Porsche spices up the 2021 Cayenne lineup with the return of the GTS model. While the company hasn't announced changes for the rest of the lineup, we now know that the GTS will have a 460-hp twin-turbo V-8. Along with more desirable standard features, it'll also benefit from a lowered suspension and other performance hardware. The 2021 GTS is the top-of-the-line version of the regular Cayenne, but it's just as much a gateway to the high-powered Turbo variants (reviewed separately).
Pros Sensational powertrains, sports-car DNA, can tow 7700 pounds.
Cons Ride can be stiff, limited cubby storage, custom options can add up.
The GTS returns, powered by a 453-horsepower turbocharged V8.
Pros Truly impressive handling for a crossover SUV Wide selection of powerful engines Exquisite interior and build quality Plenty of customization options
Cons Quite a few features that should be standard at this price are optional Gloss-black interior panels can quickly look dirty Poor rear visibility Climate control fans are weak at low speeds and noisy at high
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid ranked #1 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid has a score of 9.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 8 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent handling Lots of power Posh interior User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Short on cargo space High base price
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ranked #12 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 46 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lots of powerful engine choices Posh interior Above-average cargo space (in non-coupe models) Lengthy features list
Cons Less athletic than many competitors Coupe has limited cargo space and visibility Finicky engine stop-start system
Performance, plug-in, or pedestrian: there’s a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE for almost every luxury-SUV buyer.
Pros Wide palette of body styles, powertrains, trims GLE Coupe, for the well-to-do contrarian Powertrain choice abounds Composed, quiet ride
Cons AMG = $$$ Not so fuel-efficient Addled infotainment interface Odd feature availability Coupe body costs money, space
The AMG GLE 43 is slightly more powerful, increasing engine output from 362 horsepower to 385 hp. Otherwise, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is unchanged for 2018.
PROS Multiple available powertrains make each model distinct Interior is quiet, upscale and roomy Abundant list of standard safety, tech and luxury features AMG variants are seriously quick
CONS Not many places to store small personal items Punishing ride on AMG models, with little benefit to handling Ride quality with the standard suspension isn't as comfy as we expect Base V6's acceleration is merely adequate
