The 3rd generation Porsche Cayenne facelift brings big updates to the performance SUV.
Porsche has introduced the facelifted 3rd generation Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe with significant changes to its powertrain, chassis, design, and technology. The 2024 Cayenne was shown at the Shanghai Auto Show. It boasts a highly digitized display and control interior concept, new chassis technology, and innovative high-tech features. This extensive upgrade is one of the most significant product overhauls in Porsche’s history.
The new Porsche Driver Experience optimizes operation and is focused on the driver. Frequently used functions are located on or next to the steering wheel, and the stalk behind the wheel has additional features for operating driver assistance systems. The gear selector is on the dashboard, creating room on the center console for storage and a large air conditioning controller. Large, easily accessible controls combined with manually adjustable air vent controls and a haptic volume knob ensure the most refined operability. Most of these changes were previewed some time ago.
The cockpit features a digital 12.6-inch instrument cluster with variable display options, and an optimized head-up display is available as an option. A 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management display integrates seamlessly into the dashboard and provides access to all relevant vehicle functions.
Native apps such as Spotify and Apple Music are available for the first time. Additionally, a 10.9-inch display is available for the first time on the passenger side, providing access to performance data and infotainment system controls, and the option to stream video content without the driver’s view.
The Cayenne’s refined design features a new front end with athletically styled fenders, a new hood, and re-designed headlights. The three-dimensionally designed taillights and a new rear fascia with an integrated license plate holder characterize the vehicle’s rear end design. The expanded color palette offers three new colors, and a new extensive range of 20, 21, and 22-inch wheels add to the high degree of customization available.
The Cayenne now comes with a comprehensive range of new and optimized assistance systems, including Active Speed Limit Assist and two enhanced functions of Adaptive Cruise Control: Evasion Assist and Turn Assist. The optional Porsche InnoDrive has been improved with Active Lane Keep and Intersection Assist.
The Cayenne now features new shock absorbers with two-valve technology, allowing optimized performance in all driving situations. The new optional adaptive air suspension with two-chamber, two-valve technology improves the driving experience with compliant suspension characteristics and stabilizes the vehicle for on-road and off-road handling, compared to both the standard suspension and the predecessor model.
At the same time, the optional adaptive air suspension improves driving precision and performance and reduces body movements in dynamic driving situations.
There are three different engines. The base Cayenne models come with an optimised V6 turbo with 353PS and 500Nm of torque, a 13PS/50Nm improvement. The new Cayenne S models come with an extensively refined twin-turbo 4.0L V8 engine developed by Porsche, replacing the previous V6 engine, and boasting a maximum output of 474PS and 600Nm of torque. This is 34PS and 50Nm more than the outgoing model. It accelerates both the SUV and the SUV Coupé to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and the top speed is 273km/h.
The Cayenne E-Hybrid now comes with a new electric motor with 176PS and a pure electric range of 90km with a new 11kW on-board charger which takes less than 2.5 hours to fully recharge the battery. Finally, there’s the Cayenne Turbo GT which comes exclusively as a coupé. This takes the 4.0L V8 biturbo of the Cayenne S and tunes it up to 659PS for a 0-100km/h time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 305km/h.
Our money is on the standard Cayenne model being brought in for local assembly at the Kulim plant in Kedah as a direct replacement to the current model. The only question is when will it arrive and for how much. In Europe, deliveries are expected by July 2023.
