Reader feedback on Porsche Cayenne winter performance

Here's what the owners had to say...

Dear 001,

I have a 2004 Cayenne TT (also have a 2004 Range Rover, 2003 M-B SL500, and 2002 996 TT).  In the summer, I run 20" SportTechno wheels with Conti tires.  In the winter, I run 18" Turbo wheels with Dunlop Grandtrek tires.  The Cayenne TT and Range Rover are near equals in heavy snow conditions, which means outstanding!

I am surprised by some of the controversy over the need for two sets of wheels and tires for the Cayenne.  Porsches are all about excellence in performance.  To achieve excellence in all conditions you need a set of performance tires and a set of winter tires.  This may need to be better explained by Porsche dealers for those who don't realize performance tires are not going to work very well on snow and ice.  $2K for a set of winter wheels and tires should be no big deal on a vehicle of this price plus an hour to switch them twice a year.

Keep up the great work guys!

Loren H.

Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

We have a 2004 Cayenne S with Porsche recommended Dunlop Grand Trek snow tires. We have plenty of snow and ice covered roads here in Montréal. The car handles very well with these tires. Stopping on snow and ice are also way above SUV average. The traction control works perfectly. Almost no slipping or slidding.We have a 2003 4 Runner as well as a 2003 Yukon and the Porsches winter manners are way above the other two

Ronnie.

You asked for comments regarding: "One preface...we know the stock performance tires aren't worth a damn on ice or snow" As a native of Southern California and residing in NW Ohio for the last 20 years, I think that you might want to revisit your supposition about standard tires and their utility in winter driving conditions. It could be your warm weather bias, but I have never found myself in need of snow and ice tires and I typically drive 30,000 to 35,000 miles each year.

I purchased my Cayenne S about a month ago and only have 2500 miles of experience with it plus the precipitation has not been much in the NWOhio area where I live. However, I can say that with our first snow, approximately 3-5 inches and a day of freezing rain I can say that so far I am more than satisfied with my Cayenne's performance. I noticed no problems with my stock tires (18 inch) in braking quickly or in acceleration. More important though is the confidence that I had upon passing other slow moving vehicles. There is a typical build-up of snow and ice in the middle of the road and on both sides of each lane due to the traffic and passing can often be precarious. Yet, when I passed on two lane roads (typically 55-59 mph) I easily transitioned from one lane to the next. I previously had an MDX and it was typically a tense moment in transitioning between lanes, esp. when the passing lane is the lane for oncoming traffic (two lane highway). The Cayenne was superb in this movement. As to handling on ice, it performed well during a day of freezing rain. Yet, on the next day, my driveway (345 ft.) was ice covered with little snow. The handling with the standard tires were poor ( as is to be expected) and I maneuvered down the driveway by keeping one side in contact with the snow on the side.

1. What snows work the best? I believe that the stock 18 inch all seasons would be more than sufficient for most areas.

2. With the right tires does it perform well? n/a

3. Does the traction system work as well or better than other vehicles, ala Audi Quattro? I have not experienced the Audi, but would say that it performed as well or better than the MDX.

4. Do dealers provide adequate info regarding what setup is the best or are they out to lunch regarding recommendations for customers? My dealer, O'Daniel Porsche in Ft Wayne, IN.,  went through the options with me but the consensus was that unless you had the 19 or 20 inch wheels there would not be much of a need for specialty tires.

Thanks for the informative material conveyed by your newsletter. I find myself anticipating the delivery of your e-mail each week. Gene in Bryan, Ohio

I'm perfectly satisfied with the Michelins Pilot Alpins on my Boxster S, which I drive daily in the deep freeze here in the Boston area (it was -1F when I left the office last night&) Who needs a Cayenne?

(Sorry to be off-topic.)

Kamal

Living in Westchester County NY, I have had the pleasure of cranking my hot pepper through the recent snows. Its perfect taking me through 6inches of snow uphill to get out of  my driveway. Its tough working the radio buttons with heavy gloves on but I got a cup holder for my hot coffee!  Major hazards in snow driving are waiting for RWD idiots to get out of the way.

John Hill

My Cayenne S was terrible in the snow.  The performance tires 19" as you said couldn't hold at all.  I ordered a set of snow tires and wheels from Tirerack.  The tires are Dunlop Grandtrek MT WS on 18' wheels.  They are wonderful.  Traction, control work well with the PSM.

It's a really great tire and I feel comfortable and safe.

Thank you,    Norman F.

Hello, I have an 03 cayenne turbo, I live in 25 miles north of NYC. and commute to the city each day. I did purchase the 18 inch bridgestone Blizzack wheel tire package from tire rack, I learned years ago with my X5 that 19 inch summer tires are suicidal in the winter so the swap from 20's to 18's on my cayenne was not even a 2nd thought. the greatest advantage of the cayenne is the air suspension package. I live on a mountainside in Rockland county NY. The plows leave a one foot burm at my driveways entrance every time it snows, just add 3 inches to the ground clearance and go for it. What used to catch my X5's underbelly and hang me up is now the equivalent of a mosquito hitting the windshield at 60. NO ISSUE...Love my tractable 955 TURBO. 

Michael B., Pomona, New York