New Porsche Cayenne: more screens, more comfort, huge and fast SUV
Published by The team in News the 16/05/2023 at 18:55
You might not be a fan of SUVs , but there's no denying that one SUV in particular has become an icon at Porsche, and we should be grateful for that. The German brand recently gave a facelift to the Porsche Cayenne , one of its flagship cars.
This new version of the Cayenne offers more technologies, an overhaul of the engines and a more modern aesthetic . It's an intermediate stage while waiting for the completely renewed next generation, which will be fully electric and full of confidence in this technology.
Porsche Cayenne: a symbol
Just over 20 years ago, Porsche made a decisive decision. The famous sports car brand was facing financial difficulties and had to take steps to avoid impending bankruptcy.
The first initiative was the launch of the Porsche Boxter, a lightweight and relatively affordable convertible, positioned as an entry-level model. Soon after, the company surprised Porsche purists by announcing the Porsche Cayenne, a large SUV that was very different from the brand's usual product lineup. However, the rationale behind this decision was solid: many 911 owners also owned an SUV for family trips.
Regardless of the reservations of traditionalists and critics who doubted the merits of the Cayenne's launch, Porsche quickly proved that it had made the right choice. The Porsche Cayenne immediately became a commercial and financial success. The sales forecast of 20,000 units per year has been almost doubled.
Meanwhile, despite the emergence of rivals, Porsche's Cayenne remains the car that allows the brand to create dream vehicles like the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS, perpetuate the legendary Porsche 911 and deliver iconic editions like the 911 Dakar. As for the new Cayenne model, its aesthetics have been slightly refreshed.
The front is distinguished by more pronounced shapes, new air intakes and a characteristic raised front overhang that improves the angle of attack. The nose retains its characteristic height and tip of a Cayenne, but the fenders have been accentuated and the hood is new.
The headlights feature an entirely new, slightly squarer design heavily inspired by the Taycan, giving a wider appearance to the nose and enhancing the vehicle's overall presence.
They incorporate matrix LED technology as standard in all versions, offering the possibility of opting for HD Matrix LED as an option. This technology boasts over 32,000 pixels per headlight and 1,000 intensity levels, providing an improved experience with adaptive headlights and enhancing safety without dazzling the user. Unfortunately, we have not yet had the opportunity to evaluate these night performances.
The taillights feature an eye-catching new three-dimensional design, with a horizontal light strip running from side to side, adding a striking look. As part of this redesign, the body of the SUV was modified to lower the license plate from the tailgate to the bumper (as was already the case for the Cayenne Coupé). Additionally, three new body colors have been introduced, and new wheel designs, measuring between 20 and 22 inches, are also available.
Overall, the visual aspect of the set improves. For my part, I prefer this new version, because it seems more rounded and coherent. I particularly liked the optional Exclusive Design rims (costing 5,708 euros) which sport a retro five-spoke design, with the option of partially painting them in body color, reminiscent of the Porsche 911 from the 70s.
As for the dimensions, there are no significant changes, in line with expectations. The bumpers feature slightly bulkier shapes, making the vehicle 12mm fatter than the previous version. It is therefore almost 5 meters long (4930 mm), retains exactly the same width and is slightly higher due to the new suspension settings. The weight remains above 2,000 kg, with an increase of just over 50 kg to reach 2,130 kg. The E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid version, meanwhile, boasts a claimed weight of 2,500kg, which is 130kg more.
More interior tech, more screens
Yes, there have been significant changes inside. As soon as we get on board the German SUV, we probably notice the biggest qualitative improvement. The dashboard has been completely redesigned taking inspiration from the Taycan, now offering the possibility of having up to three screens . The first is a 12.6-inch curved panel just ahead of the steering wheel, offering excellent visibility, plenty of customization options and a talking point.
For the Cayenne, Porsche claims the screen performs so well and reduces glare so much that a sun visor is not needed, so it was removed . Visually it may seem strange to see a frame without a visor on top, with only a steering wheel and a screen, but the truth is that we did not miss it during the kilometers that we traveled at the controls of the vehicle.
The user experience is excellent, with very high resolution and smooth, intuitive operation. You just need to be familiar with changing the menus that configure the different displays. In addition, as an option, there is a head-up display which is not intrusive and provides clear indications.
The second screen is positioned in the center of the dashboard and measures 12.3 inches. This is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) control panel , which offers haptic response to keystrokes and is considered one of the best infotainment systems. It stands out for its clarity, clean interface and quick responses.
This system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also allows the execution of other native applications such as Spotify or ScreenHits TV, which allows watching videos when you are not driving.
In addition, there is an optional 10.9-inch screen placed in front of the passenger . This can be entertained by viewing the navigation, the driving indicators or even watching a film. This screen is not visible from the driver's seat, which avoids any distraction. However, as in other models using this solution, it is considered a much needed addition.
This new layout of the screens has led to a complete reorganization of the dashboard. The gear knob has been removed from the center console and moved to the right of the dashboard. Although some may find it less comfortable, it frees up space for other conveniences.
Now we have a glove box in the front which is equipped with a lid and supports wireless charging . In addition, there are two high-capacity USB-C sockets and an even more spacious second glove box located under the armrest.
Between these two elements, there is a vast gloss black panel which houses the climate control controls . Some of these controls are semi-touch, providing a tactile experience with haptic feedback, while others are physical. They are easy to use and have an elegant design. However, the reflections generated by this shiny black piece can be distracting when the sun hits it.
