2003 Porsche Cayenne (955) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Porsche Cayenne (955) ranges from 2160 kg to 2430 kg (4762 to 5357 lbs), depending on the specific configuration and optional equipment chosen. The maximum allowable weight (gross vehicle weight rating) varies between 2945 kg and 3080 kg (6494 to 6786 lbs). This weight range indicates that the SUV is built robustly to handle a variety of terrains and loads while balancing performance and utility.

The Porsche Cayenne (955) offers a luggage capacity of 540 liters (approximately 19.1 cubic feet) with the rear seats upright, providing a decent amount of cargo space for daily use or travel. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo volume expands significantly to 1770 liters (about 62.5 cubic feet), allowing for increased versatility to transport larger items or more substantial luggage loads, which is beneficial for longer trips or bulky cargo.

Yes, the Porsche Cayenne (955) typically fits into a standard residential garage. With a height of 1699 mm (66.9 inches), width of 1928 mm (75.9 inches), and length just under 4.8 meters (around 15.7 feet), it occupies a footprint consistent with other mid-size SUVs. Most standard garages, which accommodate vehicles up to approximately 2 meters in height and around 2.5 meters in width, will comfortably house the Cayenne, though it’s always wise to measure your specific garage to ensure ample clearance for opening doors and maneuvering.

The Porsche Cayenne (955) is actually the first generation of the Cayenne, so it doesn't have a predecessor Cayenne generation to compare dimensions with directly. However, conceptually, it set the baseline for all subsequent Cayennes. Compared to other SUVs available before 2002, it was slightly larger in length and width, emphasizing Porsche’s approach to delivering a sporty yet functional luxury SUV. Future generations of the Cayenne would build and expand upon this foundation, often growing in size and weight to accommodate evolving features and market demands.

When compared with similar luxury SUVs from the early 2000s, such as the BMW X5 E53 or the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W163, the Porsche Cayenne (955) has comparable dimensions with a slight edge in width. The Cayenne’s width at 1928 mm (75.9 inches) is notably wider than many competitors, which typically measured around 1850-1900 mm (72.8-74.8 inches). Its length at just under 4.8 meters (about 15.7 feet) is similar to that of the BMW X5 and Mercedes ML-Class, making it competitive in size while offering a distinctive Porsche design and driving feel. This blend of size and performance helped it stand out on the luxury SUV market.

The Porsche Cayenne (955) comes with a variety of rim sizes, primarily 8J x 18 and 7.5J x 17, paired with tire sizes including 255/55 R18 and 235/65 R17 108V, among others. These tire and rim sizes are tailored to balance ride comfort, off-road capability, and sporty on-road handling. Larger 18-inch rims with wider tires like the 255/55 R18 provide improved grip and stability at higher speeds and during cornering, which complements the Cayenne’s performance-oriented design. Meanwhile, the slightly smaller 17-inch rims can contribute to a softer ride and better off-road traction.

While exact interior width and height figures are not typically detailed separately from exterior dimensions, the Porsche Cayenne (955) was designed with passenger comfort in mind. Its broad exterior width of 1928 mm (75.9 inches) translates to a roomy cabin, providing ample shoulder room for passengers both front and rear. The height of 1699 mm (66.9 inches) allows for good headroom, contributing to a spacious feel inside. Porsche’s ergonomic design emphasizes comfort with supportive seats and well-laid-out controls, delivering a luxury SUV experience suited for long drives and varied road conditions.

The Porsche Cayenne (955), weighing between 2160 kg and 2430 kg (4762 to 5357 lbs), balances size with sporty driving dynamics characteristic of Porsche engineering. While its weight reflects the solid build and luxury fittings, the Cayenne offers surprisingly agile handling for an SUV of its size. Fuel efficiency varies by engine choice and driving conditions but generally aligns with expectations for mid-2000s luxury SUVs—moderate compared to smaller vehicles but competitive within its class. The emphasis on performance and off-road capability sometimes means fuel economy takes a secondary role to delivering a dynamic driving experience.

Throughout its production run, the Porsche Cayenne (955) was offered in multiple trims and variants to cater to different market demands and performance preferences. These included naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines, a Turbo variant delivering higher horsepower, and even diesel versions in some markets. Trim levels typically varied in luxury and performance equipment, such as suspension options, interior finishes, and technological features. This range allowed customers to choose from a more basic luxury SUV to a high-performance Porsche SUV experience, making the Cayenne versatile and appealing to a broad audience.