The mighty Cayenne has long been the go-to SUV from Porsche, the premium German sports car brand. It’s powerful, roomy and every inch a Porsche, retaining the look of the iconic sports cars. Now there’s an improved version and it is better than ever before. The new Cayenne debuts with a highly digitalised display and control concept, new chassis technology and innovative high-tech features. Further, the car comes with a couple of the usual high-power engine options but the model that is attracting the most interest is the very much revised hybrid version featured here, improving considerably on its predecessor.
On The Outside
This latest Cayenne has a particularly striking appearance; as bold as it ever was, but with a sleeker swept back look to it. A new front end combined with strongly arched wings, a new bonnet and technically appealing High-Definition HD Matrix LED headlights emphasise the vehicle’s width providing road illumination tailored to every driving situation.
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 vehicle. An expanded colour palette with three new colours, lightweight sports packages saving up to 33 kilograms for the 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. As ever, there’s also an extensive range of options.
On The Inside
With the new Cayenne, Porsche is introducing a groundbreaking display and control concept. The ‘Porsche Driver Experience’ incorporates a fully digital display, versatile individualisation, full connectivity and intuitive operation. In the centre dashboard, the focus is on the driver. The most important controls are grouped around the steering wheel. This creates a new, even more intensive driving experience, say the company.
The premium cockpit takes elements of the Taycan electric sports car and transfers them for the first time to a Porsche with electric/combustion power. The new cockpit in the Cayenne gives both driver and front passenger a novel experience in the luxury interior. It combines an even stronger driver focus with new interactive elements that bring the driving experience to life in a new way. The instrument cluster is now a fully digital, free-standing, 12.6 inch curved display that does not require a hood cover, thus giving it a modern, slimline appearance. Depending on the equipment level, the driver can choose from up to seven views on the instrument cluster.
The rev counter, online navigation, Night Vision Assist or 3D driving assistance system can all be selected to be in the foreground. A classic mode are also available, which transfers the typical Porsche five-tube instrument cluster design into the digital age. Optimised connectivity functions round off the new interior concept. A nice touch is the cooled smartphone storage area with an inductive charging function which comes as standard. The cooling allows an optimised charging power of up to 15 Watts.
The Porsche Cayenne is one of the sportiest cars in the full-size segment and the interior reflects this as well. A sporty ambience is combined with dynamic functionality, luxurious comfort and typical Cayenne design features. The entire instrument panel, centre console and upper part of the inside of the door have been completely redesigned. The increased horizontal emphasis of the dashboard makes the interior look even wider. The elegantly designed air vents are vertically aligned in typical Cayenne fashion. Unusually, and for the first time, Porsche has designed all the air outlets in the cockpit without louvres.
The Hybrid System
The 3.0L turbo-charged six-cylinder engine is unchanged from previously but it now combines with a new 130kW electric motor to deliver a total of 346 kW (470 PS). Equipped with a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 25.9 kWh (depending on the equipment level) a purely electric range (official figure) of up to 90 kilometres (55 miles) is now possible. That’s the school run taken care of under electric power alone. 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 overall, augmented by the regenerative braking system.
On The Road
The driving position is as good as it ever was; this is a Porsche after all. It encourages the driver to make the most of what the Cayenne can offer and there’s plenty of that. The chassis now features adaptive dampers with independently adjustable valves for compression and rebound settings, allowing finer control over wheel and body movement, running on a dual-chamber system.
Inevitably, it’s big car around town although the hybrid aspect aids frugality, but once up the speed on the highways and byways the improved developments to the suspension are apparent. The Cayenne rides with more composure resulting in a comfortable ride for passengers. Despite this nod to creature comforts however Porsche have made the Cayenne even sportier. It’s agile, smooth and there is even some feel from the steering, quite unusual these days with the dead hand of steer by wire.
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