Try GOLD - Free

Sport Above All

BBC TopGear India

|

November 2017

While most SUVs focUsed on jUstifying their Utility qUotient, a feW concentrated on Ultimate performance. meet the third generation porsche cayenne, an sUV that’s noW almost a sportscar

- Devesh Shobha

Sport Above All

The class of 2002 had witnessed the introduction of a new apprentice into the SUV school of thought whose ultimate life goal was to be a sportscar. Based on a different ideology back then, it looked and felt a bit unconventional in its formative years, but that didn’t deter the Porsche Cayenne from achieving what it set out to be fifteen years ago. The previous generations of Cayenne did set very high standards as far as the thrill of driving went, and today, with distinctive features such as active aero, rear axle steer and lightweight construction, it’s in the process of pushing the goalposts even farther than its batchmates would have imagined it to.

In fact, we feel this third-generation Cayenne could be the closest any SUV could ever get to morph itself into a modern-day sportscar. Yes, we know it’s a tall-ish Porsche and that it could never match the performance of a 911 no matter how close it gets to the German brand’s sportscar DNA, but there’s a lot to the new Cayenne than meets the eye, such as the active rear spoiler that not only adds downforce at high speeds but also works as an airbrake when required. Clever, isn’t it? Read on to better understand the Porsche’s flagship SUV that has a few more tricks up its sleeves, which could possibly give it the bragging rights to being the towering performer amongst luxury SUVs.

Good, better, better(er)

MORE STORIES FROM BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

HYUNDAI CRETA N LINE

WHY IT'S HERE? This month, we focused on the sporty looks and how easy the car is to manage.

time to read

1 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

HYUNDAI CRETA ELECTRIC

To see what it has in store for an electric mid-size mid-size SUV buyer

time to read

1 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

MARUTI SUZUKI JIMNY

₹12.32 LAKH ONWARDS [EX-SHOWROOM] WHY IT'S HERE? Testing it for long drives and evaluating its fuel efficiency in real-world conditions.

time to read

1 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

FURY ROAD

Meet the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Evo... the world's most powerful internal combustion road car. Jethro pulls the pin

time to read

9 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

EASY GOING MILE MUNCHER: HERO XOOM 160

AFTER WHAT FEELS LIKE AN ETERNITY, we've finally had the chance to ride the Hero Xoom 160. I was really looking forward to it — not just because it's India's first homegrown maxi-scooter, but also because it brings something unique to the table, with a style and character that leans more towards the adventure segment. Unveiled at EICMA 2024, the Xoom 160 made its India debut at the Bharat Mobility Show earlier this year, and was launched at ₹1.49 lakh. It features a new engine, stronger underpinnings, and a host of other upgrades, all aimed at competing with the likes of the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the new TVS NTorq 150. So, what’s it like from behind the handlebar? Read on to find out.

time to read

4 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

IN THE SHADOW OF GIANTS

The S1 LM is a tribute to arguably the world's greatest racing car, based on the world's best supercar. Here's how it happened, from the man who dreamed it up...

time to read

8 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

SCOTLAND TO INDIA'S SWEET SPOT

Could the Mk3 Q3 be the turning point for Audi in India? We explore it in Scotland

time to read

4 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

LACKLUSTER LEAP TVS ORBITER

THE TVS NTORQ 150 WAS A HIGHLY anticipated scooter, but the TVS Orbiter is a scooter that nobody expected. Designed to be a comfy and practical everyday runabout, it's aimed at those who want something laid-back, but with a head turning design and a fairly good range.

time to read

4 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

AUDI S5

WHY IT'S HERE? To see how it fares in the daily shenanigans around Mumbai

time to read

3 mins

October 2025

BBC TopGear India

BBC TopGear India

RUF RIDERS

\"Streets raised us, horses saved us\" We stop by the Compton Cowboys in a Ruf Rodeo. .. the collab you didn't see coming

time to read

7 mins

October 2025

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size