What's all this about?
It's the latest incarnation of the Porsche Cayenne, the car that single-handedly saved the sports car firm from bankruptcy when the first generation was launched 20 years ago. We're now on to the third generation, which was launched in 2017, so the time has come for Porsche to give the SUV and sportier Coupe variant a mid-life update.
It doesn't look much different...
Well, Porsche is the grand master when it comes to evolutionary design, although Cayenne product line vice-president Michael Schätzle reckons it's "one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche". The chief changes externally are the addition of high-definition Matrix LED headlights, while a new bonnet and front wings are designed to make the nose look wider than before. At the back, there are new 3D LED tail-lights.
It's inside where the most obvious changes take place. The Porsche Driver Experience infotainment system from the electric Taycan has been introduced, with the driver-focused functions placed either on or near to the steering wheel, while the drive selector for the automatic gearbox (standard on all Cayennes) moves from the centre console to the dashboard. This makes space between the front seats for more storage and new climate control switches, although Porsche retains physical controls for most of these settings.
Another addition is a second dashboard display for the front-seat passenger. This new 10.9-inch screen sits ahead of the passenger, next to the existing 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) central display. The secondary touchscreen can show the infotainment details and performance data, while in some markets (Porsche hasn't confirmed which ones) passengers will be able to stream videos while on the move - a special foil on the screen means the display isn't visible to the driver.
Sounds very clever, but an interior revamp doesn't seem very extensive to me...
You're right, and there are upgrades and revisions to the powertrains that are on offer, too. First, the bad news, because the lairy Turbo GT Coupe is no longer part of the European line up, although it does continue in other markets with a 19hp boost so it now makes 659hp.
For the moment, the Cayenne does without Turbo or GTS models, too, although they are likely to be introduced over time. For now, the range kicks off with the entry-level model, which is powered by a 353hp 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol engine. This engine forms the basis of the E-Hybrid plug-in model, which comes with a more powerful electric motor for a total output of 470hp. The drive battery is also larger, up from 17.9kWh to 25.9kWh, so there's an all-electric driving range of 56 miles from a full charge. An 11kW on-board charger means that the larger battery can be recharged in less than two and a half hours as before, if connected to a three-phase AC source.
The top-spec model at launch is the Cayenne S, which switches from V6 power to the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that was previously seen in the pre-facelift Cayenne GTS. Here it makes 474hp and 600Nm of torque, and the Cayenne S has a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. All versions of the Cayenne are four-wheel drive and feature an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.
Will the Cayenne still be the driver's choice in the premium SUV class?
We'll have to wait and see, but Porsche hasn't made any revisions to the chassis that could jeopardise its status. As standard, there are steel springs and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, while new shocks with two-valve technology mean that the suspension can be optimised for more situations. This should help boost comfort (especially at low speeds) without compromising performance, while Porsche claims that pitch and roll performance have been improved.
Adaptive air suspension is available as an option and features two-chamber and two-valve tech, which means a greater distinction can be made between the Cayenne's softest and firmest settings, which should further improve comfort and performance, not just over the outgoing model, but also steel-sprung version.
Fantastic. Anything else we need to know?
The new Porsche Cayenne is available to order now, and all models feature matrix LED headlights. the PASM system, 20-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. First deliveries are due in the Summer, but while UK prices haven't been confirmed, the range starts from €89,097 in the EU, with the Cayenne Coupe carrying a premium of around €3,000-€5,000 over the standard SUV.
Shane O'Donoghue - 18 Apr 2023
