Who are we to argue style over substance? The trend to make SUVs sleeker and more “coupe-like” extends to Porsche’s range-topping model, the Cayenne Coupe. Yes, coupe technically means two doors. And no, that hasn’t stopped a number of automakers (Porsche included) from applying the label to four-door SUVs. To its credit, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe lives up to its sportier billing thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), sharp steering reflexes, and an extremely potent range of engines.

What’s New for 2023

Porsche introduced the Coupe version of the Cayenne for the 2020 model year. Since then, updates have included higher performance models like the GTS trim, and an infotainment update that belatedly added Android Auto compatibility to the Cayenne’s infotainment system for the 2022 model year. By and large, however, the 2023 Cayenne Coupe is unchanged and receives no notable updates

Design

The Cayenne Coupe has a tapering roofline that gives it a sportier and less stodgy SUV-like look to it. This is most noticeable when seen in profile. To accommodate its more rakish silhouette, Porsche has lowered the rear seat by approximately two inches to make certain taller rear occupants are not left short when it comes to available headroom. Overall functionality does take a hit, however. The Cayenne Coupe has a total of 22 cubic feet of cargo volume behind its split-folding rear seat back, compared to roughly 27 cubic feet afforded by the standard Cayenne.

Powertrain

Similar to the regular Cayenne, the Coupe has a number of tempting powertrain choices and AWD is standard across the lineup. Motivating the base Cayenne Coupe is a punchy 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that churns out 335-horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Like every Cayenne Coupe, the engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Next, the Cayenne Coupe S serves up a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne GTS Coupe and Turbo Coupe both feature a twin-turbo 4-liter V8 that produces 453 hp and 541 hp, respectively. If that’s still not enough, you’re in luck because the Turbo GT Coupe has a staggering 631 hp on tap. Ironically, it’s a hybrid that takes the ultimate horsepower bragging rights here. The Coupe Turbo S E-Hybrid (covered more in-depth, separately) uses an electric motor to nudge the turbo V8’s output to 670 hp and 663 pound-feet of torque.

Interior

Standard features on the Cayenne Coupe consist of leather seating, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, and a split-folding rear seatback. There are many ways to upgrade the cabin and a few noteworthy additions include heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function, a heated steering wheel, soft-close doors, heated rear seats, quad-zone climate control, and panoramic sunroof.

Technology

Perched in the middle of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, four USB ports, and a 10-speaker stereo. This is complemented by a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. An optional Sport Chrono stopwatch should appeal to those who want to clock hot laps in their Cayenne Coupe, or at least look the part. Additional extras include a dual-screen rear entertainment system, ambient interior lighting, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and a 21-speaker Burmester surround-sound stereo.

Safety

All Cayenne Coupes come with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and front and rear parking sensors. Despite its luxury status (and sizable price tag), features like rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are extra-cost options. Due to its relatively small sales, neither the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) have conducted crash tests on the Cayenne or the Cayenne Coupe.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe with its standard V6 engine begins at $80,700. That’s approximately $8,000 higher than the base price for the regular Cayenne. This gap is maintained as you climb the available trims and powertrains, too. A Coupe S rings in at $95,200, while the Turbo Coupe comes in just a whisker below $140,000. The priciest of the Cayenne Coupe lineup is Turbo GT. Fitted with 22-inch wheels, a carbon fiber roof, and adaptive suspension, it commands a cool $190,150.