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The coupe-ification of the automotive world continues — or perhaps more precisely, the bastardization of the word “coupe” continues. Carmakers now gleefully offer four-door sedans and SUVs that have had their backsides tidied up in pursuit of sportier styling. Some are awkward (BMW X6), others are triumphs (Audi A7).
Add to the latter category the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, a smartly coiffed, less-stuffy alternative to the otherwise excellent Cayenne. Wonder all you want about whether it’s actually a coupe, because it doesn’t matter: The tribe has spoken, and four-doors can now be coupes, too. What really matters is that buyers have additional options to choose from with relatively little extra hassle for assembly line workers.
The Good: The designers went into overdrive to infuse the Coupe with enough distinction to make the effort worthwhile, without compromising space and utility or making the vehicle look too weird. The roofline at the rear is about an inch lower, and the entire backside about an equal distance wider. Inside, the rear seats sit more than an inch lower, giving back the headroom for the second-row passengers that the coupe-cut took away. The final product is sleek and well proportioned — and every version retains the Porsche-worthy handling dynamics of conventional Cayennes.
Who It’s For: Porsche buyers are a picky lot, hence the proliferation of often modestly differentiated versions within each model line, (There are, at the moment, 28 different 911’s you can buy.) This one is for Porsche enthusiasts who want a slightly sportier look — and feel, given a few key weight-reduction and aerodynamic enhancements — than those drawn to the more squarish Cayenne. Sure, it’s a highly nuanced distinction, but one Porsche readily satisfies with relative ease.
