Hello everyone. This is Mina, the administrator of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.” This project, Porsche Owners File, was born from readers’ requests to share the genuine voices of various Porsche owners. The 15th installment features a purchase, options, and driving review of the new Cayenne (MY2019, E3) from “Kaze no Sakamichi.”

〘Owner Information〙
・Featured car: New Cayenne (MY2019, E3)
・Pen name: Kaze no Sakamichi
・Residence: Tokyo metropolitan area
・Family: 4 members (wife and two children)
・Past cars:
[Main cars]
Nissan Primera 2.0TS (1st gen) → VW Golf III GLi (GT Package) 1H model → BMW 318i (E46) → BMW 318i touring (E46) → BMW 525i touring (E61) early model → BMW 525i touring (E61) late model → Porsche Cayenne V6 (958) early model → Porsche Cayenne (E3)
[Sub cars] since Cayenne introduction
VW POLO Active2 → Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 (current)
・Message to readers:
There are many Porsche-related magazines like 911 DAYS and The911&Porsche Magazine, as well as countless online forums with Porsche information, articles, and posts, but there is very little about the Cayenne.
For those who lament that “Cayenne is not recognized as a Porsche by 911 drivers (laughs)” or those who “have no Porsche or Cayenne users among their friends and struggled to find advice,” I hope this post will be helpful.
While “Porsche = 911” is an undeniable fact built through Porsche’s long history and tradition, I would be delighted if I could convey even a little that the SUV, which now forms the backbone of Porsche’s business, also possesses wonderful charm and appeal.

1) Background to Purchase

– Childhood and the Supercar Boom

About 40 years ago, when I was in elementary school, the supercar boom arrived. Back then, as soon as I got home from school, I would grab my camera and jump on my bike to go hunting for supercars in the neighborhood.
I fondly remember the Lamborghini Miura stationed at the gas station, and the Lotus Europa, Porsche, and BMW parked in others’ driveways, which made my heart race.

At that time, Japan did not have manufacturer-backed importers like today; import dealers such as Autoroman handled procurement and sales.
I often visited the Ring Road 8, where many import car dealers lined up, on weekends, capturing imported cars and supercars with my camera, and vowed in my heart, “Someday, I will drive a Porsche like Sakon Hayase“ (the Porsche-driving rival of the protagonist in the manga Circuit no Okami).

– Progression through BMWs…

After becoming a working adult, I went through several cars, choosing ones that suited my status and desires at the time.
As a result, except for the first Primera, all were German cars. (Though the Primera had a European feel inspired by Opel)
After marriage, with the constraints of “only one parking space at home” and “a car my wife could easily use daily,” BMW touring models naturally became the best choice, and I went through three of them.
Especially the BMW 525i touring (E61), which I owned twice in different colors (Titan Silver and Alpine White), fit our lifestyle perfectly.

– Switching to an SUV

When it came time to change cars again, we decided to consider SUVs other than the familiar BMW touring models and not minivans or luxury vans.
The candidates were Porsche Cayenne (957), BMW X5 MB, Mercedes-Benz ML350, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.
We test-drove all, but the Cayenne was initially ruled out because “my wife couldn’t drive such a big car,” and the rear seats of the then Cayenne were far from relaxing.
After much deliberation and repeated test drives, the new Cayenne (958) was announced.
Torn between “I want it vs. is it beyond my means?,” I struggled, but with the revised standard specs and improved rear seats, the Cayenne became the target.
The problem was the car’s size…
With the excuse of “a reward for my hard work and my first and last luxury!” and on the condition that the family would buy a VW POLO for everyday use, I decided to purchase my dream Porsche.
Since it was my “first and last luxury,” I chose a custom order rather than a dealer-ordered car.

– The charm of the Cayenne

Having finally gotten my Porsche, the moment the Cayenne was delivered and I drove it, I was captivated by the Porsche Cayenne. The ease of driving that belies its size, the reassuring handling and brakes… truly Porsche.
What was supposed to be a “first and last luxury” turned into a full five years of Cayenne life, and I was so hooked that I ended up switching to the new Cayenne (laughs).

– Why choose the Cayenne among Porsches?

When I first bought the Cayenne, the conditions were “the whole family of four could ride comfortably” and “my wife could drive it frequently,” so the Cayenne was the only choice. (At that time, the Macan had just been announced)
For this upgrade, I seriously considered the 718 Cayman, 971 Panamera, used 911, and the more manageable Macan S, but decided to save the 911 and Cayman for “a reward after working even harder,” and chose the new Cayenne.
I also compared other SUVs like Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus RX, BMW X5/X6, and Maserati Levante.

