Porsche recently launched an updated version of its Cayenne to the local market, and the update includes the addition of a turbocharged V8 to the range in place of the former turbocharged V6!
The Cayenne is often touted as the model that saved the Porsche brand early in the 21st century, offering customers shopping in the premium segment a go-anywhere SUV with an iconic badge and a more mass-market appeal. Fast forward over 20 years, and the Cayenne has evolved, becoming faster, more efficient, better made, and, subjectively, better looking. However, with the recent update, the brand brought something back from the original recipe, a V8 engine, to the more entry-level variants! We had a go in the Cayenne S recently, in coupe guise.
Styling
The design of the updated model doesn’t appear too different; however, there are now more prominently arched wings, a new bonnet, and Matrix LED headlights. The taillights also feature a three-dimensional design, while an updated rear apron with an integrated number plate holder finishes off an admittedly minor but meaningful makeover.
Interior and space
The interior has seen the most changes, where a 12.3-inch curved digitised instrument cluster sans an analogue rev counter, a push button start, and a gear selector mounted next to the central infotainment screen spells a dramatic stylistic departure from previous Cayenne models. Ultimately, all three additions work well and make the user experience better. The 12.3-inch central infotainment screen features the latest software. and works a treat with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. There are various storage areas inside the cabin, while the rear occupant space was reposted as great by those who experienced it.
As is to be expected, the general fit and finish inside, along with the ergonomics on offer, is all top-notch, with no tangible surfaces feeling of poor quality and the layout seeming entirely logical; however, the gloss black centre console that houses the buttons for climate control and media is a pain to keep clean, and will likely not look very good after years of use.
When looking at practicality, the Cayenne Coupe offers an impressive 625-litres of boot space, ample occupant space, a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg and 210mm of ground clearance if you’re up for using the Off-Road driving mode and heading off of the beaten path.
Performance and driving impression
The Cayenne S now features a V8 instead of its old V6, in a bold ‘upsizing’ strategy by Porsche. The motor displaces 4.0 litres, features two turbochargers and produces 349kW and 600Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The car weighs in at 2 050kg and will get from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.0 seconds or 4.7 seconds with the Sports Chrono pack fitted.
We used our testing equipment, which yielded a 0-100km/h time of 4.68 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.9 seconds! The performance is impressive, but it’s the sonorous sounds made by that V8 that impressed most; with burbles on the overrun and a willingness to chase its reline, the big lump up front endows the Cayenne S with far more character than its V6 predecessor could ever muster.
Another Cayenne trope carries over in the form of handling that belies the size and height of the car, as the S feels taught and flat through fast corners, a symptom of wonderful calibration and chassis engineers who clearly know how to balance a degree of comfort with driving fun. The cars feature 48-volt anti-roll bars and optional air suspension or standard steel springs with adaptive dampers to achieve this impressive handling. The same technology assists in making this an exceptional daily driver, with a smooth-shifting gearbox, driving models that are immediately discernable from one another and that engine, which offers so much low-down grunt and elasticity, making it as comfortable puttering around town as it is chasing the redline in each gear.
During the daily commute, the addition of a torque converter in place of the dual-clutch gearbox present in its predecessor, along with more comprehensively calibrated drive mode settings, make the M2 relatively refined and reasonably comfortable when the user wants it to be if you can get past the ever-present tyre roar. We were impressed with its ability to switch from tyre-shredding lunacy to quiet and docile at the touch of a button and find this to be a better daily driver than the previous M2 Competition.
Safety
The Cayenne range was crash-tested in 2017 by Euro NCAP. It achieved a 5-Star rating with 95% for adult occupant safety, 80% for child occupant safety, 73% for pedestrian safety and 62% for its safety assistance systems.
Fuel consumption
Porsche claims that the Cayenne S will consume petrol at a rate of 9.7 L/100km, which, for a twin-turbo V8, sounds nearly impossible, and from our experience, it is, with a figure of 12.7 L/100km regsiering after our four-day stint, however, if you’re buying a two-ton-plus V8 SUV for its fuel economy, we feel that you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Pricing
A Cayenne S Coupe, without any additional specification, is priced at R 2 232 000; however, this price can inflate dramatically if you’re too liberal with the options. It appears expensive but is similar to V8 rivals such as the BMW X6 M60i and Jaguar F-Pace SVR(with similar options). The Cayenne comes with a 3-year/100 000km maintenance plan, two years shy of the aforementioned rivals.
Verdict
The updated Cayenne takes one of the best premium mid-size SUV packages and improves upon it. Including the V8 in the more attainable S model, coupled with a more tech-laden interior, makes this difficult to beat. However, we would opt for the regular Cayenne over the coupe on account of the former’s lower price tag and a larger boot. This is worth the upgrade if you’re a pre-facelift Cayenne S owner, and if you’re not, this has to be on your shopping list when browsing in this segment.
Keyword: Porsche Cayenne S (2023) Review