The success story of the Porsche Cayenne SUV began in late 2001 when it was offered for sale in Germany to allow current Porsche 911 owners a ‘family’ or lifestyle vehicle. The Porsche Cayenne made the idea of a sports car in the SUV segment a reality and by 2002 when it was launched globally many believed that Porsche’s first SUV and also Porsche’s first 4 door vehicle might not see success as global best seller. This was soon proven wrong with the huge success of the Cayenne nameplate globally which continues till today.
Commute to work today and drive off-road or on the racetrack tomorrow – the Porsche Cayenne offers ambiance, precision and driving pleasure on every terrain. And with five seats and extensive, high-quality equipment and features it has plenty of room for a whole lot of fun behind the wheel. With the typical Porsche design DNA.
Thanks to its balanced overall package of being a family vehicle, an off-road vehicle and a sports car the Porsche Cayenne has exceeded all sales expectations. More than 276,000 first generation vehicles rolled off the production line, and more than 303,000 units of the second generation Porsche Cayenne that was introduced in 2010 have already been sold. The Cayenne therefore makes an important contribution to profitable growth for Porsche and at the same time it contributes to ensuring that Porsche has a wide range of highly dynamic vehicles – from sports cars to saloons, SUVs and even motorsport vehicles.
The new Cayenne continues this path. Increased efficiency, even more precise handling, a sharper design and even more extensive standard equipment – these are its defining features. Five models are available right from the start: Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which was the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. Porsche is the only manufacturer worldwide to offer three different plug-in hybrid models. Today you have the Porsche 918 Spyder, the Panamera S E-Hybrid and of course the Cayenne S E-Hybrid in the lineup. (all models pictured below)
Start with the most basic Cayenne, the V6 powered version and you will be impressed with it from ignition. Ignite the engine and start moving and you get a turbo push in full response to your pedal pressure. As the torque wave builds when you floor the accelerator pedal, this Porsche SUV does not hesitate as it smoothly changes gears to get you to your desired high speed. It exhibits a steady, smooth flow of power and as such you never really get the forcefulness that characterises this great 3.6-litre engine in smaller, sportier models, like the 911. Push it harder and the damping rates on the sport shock absorbers are well tuned to allow plenty of give, but without becoming sloppy or soggy at all as it enables drivers to switch between the comfort, sports or mode to choose between relaxed, sporting agility or a more efficient style of driving. You always feel in control and steering wheel inputs are very precise. There is a firmness to the ride at times with its low profile tires, and you will feel bumps and holes when you cross them, but it’s never sharp edged or abrupt, always smooth.
The delivery of power is immense and there is no lag as the 8-speed Tiptronic S swaps gears very fast allowing the driver of this SUV to get sports car like enjoyment with handling to match.
