For those who don't need to get to the shopping mall in such a hurry, the base Cayenne offers much the same as the Turbo, save

Interior fit and finish is excellent, and the gauges, controls and seats are of the highest quality and functionality. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

the ponies, big 19-inch wheels and massive brakes (not to mention the extra $100,000 plus needed for the more powerful version). But there are new upgrades and options for even the pedestrian Cayenne in 2005, including a massive glass roof that features several panels and no less than 15 possible positions, at $5,490. Also, borrowing some high-tech gadgetry from the Japanese SUV marketplace, a rearview camera makes its debut on the new Cayenne at a cost of $2,350.

As much as I'm not overly impressed with the notion of a Porsche SUV -- or for that matter a Bimmer or Mercedes one -- it is

The Cayenne's performance and handling are what you'd expect from the German automaker. (Photo: Porsche Cars North America)

true that the build quality of the Cayenne is pure Porsche. Interior fit and finish is excellent, and the gauges, controls and seats are of the highest quality and functionality. Likewise, the Cayenne's performance and handling are what you'd expect from the German automaker. Precise cornering and great braking convey to the driver a real sense of confidence, and as I found when I took the SUV onto an off-road track, its four-by-four abilities are a pleasant surprise. Still, I'm not sure how many Cayenne owners would want to scrape a tree branch down the side of their buffed ride.