Porsche updates the Cayenne to continue being a benchmark among premium sports SUVs

After more than two decades of success and almost 1.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
06 December 2023 Wednesday 22:27
6 Reads
Porsche updates the Cayenne to continue being a benchmark among premium sports SUVs

After more than two decades of success and almost 1.3 million units sold, Porsche updates its successful luxury SUV, the Cayenne. In its new delivery, it debuts a highly digitalized display and control concept, a new chassis technology and innovative advanced functions. The high-definition HD Matrix LED headlights provide lighting adapted to each driving situation.

Another advance is an air quality system that filters pollutants so they do not enter the cabin. Furthermore, for the first time in the Cayenne, the front passenger has their own infotainment screen to, for example, watch videos during the trip. The design has also been extensively renewed and the new range of engines is more powerful and efficient.

Porsche has integrated a renewed display and control concept. The Porsche Driver Experience system focuses on the driver's axis and optimizes handling. The functions that the driver uses frequently are located on or very close to the steering wheel. For example, the lever located on the left behind the steering wheel now has additional functions for configuring driving assistance systems.

The automatic transmission lever is located on the dashboard, leaving space on the center console for storage compartments and a large air conditioning controller. Large, easy-access controls, combined with mechanical climate switches and a haptic volume regulator, ensure optimal control.

The front panel incorporates a 12.6-inch 100% digital instrument panel, with variable display options. The steering wheel is new and, as an option, an optimized head-up display is available. As standard, the 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) central display is integrated into the new front panel and provides access to all relevant vehicle functions.

Apps such as Spotify and Apple Music are included to improve connectivity and, for the first time, a 10.9-inch screen is offered for the passenger side, which can view performance data, access infotainment system controls or Watch videos during the ride. A special film ensures that the driver cannot see this screen.

In terms of exterior design, the front offers a greater sensation of width thanks to more arched fins, a new hood and new headlights. Three-dimensional rear lights, clear lower surfaces and the new rear apron with integrated license plate holder characterize the rear design. The color palette offers three new colors, there are lightened sports packs that save up to 33 kg on the Cayenne Coupé, and it has new 20, 21 and 22-inch wheels.

Matrix LED headlights are standard, while HD Matrix LEDs are optional. With two high-definition modules and more than 32,000 pixels per headlight, this technology detects other users and dims the high beam to avoid dazzling them. The luminosity of the modules can be adjusted in more than 1,000 levels, increasing safety and comfort in different traffic situations.

Porsche introduces a new air quality system: the Cayenne uses predictive navigation data to anticipate tunnel entrances and automatically activate air recirculation. As an option, a sensor detects the level of fine dust particles in the air and passes it through the filter several times, if necessary. Additionally, an ionizer removes many germs and contaminants from the air. Furthermore, customers can use new assistance systems such as active speed limiter and turn assist, cornering assist and improved Porsche InnoDrive as part of adaptive cruise control.

The chassis has also been optimized. It is equipped with a steel spring suspension that includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The new shock absorbers with 2-valve technology and, therefore, separate stages of compression and extension, allow their response to be optimized. It significantly improves comfort at low speed, agility when cornering, and pitch and roll control.

The driving experience can be further tuned with the new adaptive air suspension with two-chamber, two-valve technology. Provides soft cushioning, stabilizes the vehicle and simplifies driving. Likewise, it improves precision and response while driving, in addition to reducing body movements during sports driving. It also offers a more palpable differentiation between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes.

The new Cayenne is available with three engines. An evolution of the 4.0 biturbo V8 replaces the previous V6 in the Cayenne S. It reaches a power of 474 HP and a torque of 600 Nm (273 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds). The entry-level engine in the range is an optimized 3.0 turbo V6, with power of 353 HP and torque of 500 Nm.

The V6 is also the basis of the Cayenne E-Hybrid. In combination with a new electric motor, the combined power is 470 HP. The battery capacity increases to 25.9 kWh and the electric range can reach up to 90 km. An 11 kW on-board charger shortens charging time to less than two and a half hours and optimized e-hybrid driving modes increase efficiency.

In the Cayenne S E-Hybrid (V6 turbo engine plus electric), the power is 519 HP (263 km/h and 0-100 in 4.7 seconds) and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid (V8 bi-turbo engine plus electric ) delivers 739 HP (295 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds). The latter can be completed with the GT Pack to reach 305 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.

The standard equipment of the Cayenne, available in SUV and Coupé body versions, is significantly improved and includes Matrix LED headlights, Porsche Active Suspension Management, 20-inch wheels, front and rear Park Assist with reversing camera and a phone tray mobile with inductive charging up to 15 watts.