BMW Z4 vs Porsche Cayenne
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW Z4 starts from $99,200 before on-road costs, while the Porsche Cayenne opens at $138,800. That makes the BMW Z4 the more affordable entry point by $39,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $109,120 and $152,680 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW Z4 by roughly $6,270 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW Z4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Porsche Cayenne. The Porsche Cayenne counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.
The Porsche Cayenne responds with a Petrol making 260kW and 500Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The Porsche Cayenne has the clear power advantage at 260kW vs 145kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW Z4 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW Z4 measures 4,335mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 595mm shorter than the Porsche Cayenne at 4,930mm (2,895mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Porsche Cayenne generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 210L in the BMW Z4 and 698L in the Porsche Cayenne, giving the Porsche Cayenne a 488L advantage. The Porsche Cayenne seats 5 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the BMW Z4 and $3,477/year for the Porsche Cayenne. That is a $1,254 annual difference in favour of the BMW Z4.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (BMW Z4) vs $3,477 (Porsche Cayenne). The BMW Z4 saves you roughly $1,254 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW Z4) vs 3 years / 999,999km (Porsche Cayenne). The BMW Z4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Porsche Cayenne if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Porsche's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW Z4 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW Z4 will save you roughly $1,254 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Porsche Cayenne has a clear edge. The BMW Z4 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW Z4 and Porsche Cayenne?
The BMW Z4 is the cheapest at $99,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Porsche Cayenne by $39,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW Z4 uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Porsche Cayenne all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Porsche Cayenne has the largest boot at 698L.
Which can tow the most?
The Porsche Cayenne has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW Z4 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Porsche Cayenne makes the most power at 260kW. The BMW Z4 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.4s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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