i agree on the turbo remark...it is a beast!

All sports package does is improve handling , doesnt improve power or the way engine responds and sounds. I did my research before comparing performance figures and reading reviews, The mistake i did is not driving the Cayenne s. I drove the 4.8 and 4.6 . I found the 4.6 only marginally quicker then 4.4, the 4.8 was way faster and sounds and feels like Porsche. I definitely feel the Cayenne S is more fun to drive and not muted like X5 4.4 or even the 4.6. BMW maybe a better all round car , Cayenne seems like a more fun SUV.

I dont think i am going to trade in my car anytime soon ...its my wifes car, she has no clue nor does she car . I was just amazed at what Porsche can do to a 5000 lb suv.

For my power cravings i have the 700 HP 911 Turbo...which i drive during nice days.

My overall impression is Porsche in general is a in a higher performance level from a BMW. I owned 7 BMW's E46 M3 , E46's ...more recently a fully tuned 335i. I respect BMW.

With a couple of bolt on and a good tune & you will give that Cayenne S a ride for his money.:thumbup:

I'm not sure I get the point of this thread.....

--You like the Cayenne S better.

--You have no intent of buying a Cayenne S.

--Opinion stated and noted---What else is there?

I love Porsches too---If I were in the market for a sports coupe I'd be all over a Carrera S---yeah, as a brand they are generally higher performance than BMW---that's the whole point. I drove a Cayenne S too....beautiful engine, great sound, but the handling was just not there.....I felt every single pound of its curb weight in the corners, whereas my 4.6 felt much lighter in the way it handled. Since I was looking for an enjoyable practical everyday driver and not a bracket racer, that pushed the right buttons with me.

what years were 4.6 l engine offered? Btw..i used to live in the GSP area ,nice place to live and friendly people.

I recently purchased a 2004 X5 4.4 for my wife , have been very happy with the car. I just drove my friends Cayenne S and am blown away by its performance.....Now i am having buyers remorse. The Porsche feels so much faster , revs faster and feels like a sports car more than SUV. BMW feels much heavier and not as nimble, although on th positive side i like BMW interiors and smooth V8. it just lacks the guts of porsche.

Some of your complaints were handling related. The sport package would have addressed those. As you can see by the youtube video provided above, the 4.8is out handled, accelerated and braked the S. The 4.6is is a very similar set up to the 4.8is as far as brakes and suspension are concerned, so it should handle better than the S as well.

Did you miss all the theads on the X5 M? It's faster than the Pepper Turbo...

02-03

I believe it was 2002 and 2003 only. 4.8is was offered from 2004 to 2006

Why did they step down in power from 2004 with a 4.4 instead of 4.6?