Erm, looks kinda familiar.

Well, yes, it's the new Porsche Cayenne, so we weren't expecting anything too revolutionary about the looks. It's the third generation - the original was launched in 2002 - and its predecessors have clocked up an impressive 750,000 sales since. Given that Porsche has only just built its millionth 911 - over a 55 year period - you can see how important the Cayenne is to the company's bottom line.

Conservatism is unsurprising then, although Michael Maur, Vice President Style Porsche, says the Cayenne Mk3 is a bigger departure over its predecessor than it might look. It's longer, lower and wider, there are staggered tyre widths and it comes with full LED lighting front and rear, the back strip lights adopting the 3D design that's now a Porsche styling signature, although it places it behind a Perspex cover.

Does it look more different inside?

If you've just jumped out of the outgoing Cayenne, then yes, but if you're familiar with the latest Panamera, no. The interior borrows heavily from Porsche's sports saloon, and, frankly, that's no bad thing. There's a massive 12.3-inch central touchscreen, while a pair of 7 inch screens flank the large analogue rev counter in the instrument binnacle. The surface treatments are beautiful, too, and their operation is all very simple and clear.

There's more space inside, despite the Cayenne having a lower roofline, and the boot has grown by 100 litres over the previous Cayenne. Connectivity is up, too. All cars come with Porsche's online services, while there's a new off-road performance app for those wanting to record and improve their driving in the mire - as if anyone uses their Cayennes on the farm.

And the engines?

Typically with a new model introduction, they're more powerful. The range has been revealed initially with a 3.0-litre V6 single turbo petrol engine in the base Cayenne and a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol in the Cayenne S. The standard car has 340hp, which Is enough to see it reach 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds if you've opted for the Sport Chrono pack with launch control. The Cayenne S has 440hp and shaves a second off that 0-62mph time. Quick, then, and more efficient, too, thanks to things like a new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, as well as a 60kg drop in kerbweight. That saving is thanks in part to an aluminium body and the standard fitment of a lithium-ion starter battery.

There's no word on a diesel yet. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume did admit that the Cayenne can be fitted with one, although the bulk of sales are petrols in Porsche's biggest markets, namely China and the USA. There will be e-hybrid models, just like the Panamera, and a range-topping Turbo is also on the cards.

Agile too?

Porsche could barely contain their excitement at the fitting of wider rear tyres over those up front, or the availability of rear-wheel steering, both of which are borrowed from the 911. The Cayenne isn't going to match a 911 around a circuit, but expect it to monster its rivals dynamically when the inevitable group tests occur. All of the various drive settings are operated by the Mode button on the steering wheel, assuming you've optioned the Sport Chrono pack - as we expect everyone will. This also adds a Sport Response button for optimal overtaking performance.

Anything else?

There's some new braking technology, too, Porsche has added another brake choice below the expensive PCCB carbon ceramic items. PSCB stands for Porsche Surface Coated Brake, and it adds a tungsten-carbide coating that improves frictional qualities, reduces wear (and brake dust), and once bedded in leaves the discs shiny. If that's not obvious enough the standard caliper colour is white, to let everyone know you're rocking some more expensive stoppers. You'll need 20 or 21-inch optional wheels if you want them, while the standard wheel size as grown from 18 to 19 inches.

Want one?

You can order the new Cayenne now, although deliveries don't start until April next year. Prices start at £55,965 for the Cayenne, the S adding about £13,000 to that.