Compare the2023 BMW M2VS 2022 Porsche Cayenne

The M2’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Cayenne.

The M2 has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Cayenne’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the M2 has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the Cayenne.

The M2’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the M2 and the Cayenne have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M2 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the Cayenne (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 80 percent more BMW dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the M2’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Porsche is rated below average.

The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 118 more horsepower (453 vs. 335) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 332) than the Cayenne’s standard 3.0 turbo V6. The M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 19 more horsepower (453 vs. 434) and 1 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 405) than the Cayenne S’ standard 2.9 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the M2 gets better mileage than the Cayenne running its gasoline engine:

The M2 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

For better stopping power the M2’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Cayenne:

In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The M2 has a standard Brake Assistant to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.

For better traction, the M2 has larger tires than the Cayenne (F:275/35R19 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:255/55R19 & R:275/50R19).

The M2’s 275/35R19 front and 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Cayenne’s standard 55 series front and 50 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M2 has standard 20-inch rear wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the Cayenne.

The BMW M2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 1800 pounds less than the Porsche Cayenne.

The M2 is 1 foot, 1.4 inches shorter than the Cayenne, making the M2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces. The M2 is 1 foot, 1.7 inches shorter than the Cayenne GTS/Turbo.

The M2 is 10.3 inches shorter in height than the Cayenne, making the M2 much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M2 offers cargo security. The Cayenne’s sport utility bodystyle defeats cargo security.

The M2 Auto offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

If the windows are left open on the M2 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Cayenne can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.