As for the rest of the interior, I particularly appreciate the excellent finishes and the padded surfaces, including the handles on the sides of the center console. The available space is also very generous. Despite the imposing size of the console, we do not feel locked inside. The rear seats also offer considerable space for four occupants (up to five in the SUV model), distinguished by their width and height.
The coupé body sacrifices some space in the rear due to the lowering of the roof, but this reduction is not significant because the Cayenne is a very spacious SUV which can afford to sacrifice a few inches. We find the same situation in the trunk, where the space available is limited but sufficient to comfortably load five or six cabin suitcases.
In the Coupé model, the boot volume reaches a generous 592 litres , while in the SUV version it reaches even more, with 772 litres . There are vans that offer less cargo space.
Even better on the road. All-terrain capable
When you start the Cayenne, you discover a major novelty. The engine range was completely revised, except for the Cayenne Turbo GT, which was withdrawn from the European market due to emissions limits imposed by the European Union.
In Europe, Porsche reigns supreme in the performance SUV category, alongside models such as the Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX, Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga Speed and Audi RS Q8. For other markets, the 659 hp Cayenne Turbo GT will still be available.
At the moment, our range is limited to an entry-level version equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine , replacing the old V8. We lose two cylinders, but we gain slightly in power: 13 hp and 50 Nm more, for a total of 353 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
I found the engine very balanced and pleasant to use. It offers smooth low-end power, midrange progression and satisfying high-rpm extension, which is ideal for overtaking on twisty roads. Also, it has a nicer sound than I expected, with a round and beautiful tone.
As far as mileage goes, there will likely be significant differences between the two engines, although I haven't had enough mileage with each to compare them directly. In an SUV body, the V6 consumes about 10.8 liters per 100 km (curiously, the Coupé body claims a slightly higher consumption of 0.1 liters). For the V8, consumption is around 12.4 litres. In practice, it is easy to exceed 15 liters on average with the most powerful version, while the V6 is less greedy when you press less hard on the accelerator.
The same engine also serves as the basis for the plug-in hybrid version. The Cayenne E-Hybrid has benefited from an overhaul of its electrical system, now combining a 130 kW (176 hp) electric motor with a 25.9 kW battery. In other words, the electric power has been increased, with an increase of 30 kW (40 hp) compared to the previous version, as well as an additional battery capacity of 8 kW.
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Combined maximum power is now up to 470 horsepower , and electric range has increased significantly, from just over 40 km to 90 km. We still have to run tests on the PHEV, so we'll have to wait until September when the units arrive.
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The Cayenne S is now the most powerful model, also surpassing the previous version of the Cayenne S. For this, it uses a 4.0-liter V8 engine, which is already familiar in the group. In this configuration, engine power has been increased to 474 horsepower and torque to 600 Nm.
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The Cayenne S is a car that, despite its size, feels powerful and an immersive experience, both thanks to its vigorous acceleration and its noise (and in the absence of more emotional versions). Porsche has sought a direct and very dynamic throttle response, which results in ferocious acceleration. So much so that the V8 engine screeches as the revs increase.
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I appreciated the different variations offered by the driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Off Road, the latter with different sub-modes) as well as the responsiveness of the car in the sportiest modes, with a climb in cheerful revs and quick gear changes.
Engine response is accompanied by precise steering feel in all assist modes. It is true that the filtered direction is felt, but it also makes it possible to perceive what is happening under the front wheels, which is particularly important when leaving the asphalt.
Even if the chassis from which it is derived is the same as that of the previous generation, the suspensions are new. I didn't have a chance to drive the previous Cayenne, but it struck me as a very well-balanced package offering great ride comfort, effectively isolating rough terrain at moderate speeds or on the highway, all also filtering out potholes and low-speed bumps.
The secret may lie in the coil-over suspensions with new two-valve shock absorbers that independently manage rebound and compression. As an option, it is possible to opt for an air suspension equipped with "double" shock absorbers.
As far as braking is concerned, there is nothing to criticize. The base Cayenne comes with 360mm front and 330mm rear brake discs, while the Cayenne S has 410 and 358mm discs, paired with powerful brake calipers.
The braking system is good enough and offers a natural and easily controllable response in the base Cayenne, but it can feel a bit startling in the Cayenne S. It slows down sharply, sometimes exceeding our expectations. However, it has enough power to bring the vehicle to a standstill without any problem.
When it comes to cornering, it's obvious that the Cayenne is a big SUV with plenty of weight. The inertia is present, but thanks to Porsche's precise tuning, the vehicle offers a pleasant experience. In this case, the behavior of the Cayenne is interesting, because it is more agile than the average SUV.
Not just SUV, also Porsche
During our first contact, we also left the road to climb up to Panorama Alm , located in the Austrian Alps. It was an ascent route with more than 700 meters of elevation gain, using relatively easy trails where we couldn't really test the vehicle's off-road capabilities.
However, it's important to remember that when Porsche launched the Cayenne, it wasn't just creating just one more SUV. They designed an extremely capable vehicle, which among its many features included a very versatile air suspension and even a reduction gear, which was removed with the arrival of the second generation. Since then, Porsche has expanded its presence in the world of SUVs, always maintaining the sporty off-road spirit that characterizes the brand.
The Cayenne has evolved since its origin to become a real Porsche in its own right. It not only has Porsche design and heritage, but also embodies the brand's philosophy as the benchmark and best car in its class.
The new Cayenne is here to perpetuate the brand's legendary reputation and maintain the presence of dynamic models. One cannot ignore the fact that more than half of Porsche sales worldwide are SUVs (Cayenne and Macan).
The current range of the Cayenne includes six variants divided between the three SUV body types and the Coupé version which shares the same mechanics.
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