds, and the vehicle boasts a top speed of 160 mph. The Tiptronic transmission’s eight gears allow for a wide range of ratios, optimizing both fuel economy and performance. In automatic mode, the transmission is generally smooth and intuitive, selecting the appropriate gear for the driving conditions. Manual mode allows the driver to take greater control, providing quicker response and more engaging driving experience. Compared to the base V6 models, the S variant offers a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall responsiveness. It also feels more stable and composed at higher speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 Tiptronic came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and a power liftgate. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to customize their Cayenne to their specific preferences. Popular options included adaptive air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and various interior trim packages. The standard interior featured a combination of leather and wood trim, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayenne II utilizes a robust chassis with a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent handling characteristics. The S variant typically featured larger stabilizer bars compared to the base models, further enhancing cornering stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The Cayenne also incorporates advanced safety features such as ABS, traction control, and stability control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayenne S 4.8 V8 Tiptronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, refined ride, and luxurious interior. However, some critics noted that the Cayenne’s weight could make it feel less agile than some of its competitors. Compared to the base V6 models, the S variant offered a significant performance upgrade, justifying the higher price tag for many buyers. Fuel economy, while not exceptional, was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and performance. The S variant typically offered better fuel economy than the Turbo models.
Legacy
The Porsche Cayenne II S 4.8 V8 Tiptronic has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle, although, like any luxury SUV, it requires regular maintenance. The V8 engine is generally robust, but owners should be mindful of oil changes and other preventative maintenance procedures. The Tiptronic transmission is also generally reliable, but it’s important to address any signs of slipping or rough shifting promptly. On the used car market, these Cayennes hold their value reasonably well, particularly well-maintained examples with low mileage. They remain a popular choice for buyers seeking a luxurious and capable SUV with a proven pedigree.