– The deciding factor for the Cayenne

The key was the “major evolution from the 958 Cayenne.” I test-drove the new Cayenne S first and was instantly captivated by “how smooth and powerful the S is!“
However, the price difference between the base and S was about 2 million yen!
I agonized over “limiting options and going with a bare S…?“
But when I test-drove the base Cayenne the following week, I was amazed by its refined driving, improved usability of the instrument panel and PCM, and the upscale feel, thinking “the changes over these five years are incredible!! Even the base model offers this level of equipment and comfort!” So I decided to buy the base model.
Though the price also jumped quite a bit (laughs/sweat).

2) Options / Specifications

The new Cayenne comes with extensive safety and standard equipment, so (and a significant price increase) the approach to options has changed. (○ = selected, × = not selected or not available)

Main Options	958	New Model
Leather Interior	×	○
Porsche Entry & Drive	×	○
Multifunction	○	Standard
Seat Heater	Front	Front & Rear
Seat Ventilation	×	Front
Servotronic	○	○
Automatic Tailgate	○	Standard
Color Crest Wheels	×	○
Privacy Glass	○	○
Park Assist Camera	○	Standard
PDLS LED Matrix Headlights	○	○
14-way Seats & Memory	○	○
BOSE Sound System	○	○
Comfort Lighting	○	×
Lane Change Assist	×	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	×	○

[Options I’m Satisfied With]

1. Porsche Entry & Drive

Nowadays, this is standard on many cars, but having experienced its convenience on our sub car, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, I chose it without hesitation. Not having to take the key out of my bag every time is extremely comfortable.

2. Seat Heater

In the 958, I only had front seat heaters, which were very comfortable in winter. However, I felt “sorry for those riding in the rear seats” and since it was an option I couldn’t give up, I decided to have heaters front and rear this time without hesitation.

3. Seat Ventilation

Though it’s the perfect option for someone like me who sweats a lot, I avoided it last time calling it a luxury. But after riding in a test car equipped with seat ventilation, I immediately recognized its effectiveness and decided to get it.

4. BOSE Sound System

In the 958, due to compatibility with the Clarion navigation, it didn’t perform to its full potential, but the new Cayenne’s subwoofer shape has changed, and the sound quality has improved dramatically. For a music lover like me, “listening to my favorite tunes while cruising” is the ultimate relaxation time.

5. Lane Keep Assist

My eyesight has recently declined and my reaction speed has slowed… I appreciate the peace of mind from the dual support of standard Lane Change Assist and Lane Keep Assist.

[Options I Chose After Much Deliberation]

Leather Interior

Not just Porsche, but many recent European cars show a “cost-cutting feel in plastic quality and grain processing” that I find beyond acceptable. Though the leather interior option was expensive, I chose it after much thought.

[Options I Decided Against After Much Deliberation]

1. Sunroof

I had sunroofs on previous BMWs and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, but I usually listen to music while driving and rarely open it. Also, the Cayenne offers ample head clearance even for my 180 cm height, and considering resale value, I skipped it on both the 958 and new Cayenne.

2. Ambient Lighting

Though it’s fun to choose various colors, the budget went instead to rear side airbags.

[Options I Didn’t Consider at All]

1. Sport Chrono Package

The standard setup already offers plenty of driving pleasure, and I find no benefit for an SUV, so I always skip it.

2. Air Suspension

I had a tough experience with air suspension on a previous BMW. Though I enjoyed its benefits on a test car, it was not under consideration.

[Other Equipment]

TV Tuner

The previous Cayenne offered this expensive option, but the new Cayenne’s PCM no longer has AUX input and doesn’t offer it. After much thought, I had the newly released “Navi-O-kun” navigation system installed by the dealer, but since I rarely watch TV without it, it turned out to be an expensive option with little use.

3) Delivery Process

・May 2018
At the preview event, I confirmed the actual car and obtained the official Japanese catalog, started checking detailed equipment and options, and estimated the total price using the configurator.
・July 2018
When test cars were introduced in July, I compared the Cayenne and Cayenne S, spending days scrutinizing catalogs and total estimates.
・August 2018
I was told the order deadline for production slots that could replace the 958 before its second inspection, made my decision, and placed the order.
・November 2018
After securing the production slot, I distracted myself by getting competing quotes on whether to trade in the 958 at the dealer or sell it to a buyer (laughs).
・February 2019
Due to the Christmas season and other events in Europe, work slowed from late November to year-end, slightly delaying unloading at Toyohashi, but the car was safely delivered in February.

