Porsche Cayenne Coupé vs Audi Q8, the duel

The newcomer against the benchmark model: Porsche Cayenne Coupé vs Audi Q8, two very similar models that are, at the same time, very different

The newly presented Porsche Cayenne Coupé won’t have an easy time even though its standard version was the luxury SUV that opened the way and paved the road for equivalents such as the BMW X6, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé, which unveiled its latest generation a few weeks ago, or the related Audi Q8, the answer from the people in Ingolstadt to their cousins in Munich.

Be that as it may, we are going to compare two rivals who were set against each other even before they were born, as they are more than a premium SUV with a body that the brands sell as a coupé. The aim is to determine which of the two stands out as the better option, which one is more interesting, or which is better to buy, the Porsche Cayenne Coupé or the Audi Q8.

Engines

To begin with, it is worth noting that both cars are built on the same architecture provided by the MLB modular platform of the Volkswagen Group, the same one used by the Volkswagen Touareg, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and the Audi Q7.

On one hand, the Porsche Cayenne Coupé inherits the same engine line-up as the original version, which means it is only sold with petrol engines. There is a version with a 3-litre turbo V6 producing 340 CV and a maximum torque of 450 Nm, and another with the twin-turbo V8 of 4 litres, 550 CV of power and a maximum torque of 770 Nm.

On the other hand, the Audi Q8 is offered in three versions: two diesel and one petrol. The Audi Q8 TDI 45 delivers 231 CV from the 2,967 cc V6 engine; above it, the 50 TDI version produces 286 CV, while the most powerful unit belongs to the Audi Q8 55 TFSI with 340 CV and 500 Nm of torque from the 2,995 cc V6 engine. It is important to point out that all three versions are hybrid cars thanks to a mild-hybrid electric assist system which, in addition to reducing consumption, allows them to display the DGT ECO label.

With these figures, it is clear that if power is a priority, the most modest version is the Audi Q8 45 TDI, while the most powerful SUV is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupé.

Regarding the consumption of these SUVs, comparing the common 3-litre petrol V6 engines, the Porsche has an official average of 9.3 litres per 100 km versus the 8.9 of the Audi, thanks to the electric assist.

Using these same engine blocks as reference, despite their consumption figures, the Porsche is lighter than the Audi: 2,105 kg for the Cayenne Coupé versus 2,170 kg for the Q8.

Dynamics

The Porsche Cayenne Coupé is sold as an all-wheel drive vehicle, with the only option being an eight-speed gearbox that operates through a torque converter, the same configuration as in the Audi Q8.

As standard, the Cayenne Coupé includes Plus variable-assistance steering, PASM adaptive damping, which manages the active response of the suspension, 20-inch wheels to transfer all of its potential to the tarmac without losing an ounce of power, together with the Sport Chrono package for a sporty response.

In addition, the aerodynamic profile has been revised and, as a result, it features an adaptive roof spoiler, a device that, at speeds above 90 km/h, increases the load on the rear axle, improving dynamics at high speeds.

The Audi Q8 is not just another SUV; its design was conceived with the goal of offering a sporty driving experience. The mechanical central differential is able to manage the distribution of power so that traction is prioritised on whichever axle needs more grip.

Depending on the driving style, the car allows the stiffness of the suspension to be adjusted, and optionally an adaptive air suspension with comfort or sport setting can be fitted, which lowers the vehicle’s height by up to 90 mm.

The whole set is supported by a progressive steering that becomes more direct the more the steering wheel is turned and, optionally, can include a rear-wheel steering axle, which turns the rear wheels up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front ones. This increases the vehicle’s agility at low speeds. Conversely, when the vehicle is travelling at high speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front ones to improve the car’s stability.

The drag coefficient is better in the design of the Audi (0.33) compared to the Porsche (0.35).

Interior space

The dimensions of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé differ from the original model: it measures 4,931 mm long, 1,983 mm wide, 1,676 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,895 mm. This makes it 20 millimetres lower and 18 millimetres wider.

In addition, the roof is 20 mm lower than the original version, which has meant reducing the size of the front windscreen and the A-pillar. The doors and rear wings have also been redesigned to widen the waistline by almost 2 centimetres.

This affects the cabin. In fact, although it is homologated as a five-seater, it comes as standard with two individual seats for the rear passengers, although these can be replaced with a three-seat bench.

The Porsche SUV offers boot capacities from 625 litres up to 1,540, compared with the minimum 605 of the Audi, which rise to 1,755 in its largest configuration.

The Audi Q8 measures 4,986 mm long, 55 mm more than the Porsche Cayenne Coupé; 1,995 mm wide, 12 mm more; 1,705 mm high, 29 mm more than the Porsche; and has a wheelbase of 2,995 mm, 100 mm more, meaning its axles are up to 10 cm further apart than the Cayenne Coupé’s.

Prices

The prices of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé start at €97,217 with the V6 engine and from €169,029 for the Turbo V8.

The cheapest Audi Q8 is the 45 TDI at €81,370, followed by the petrol Audi Q8 55 TFSI at €84,840, which represents a €12,897 difference with the V6 Porsche Cayenne Coupé. Finally, the Audi Q8 50 TDI has a list price of €84,840, making it the most expensive Audi Q8.

Conclusion

Be that as it may, we are undoubtedly faced with two of the best SUVs of 2019, two exceptional vehicles: one where glamour takes precedence and the other where driving enjoyment prevails. In any case, while we wait to drive the new Porsche Cayenne Coupé, and after having done the road test of the Audi Q8, there is no doubt that both are cars that do not disappoint , where luxury is combined with sportiness and whoever drives them will enjoy them in any condition.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverAudi Q89 versions · from 100,440 €