What's all this about?

Porsche, the company known for its sports cars but propped up by its SUVs, has a new Cayenne on the way, and we’ve finally been afforded a look inside. We’ll have to wait until next month before we see the outside, but these images suggest we’re looking at a tech-heavy update, rather than wholesale changes.

Sorry, how much?

For the most part, the German brand has taken bits from the Taycan electric saloon and shoehorned them into the existing Cayenne’s dashboard. There’s a new digital instrument display and a new dash-mounted gear selector, as well as a fresh climate control panel on the centre console.

But perhaps the most obvious upgrade is the new passenger display that will be available as an option. Using special foil so the driver can’t see it, the screen can play videos and offer other features while the car is on the move.

Any other additions?

Oh yes. Porsche says it has improved connectivity further with a cooled smartphone storage area with wireless charging. Because the area is cooled, it allows Porsche to increase the charging power up to 15 watts.

What’s more, Porsche has added Siri voice assistant technology to operate some vehicle functions, while two new USB-C ports have been fitted in the front storage compartment. There’s another two in the rear centre console, too, with all four offering rapid device charging, while the front ports connect to the infotainment system. And, for more convenient phone pairing, the car will produce a QR code that passengers can scan to connect their device.

What about the rest of the car?

Porsche hasn’t said too much about that, but we’re expecting relatively subtle exterior changes and a very similar engine range to the existing Cayenne. That said, Porsche has said it wants to introduce an electric Cayenne alongside the petrol and hybrid models, so look out for that in the coming year or two. Otherwise, we’ll have to wait until the car is fully unveiled on April 18 before we know more.

James Fossdyke - 30 Mar 2023