But it's not a very big vehicle overall, at least compared to full-size SUVs. At 1,928 mm (75.9 in) wide and 1,699 mm (66.9 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,855 mm (112.4 in) and an overall length, of the Turbo model, being 4,785 mm (188.4 in) its only slightly larger than a BMW X5 4.6iS - itself on the smaller side. The Porsche's protruding nose causes the 102 mm (4.0 in) additional length over the BMW, 51 mm (2 in) in width due to the wheel flares and fat 275/40R20 tires, while its 38 mm (1.5 in) longer wheelbase is hardly perceptible nor its quarter inch (6 mm) height difference.

Yet small is good for performance vehicles, and as I mentioned previously the Cayenne doesn't hold much back. In standard 'S' trim its 340 4.5-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8 sports a substantial 310 lb-ft of torque, shooting even this 2,245 kg (4,949 lb) vehicle forward with relative ease. While the Turbo is slightly heavier at 2,355 kg (5,192 lbs), its 450 hp twin-turbocharged engine of the same displacement is beyond adequate. All 457 lb-ft of torque dig into the pavement at each of its four corners, catapulting it forward as if its rocket propelled. The sensation is like nothing this side of a 911 Turbo, making the new truck worthy of the scripted 'turbo' appliqué. How fast? Zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes only 5.6 seconds, where the Cayenne S seems almost plebian at 7.2 - still quite respectable for its class.