What's the point of SUV's from Porsche & BMW?

[sugarwood]

I have always wondered about these sports car SUVs.
BMW and Porsche both got in on the feeding frenzy.
Other than to make money, what is the point of a Ferrari SUV?

From the buyers point of view, are they worth the large premium over a Honda, Jeep, Acura, or Ford SUV?
Do these handle significantly better than a regular SUVs? Or are they basically the same thing ?
I mean, it's an SUV, right? Any tangible reason beyond owning a designer SUV beyond prestigious conspicuous consumption?
Are they actually any different?

[Tobra]

I think it has something to do with financial viability of the company

[KNS]

If you're BMW or Porsche - then the point is to make money. Lots more than a 3 series or Boxster.

I guess if one wants the fit and finish of a premium European car as well as an SUV...

[GG Allin]

We had a Cayenne for a few years. For what that thing was, it handled pretty good.

[wdfifteen]

The point is to make money. If you've already got a power train putting it in a different platform isn't all that hard. The badge is worth something to some people and that justifies higher prices.

[aigel]

Great margins for the companies. As for driving one, they definitely are a step above a Honda or Toyota. And it is about prestige as much as performance for many people. It being more expensive is almost the point. "I can afford an xxx SUV, not just a Honda".

G

[onewhippedpuppy]

Ummm, the point of any corporation is to MAKE MONEY. Pretty much why they exist. Typically the SUVs are the highest volume and profit margin vehicles that they sell.

[Hugh R]

Before he moved to Manhattan, my SIL had a Pepper Turbo, it handled and felt more like a Porsche than a Toyota.

[stealthn]

Go drive a Cayenne Turbo, then a ford excursion back to back and you'll have your answer

[chocolatelab]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Go drive a Cayenne Turbo, then a ford excursion back to back and you'll have your answer

yep, thats it. Just moved a garage full of cars and ended up with a 2016 4 runner. Does pretty much the same stuff as the cayenne, but it is 10,000 miles short from a driving experience stand point.

That Cayenne was an absolute blast to drive.

If i get a third car again its gonna be a cayenne turbo for sure.

[sugarwood]

Ok, so there is a marked difference in driving a Cayenne and a run of the mill SUV.
That is what I wanted to know.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Go drive a Cayenne Turbo, then a ford excursion back to back and you'll have your answer

Is that both the turbo diesel Cayenne, and turbo diesel Excursion?

[lgb240]

properly equipped, an X5 or Cayenne makes an excellent tow vehicle - especially when it comes to stopping with your trailer

[aschen]

I think the super suvs are sorta pointless, but some of them are really fast and handle way better than you would think possible

Any bets on what handles better or can turn a better lap time a cayenne turbo or an 80s 911? My money is on the former

[Tervuren]

Certain regulations are really stepping up the size of cars. Most "SUV's" are really just normal cars with slightly taller bodywork and curb clearance. Unless its solid axle with tall high profile tires.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by aigel

"I can afford an xxx SUV, not just a Honda".

G

Yes, it's for the neighbours, not the owner. A big depreciating POS that leaves you walking home. Whereas a Toyota does the same at half the cost and twice the reliability. Source: Guy a couple of doors away.

[recycled sixtie]

Walking by the doctors only parking the other day at a local hospital I noticed that nearly all the cars parked were suv's. Some were BMW's, some Cayenne's, some Highlanders. If you make the big $$$ why not go for something that is more interesting to drive? Have driven the BMW X1. Great small suv and a ton of fun to drive. More chuckable than my 2011 Lexus 350. I had to check the local Porsche dealer for the name but choosing the Macan over the similar size Rav4 would be a given if you made the big $$$.

Guy

[javadog]

Why an SUV? Lots of reasons. Women like to sit up high so they can see and it makes them feel safer. Easy to cart kids around, haul things, etc. Better capabilities in bad weather, typically. Tow things, go off-road on vacation here and there.

Why an SUV from an upscale car company? If you are used to driving a BMW sedan, a Honda or Ford isn't going to float your boat.

Why a high performance SUV? If you already make a basic one, hot rod it and get a few more buyers. Usually the higher in performance, the more a manufacturer makes on it in profit.

JR

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Easy money from suckers. What company wouldn't profiteer off of such a thing?

[pavulon]

a little patience and capacity to buy used can make the depreciation thing work in your favor!

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Yes, it's for the neighbours, not the owner. A big depreciating POS that leaves you walking home. Whereas a Toyota does the same at half the cost and twice the reliability. Source: Guy a couple of doors away.