Cayenne vs. Panamera: back seat differences

[navin in KC]

I currently have an Audi A8L and it is a great car. I will replace at some point soon and I'd like to consider a Porsche. I'm 6'4" tall and desire a car that when I am seated comfortably, someone of average size can sit behind me. I realize that there is not a Porsche that can give as much room as the A8L, but I'd like to optimize it. I also have one 3 year old and possibly one or two more on the way.

Here is my dilemma:

The Cayenne:

Pro: sits three across in the back and could likely put 3 child seats in there if I need to do that.

Con: The leg room in the rear seat seems lacking.

The Panamera:

Pro: more leg room

Con: only two rear seats.

My questions:

For the Cayenne: Is the rear leg room really as bad as it seems?

For the Panamera, can a child seat be placed to straddle the rear center console? ( I doubt it ) Is there an option to get rid of the rear console?

I appreciate any help / comments.

(I'm dual posting this in the Panamera forum as well)

[cayenne06]

I am 6'1" and my kids sit comfortably behind me in their car seats.

[1Need4Speed]

Which Cayenne are you interested in? 2008-2010? Or the newest model? What type of $$$ are you looking to spend?

I have an 04 S with a facelift and the back seats 3 comfortable, adults, kids whatever. The Panamera is a great looking large car but just doesn't seem as virsatile as the Cayenne. I would suggest test driving both of them back to back. The deals are excellent on the Cayenne's if you want an older Gen. check out the 2009 Turbo S. that's a fully loaded rocket you can get for under $70,000 with low miles if you dig around.

Good luck...

[PanamaCayenneGTS]

I am 6' 7" tall, finishing my lease on a BMW 750Li (similar in interior size to your A8L) I drove both the Panamera and Cayenne back to back recently. Once you adjust the front seat properly, there is actually more space in the Cayenne behind the driver than the Panamera in the same position. My 9 year old also found the rear seat of the Panamera GTS much more uncomfortable than the Cayenne. I decided to order the Cayenne GTS. I think with your height and 2-3 kids added, that is the more practical option.

[scapie4]

You are forgetting something very important besides the leg room. The Panamera lacks trunk space that the Cayenne has plenty. When you have kids you have strollers, bikes, bags, more bags etc. So take that into consideration seriously.

[rustre]

I am 6'4" and sat in both the Panamera and the Cayenne. The Cayenne has much more leg room (I don't touch the front seat with my knee sitting in the back) and is easier to get in and out of. The Panamera - even the stretch - does not have the leg room of the Cayenne.