Porsche Cayenne GTS vs Audi RS4 Avant

Compare that with the RS4. In comparison to its predecessor, the RS4 stands 20mm longer, 24mm wider and 20mm lower consequently boasting a lower centre of gravity and improved balance. Standing 270mm lower than the Cayenne – 1415mm to 1685mm – gravity was always going to be kinder to the RS4. Superb grip through the 20-inch wheels and good weight in the steering keeps connection to the front end strong. The power steering is also very unobtrusive, solid weight forcing you to work the front wheels through the steering when really on it. It’s hardwork but has a superb payoff, magnificent balance and little bodyroll keeping the Audi on its rails

Almost. Despite the Quattro system working its magic behind the scenes, the rear end – with less weight thanks to the cavernous boot space – becomes a little twitchy. Not enough to ever feel out of control but enough to keep you on your toes on the throttle and the brakes. An unusual situation for the normally planted Audis certainly, but entertaining nonetheless. The brakes, feelsome as they are, can also take their fair share of punishment.

What does throw me is the sensitivity of the steering at low speeds. Considering the weight at cruise, it’s remarkably light in the lower gears and does take some time to get acclimatised too. Another issue to rear its head is the stiffness of the chassis and suspension which does affect the ride comfort in Dynamic drive mode: I’m tempted to use the word ‘jostly’. This can be negated by the Individual settings in drive mode, in which you can change suspension, steering, throttle and gear change ferocity, but finding the balance is difficult.

So, there we have the facts laid out. Time to tally the votes.

Let’s start with the Cayenne. It’s very impressive, no doubt whatsoever. There’s superb amounts of grip at the front end, solid heft at the steering wheel, and very little lean. Plus V8 fury and a sound that only comes from a Porsche. Low end torque is a little disappointing and it’s difficult for the drive not to be affected by the weight, but there’s no doubt the GTS has no right to handle as well as it does. Surely an SUV can’t handle as well as this?

But then there’s the Audi. It offers the same space, practicality and charisma, but proves more comfortable and handles like an absolute beast (once you’ve selected Sport anyway). Throw the Audi at a turn and the front end will stick like glue, only for the back end to get a bit lively and attempt to overtake the front. But it’s manageable and – more importantly – fun. Add to that a sound system from the exhaust that’s somehow better than the Porsche, ludicrously violent acceleration, a $78,924 price tag that’s $15,000 less than the GTS’ base model, and you’ve got to go with the Audi.

Don’t get me wrong. For what it is the GTS is quite astonishing, and if you were going to put your hard-earned moolah down for a sporty SUV, there aren’t many in the business who could beat Porsche. But there’s an underlying flaw: with the GTS, we have an SUV trying to be a sports car; with the Avant, we have a sports car that just happens to be an estate car.

Whether this conclusion is demonstrated on the showroom floor, we’ll just have to wait and see.

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