By Otsile Kadiege

The Porsche Cayenne is undoubtedly one of the popular SUVs among the rich and wealthy people on this planet. The automaker recentley revealed an updated version in a bid to remain relevant in the booming and highly competitive premium SUV segment. According to Porsche’s Vice President Product Line Cayenne, the nameplate received one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche. So what’s new?

Cayenne updated exterior

The updated Cayenne now has a particularly expressive appearance. A new front end combined with more strongly arched wings, a new bonnet and standard Matrix LED headlights (HD Matrix LED Headlights) emphasises the vehicle’s width.

Three-dimensionally designed tail lights, uncluttered surfaces beneath and a new rear apron with integrated number plate holder characterise the rear end design of the new Cayenne. An expanded colour palette with three new colours, lightweight sports packages saving up to 33 kilograms for the Porsche Cayenne Coupé, and a new extensive range of 20, 21, and 22-inch wheels make it possible to individually and dynamically configure the new Cayenne.

Cayenne updated interior

The new Porsche Driver Experience, first introduced in the Porsche Taycan, focuses on the driver’s axis and optimises operation. Functions that the driver uses frequently are located directly on or immediately next to the steering wheel. The automatic transmission selector lever in the new Cayenne is now on the dashboard. This makes room on the new centre console for storage compartments and a large air conditioning controller in an elegant black panel design. Large, easily accessible controls combined with mechanical air conditioning switches and a haptic volume controller ensure optimum operability and a refined look. A key feature of the new Porsche Driver Experience is the right balance between digital and analogue elements.

For the first time, the redesigned cockpit of the Porsche Cayenne includes a fully digital 12.6-inch instrument cluster with a so-called curved and free-standing design and variable display options. An optimised head-up display is available as an option. The standard 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management (PCM) display integrates harmoniously into the new dashboard and provides access to all the relevant vehicle functions. Native apps such as Spotify and Apple Music are provided to optimise connectivity in the new Cayenne. A 10.9-inch display is now available for the first time for the passenger side. This screen displays performance data, providing separate access to the infotainment system controls and, depending on the market, the option of streaming video content on the road. A special foil ensures that the driver cannot see this display.

Porsche has also introduced an air quality system in the new Cayenne. As standard, the vehicle uses predictive navigation data to detect approaching tunnel entrances and automatically activates air recirculation. Optionally, a sensor detects the level of fine dust particles in the air and passes it through the fine dust filter multiple times if necessary. Furthermore, Porsche claims an ioniser removes many germs and pollutants from the air, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

Cayenne optimised assistance systems

In addition, customers can use a comprehensive range of new and optimised assistance systems. These include the active speed limiter and the swerve assist, the cornering assist, and the improved Porsche InnoDrive as part of the adaptive cruise control. This means that the new Cayenne is even better at helping its driver in dangerous situations as well as in traffic jams on motorways and main roads.

Cayenne performance

In Europe, the new Cayenne debuts with three different engine versions. An extensive refinement of the four-litre V8 biturbo engine developed by Porsche replaces the previous V6 engine in the new Cayenne S. With a maximum output of 349 KW and a torque of 600 Nm – 25 kW and 50 Nm more than its predecessor – it accelerates both the SUV and the SUV Coupé to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The top speed is 273 km/h. The entry into the world of the Porsche Cayenne comes with an optimised three-litre V6 turbo engine. It now generates 260 kW and 500 Nm, which is 10 kWand 50 Nm more than before.

The six-cylinder engine also forms the basis for the powertrain of the Cayenne E-Hybrid. In combination with a new electric motor that has been improved by 30 kW to 130 kW, the combined output increases to 346 kW. Equipped with a high-voltage battery with a capacity increased from 17.9 kWh to 25.9 kWh, depending on the equipment level, a purely electric range according to the WLTP of up to 90 kilometres is now possible. A new 11 kW on-board charger now shortens the charging time at an appropriate power source to less than two and a half hours despite the increased battery capacity. During the trip, the optimised e-hybrid driving modes increase the efficiency of the vehicle.

Outside the EU, the Turbo GT designed for maximum on-road performance is still the top model in the Cayenne range in most Porsche markets. It is available exclusively as a coupé and benefits from all the optimisations and innovations of the model series. In addition, the output of the four-litre V8 biturbo engine of the Turbo GT has been increased by 14 kW to 485 kW. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 305 km/h.

Porsche now equips the Cayenne at the factory with a steel spring suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). New shock absorbers with 2-valve technology and thus separate rebound and compression stages which Porsche claims will allow optimised performance in all driving situations.

Cayenne pricing

Porsche Cayenne – R1,848,000

Porsche Cayenne coupe – R1,933,000

Porsche Cayenne S – R2 125 000

Porsche Cayenne S coupe – R2,232,000

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid – R2,194,000

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid coupe – R2,259,000

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT – R4,128,000