The Porsche Cayenne III Coupe S 2.9 V6 (440 Hp) Tiptronic S represents a compelling blend of performance and practicality within the third-generation Cayenne Coupe lineup, produced from 2019 to April 2023. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it slots between the base Cayenne Coupe and the higher-performance Turbo models. This variant aimed to deliver a refined driving experience with substantial power, appealing to buyers seeking a luxurious SUV with genuine sporting credentials. It is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, shared with other high-end SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Generation | Cayenne III Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | S 2.9 V6 (440 Hp) Tiptronic S |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | April, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe, SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 11.4-11.5 l/100 km (20.6 – 20.5 US mpg, 24.8 – 24.6 UK mpg, 8.8 – 8.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.0-8.2 l/100 km (29.4 – 28.7 US mpg, 35.3 – 34.4 UK mpg, 12.5 – 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.2-9.4 l/100 km (25.6 – 25 US mpg, 30.7 – 30.1 UK mpg, 10.9 – 10.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 212-216 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 263 km/h (163.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d – TEMP – EVAP – ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.7 kg/Hp, 214.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 268.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 440 Hp @ 5700-6600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 152 Hp/l |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 1800-5500 rpm (405.66 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M.DCAB, DCAB |
| Engine displacement | 2894 cm3 (176.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2825 kg (6228.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 775 kg (1708.58 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 625 l (22.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1540 l (54.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 4931 mm (194.13 in.) |
| Width | 1983 mm (78.07 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2194 mm (86.38 in.) |
| Height | 1676 mm (65.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2895 mm (113.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1674 mm (65.91 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1671 mm (65.79 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 190-245 mm (7.48 – 9.65 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.35 |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 18.7-21.3° |
| Wading depth | 500-530 mm (19.69 – 20.87 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic S |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 390 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cayenne Coupe S lies Porsche’s 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, internally designated as the M.DCAB or DCAB. This engine is a member of the EA839 family, known for its robust construction and high specific output. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chambers for improved efficiency and power. The twin-turbocharger setup, employing a pair of BorgWarner turbochargers, provides a broad torque curve and minimizes turbo lag. The engine’s valvetrain features four valves per cylinder, contributing to its high-revving nature. Paired with this engine is Porsche’s eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. This transmission offers smooth and quick shifts, with the ability for the driver to manually select gears via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The transmission is designed to handle the engine’s substantial torque output and contribute to both performance and efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The Cayenne Coupe S 2.9 V6 Tiptronic S delivers a refined yet potent driving experience. The 440 horsepower and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque provide brisk acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.8 seconds. The Tiptronic S transmission is well-tuned, offering seamless gear changes in automatic mode and responsive control when shifted manually. Compared to the base Cayenne, the S model offers a noticeable performance upgrade. While not as aggressively tuned as the Turbo models, the S provides ample power for both everyday driving and spirited performance. The automatic transmission, while convenient, doesn’t offer the same level of engagement as the available PDK dual-clutch transmission found in other Cayenne variants. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in various conditions, enhancing stability and confidence.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cayenne Coupe S came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which adjusts the damping characteristics based on driving conditions. Interior appointments included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and a premium sound system. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle with features such as adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging seats, and a variety of interior trim options. The Coupe body style itself added a sporty aesthetic with a sloping roofline and a more aggressive stance compared to the standard Cayenne SUV.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayenne Coupe S utilizes a sophisticated chassis design, featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling. Standard brakes consisted of ventilated discs all around, with larger rotors and more powerful calipers available as an option. Porsche’s Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) system, featuring tungsten carbide coating, offered improved braking performance and reduced brake dust. The steering system is a power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayenne Coupe S was generally well-received by automotive critics, praised for its performance, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience. Compared to the base Cayenne, the S model offered a significant performance boost, justifying its higher price tag. Fuel economy was respectable for a vehicle of its size and performance, averaging around 25 mpg combined. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission wasn’t as engaging as the PDK dual-clutch option. Compared to competitors like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the Cayenne Coupe S offered a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and practicality.
Legacy
The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant in the Cayenne lineup. While preventative maintenance is crucial, these engines are generally known for their longevity. On the used car market, the Cayenne Coupe S 2.9 V6 Tiptronic S represents a good value proposition, offering a luxurious and capable SUV at a more accessible price point than newer models. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and inspections, is essential to ensure the continued reliability of this powertrain. The combination of performance, luxury, and practicality has made this variant a popular choice among discerning SUV buyers.
