Switching from the ultra-long brake pedal travel of the Chevy Camaro RS convertible to the ultra-grabby Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid brakes was quite an adjustment, but I still find both setups unacceptable. Maybe a next-gen Cayenne S Hybrid will get the balance better but, for me, it's still a deal-breaker on a car that's nearly $100,000.
After spending another three days in the refreshingly NOT silver Cayenne, I did come to appreciate a few other details like the speed limit indicator that displays in the gauge cluster at all times. Really helpful, considering that 65 mph feels like 45 mph in this Porsche. Then there are those side lights that illuminate when you go around a sharp enough turn, helpful when you're burning up a backroad.
Even so, this Cayenne S Hybrid simply whets my appetite for a regular Cayenne S or upcoming Cayenne diesel. The hybrid SUV is plenty quick and handles well,but it's a no-go for me if I win the lottery thanks to those touchy brakes and engine stop/start tech that's not seamless in moderately aggressive stop-and-go driving. Too bad, since the EPA city driving range is unbeatable.
MILEAGE: 20,902