Straight up people movers don’t get enough respect in the luxury car category. When the Porsche Cayenne was introduced, it gave companies that had only passively participated in the SUV market, the idea to get involved and make some money. The Porsche Cayenne is a polarizing vehicle. A lot of people love it, and a lot of people think it’s an abomination of a mutated Porsche. The various Mercedes GLE options out there are the same, but so very different from what Porsche has on offer.
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But the 2017 versions of these two SUVs offers up a glimpse into how the engineers for luxury car manufacturers are seeing SUVs. They aren’t some slow plodding monster that is only good for moving kayaks to a lake and children to school. Regardless of the aerodynamics of the vehicles, if you put enough power under the hood then you’re going to get some serious giddy-up from your vehicle.
The Cayenne comes in two models. The GTS and the Turbo S. If you opt for the Turbo S (and lets hope you do) then you’re looking at 520 horsepower and a 0-60mph time in the low 4 second area. If you opt for the high performance Mercedes option, the AMG GLE63, you’re going to get 550 horsepower and a similar acceleration. That kind of speed is high end sports car, not quite supercar fast. But it’s brilliant!
Their more modest versions of each care can vary from about 300 to 450 horsepower depending on your options. You can get hybrid options which will at least make an attempt at providing you with decent mileage. Getting around 20 to 22 miles per gallon is about the best you could hope for, and at least not a complete abomination to our environment.
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On the exterior front, the Cayenne is very much a reverse mullet. It’s all business in the back of the car and a party in the front. You never really would say “This is a Porsche” until you see the hood and headlights. The GLE options are far more upright and upstanding. If you could take an 1850’s British Aristocrat and somehow turn them into an automobile, they would look very much like the GLE.
The interior of the Porsche harkens to the sports car roots of the Cayenne. The dash feels like it could have come from a 911. The GLE interior is more haughty and fairly standard Mercedes fare.
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When it comes down to it, the GLE tends to win in every category when you’re driving. It’s a little bit faster, it’s a little bit more nimble. It’s slightly more refined. It’s slightly more practical. But it’s so close that it’s almost a dead heat. Basically, it’s going to come down to your personal preference once you get in the driver’s seat. Once you’ve tried out both, you’re going to know which one you should be purchasing. Also don’t skimp. If you’re spending the money on these gorgeous automobiles, make sure you’re getting the best option packages. Get the best car you can get. And if you don’t like either, there’s always the Range Rover Sport…