4) Dealer Experience

I have dealt with various dealers, but except for some manufacturer-owned stores, franchise dealers seem heavily influenced by their parent companies.
The Porsche Center I use offers a pleasant balance—not too dry or wet—in their approach, which feels very comfortable.
I dislike the typical luxury car dealer attitude of prioritizing customers or regulars. I prefer “a relationship of equals with solid support,” and I have no complaints about the current Porsche Center, sales reps, or service staff. They even accommodate small requests, for which I’m grateful.

5) Porsche Performance as Experienced

① Engine

Compared to the 958’s 3.6 V6 engine, it is overwhelmingly quieter and smoother at idle. Also, the sluggish feeling typical of the 958 V6 during low-speed acceleration is gone, making everything feel milder and smoother.
This is likely due to weight reduction and the engine’s change from 3.6 V6 to 3.0 V6 turbo, improving the balance between engine and body.

② Tiptronic

I think it’s because the shift program isn’t fully adapted yet, but the creep speed is faster, sometimes making the body lurch forward unexpectedly, and the shift shock when restarting from idle stop is quite noticeable.
I hope it will smooth out as the mileage increases.

③ Handling / Brakes

To aid turning such a large body, previous cars had active steering (BMW) and Porsche equips Servotronic as standard. The new Cayenne seems to have a wide braking range, and on the Metropolitan Expressway, small steering inputs sometimes caused unexpectedly large reactions.
Perhaps Power Steering Plus wasn’t necessary.

④ Fuel Economy

City driving: 5.5–7.0 km/L (mostly short trips)
Highway: 9.5–11.0 km/L

Still a gas guzzler (laughs).

⑤ Ride Comfort and Feel

Right after delivery, on the way home, I immediately thought, “I want to drive far away just like this!” This was the first time in about 30 years of driving that I felt this way. It’s such a comfortable car that also brings driving pleasure!
Also, one of the Cayenne’s great points is its seats. The 14-way seats make it easy to find and set the best comfortable position with good visibility.
The seat design supports a moderate firmness suitable even for my back pain and prevents awkward postures… truly the best seats.

⑥ Family’s Reaction

My family, who are not interested in cars at all, immediately commented, “This car’s ride is really comfortable.” As summer approaches and the interior heats up, the seat ventilation will surely prove its worth.

⑦ Favorite Points

1. The engine is mild yet powerful with luxury car-level quietness.
2. The ride comfort makes you want to drive long distances, with stable straight-line performance and reliable brakes.

6) Must-Have Options for Future Porsche Purchases

① 14-way seats
② Seat heaters and seat ventilation
③ Various safety features

7) Concerns

1. Car Size

Though I struggled with the 958, the even wider 1983 mm body is honestly inconvenient.
The biggest issue is parking lots when out and about.
Flat coin parking lots usually allow up to 1900 mm width, so depending on the space between cars, parking is impossible. I always research parking lots in advance and choose flat lots with ample space or newer large facilities with wider parking.
Of course, I’m mindful of “tonarars” (cars parking too close) too (laughs).
Sometimes I go out in the GLA to scout parking, then come back in the Cayenne for subsequent visits.

2. PCM and Porsche Connect

Switching between iPhone Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Porsche Connect via Wi-Fi is cumbersome. Even I, a digitally savvy middle-aged man, find it annoying, so I imagine older users would struggle.
Also, software stability improvements are needed.

3. Importer (Porsche Japan) Stance

More than a concern, this is something I hope for in the future. I wish Porsche Japan would “stop simply translating CHRISTOPHORUS and publish their own magazine.“
They may not be able to solve this alone, but Porsche and BMW content is dull with mere direct translations of the original versions.
On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz’s MercedesMe is engaging and I look forward to receiving it every time.

8) Overall Impression

Having owned two Cayennes, I took a leap of faith to buy one and truly feel it was worth it. Even someone like me, who is not a speed enthusiast, can feel the joy of driving, making it a wonderful partner to share happy times with.

9) What Does Porsche Mean to You?

To me, Porsche is the “ultimate motivation resource!”

I have visited offices and factories of German automakers and suppliers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, and Bosch Continental several times.
Each company has clear differentiation and unique culture, spirit, and temperament.
I am grateful to be able to drive such a wonderful pinnacle of German cars as Porsche, and it makes me want to “continue enjoying this greatness to the fullest and work hard so I can choose Porsche again next time.“
Indeed, Porsche is my ultimate motivation resource.

〘Blog Administrator’s Thoughts〙
When I test-drove the new Cayenne last year, I was shocked by its smoothness and precise handling. “Is the new Cayenne really such a well-made car?” Until then, my husband said he disliked SUVs, but even he excitedly said, “I want this Cayenne!” which surprised me greatly (laughs). Even as an SUV, the Cayenne truly embodies Porsche spirit. I want one too (laughs). Thank you, Kaze no Sakamichi!