New Porsche Cayenne: technological (r)evolution for the premium SUV

The new Porsche Cayenne arrives on the market with a range of more performance-oriented engines and cutting-edge technology.

We are still in the age of the SUV, and Porsche is renewing its commitment in a market full of all kinds of models. The new Porsche Cayenne 2018 comes with a major set of innovations to make this German SUV one of the most appealing premium options available today. Redesigned inside and out, it arrives with three initial versions and a technological revolution that makes it the most technologically advanced Porsche… to date.

Born in 2002, the Porsche Cayenne reaches its third generation with the aim of repeating the figures of the previous model, which reached 500,000 units sold. A success for the Stuttgart factory that did not need major changes, but did need the necessary ones to keep competing in an increasingly competitive market.

A larger and lighter Cayenne

The new model has grown 63 mm in length while keeping the same wheelbase, and its overall width has increased by 23 mm to reach a total of 770 litres of boot capacity, an increase of 100 litres. It thus has final dimensions of 4,918 millimetres in length by 1,983 in width (without mirrors) and 1,696 in height. The height of the body has been lowered by 9 millimetres to give its shape a greater dynamic feel and help lower the centre of gravity.

A lighter Cayenne in each of its three versions. The entry-level model has lost 55 kg, while the S version “slims down” by 665 kg and the Cayenne Turbo reduces its weight by 10 kilos. A considerable help both for the SUV’s final consumption (9.0 – 9.2 l/100 km for the Cayenne; 9.2 – 9.4 l/100 km for the Cayenne S; 11.7 – 11.9 l/100 km for the Cayenne Turbo) and for its on-road behaviour.

Three engines and full driving performance

The three versions available from December all deliver the dynamic driving characteristic of any Porsche. And in the new generation, the new petrol engines increase performance while reducing displacement. In the entry version, the Cayenne features a 3.0-litre turbo engine with 340 CV (40 more than its predecessor) and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. The Cayenne S, meanwhile, is equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with 440 CV (20 more) and 550 Nm of torque.

The most sporty version, the Cayenne Turbo, offers a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 550 CV (30 more) and 770 Nm of maximum torque. Perfect figures for those seeking maximum sportiness in an SUV capable of reaching a top speed of 286 km/h and going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Without a doubt, you’ll have fun with the Cayenne Turbo.

If performance guarantees on-road dynamism, the off-road capabilities of the Cayenne are no less impressive. Porsche has renewed the driving modes and offers 5 preset variants (Road, Gravel, Mud, Sand and Rocks). In the off-road modes, each programme adapts the suspension height and traction control to suit each surface. Even so, the 4D-Chassis Control of the Porsche allows the driver to individualise the Cayenne’s parameters to their liking. The mechanical package is completed by the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

New technological era for Porsche

The aesthetic renewal has been more of an evolution than a revolution. Small touch-ups to the bodywork to accentuate the elegance of the Porsche and a new light cluster for the rear of the SUV, which features a small adaptive rear spoiler. And since the exterior was hard to improve, the Cayenne has changed almost entirely on the inside. New technologies, a new interface and goodbye to buttons with the new connectivity system Porsche Connect 5.0 debuting in the Cayenne. Now, that is a revolution.

The new system offers greater and better connectivity. It includes new evolved voice control systems, new online services and better connectivity through a more intuitive interface. The Cayenne features a 12.3-inch Full HD touchscreen already seen in the Panamera, and the multifunction steering wheel of the 918 Spyder. A dashboard that puts maximum connectivity at the driver’s service in a fully digitised cabin, replacing almost all buttons with touch control.

The Porsche Connect 5.0 system, fitted as standard, debuts in the new Cayenne and will be rolled out across the following models that Porsche brings to market, as it cannot be updated from a previous version.

Prices of the new Porsche Cayenne

Pending the arrival of new versions, such as the long-awaited Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, the current range of the Porsche SUV has the following prices:

• Porsche Cayenne V6 turbo 340 CV: 87,759 €
• Porsche Cayenne S V6 twin-turbo 440 CV: 107,127 €
• Porsche Cayenne Turbo V8 twin-turbo 550 CV: 160,613 €