New looks, a whole new cabin, and improvements under the hood
It may not be all-new, but substantial upgrades make it feel like a new generation. PHOTO FROM PORSCHE
The Porsche Cayenne is a staple in the automaker’s lineup, being the best-selling vehicle that is one of the main reasons it’s still alive and kicking today. It’s here to stay, as evidenced by the refresh the automaker has given it at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.
To kick things off, this isn’t a revolution (as it still is in its third generation), but rather an evolution of the current model—just heavily inspired by the Taycan.
Subtle tweaks to the exterior make it look similar to the car’s Taycan sibling. PHOTOS FROM PORSCHE
It now comes standard with Matrix Design LED headlights that are similar in shape to the ones found on the EV, and the rear receives a revised 3D taillight surround and rear bumper.
There are three new colors, new wheels that range from 20 to 22 inches, and “lightweight sports packages” that can save up to 33kg if optioned with the Cayenne Coupe.
Just like the Taycan, it also receives a screen-heavy cabin. PHOTOS FROM PORSCHE
The biggest changes come on the inside, where the dashboard now adopts the Porsche Driver Experience, allowing up to three screens (if optioned) to dominate the dashboard.
The driver has a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster, while the central display for the Porsche Communication Management OS spans 12.3 inches. Finally, there is a 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger that allows him/her to view performance data, control the infotainment screen, or even stream video without distracting the driver (thanks to a special foil).
Other small changes include relocated controls like the gear shifter, the driver-assistance toggles, an enlarged climate control panel, and a built-in air quality sensor with a purifier and an ionizer.
Most people don't know that the Cayenne is also a capable off-roader. PHOTOS FROM PORSCHE
It’s also more capable handling-wise. The steel suspension comes with new shock absorbers with dual-valve technology to improve handling, pitch-and-roll support, and driving comfort at slow speeds. If that’s not enough, the adaptive air suspension also receives this dual-valve, dual-chamber tech for better performance on and off the road.
A hybrid, a V6, or a twin-turbo V8. Take your pick. PHOTOS FROM PORSCHE
All of the powertrains receive updates, too, but the biggest one comes to the Cayenne S variant. Instead of a V6, it now gets the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 468hp and 600Nm. It can accelerate the SUV to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 273km/h.
If you want more speed, the Turbo GT’s V8 bumps that up to 650hp, with the 0-100km/h sprint down to 3.3 seconds and top speed extended to 305km/h.
For more reasonable buyers, the 3.0-liter V6 now has 349hp and 500Nm, and the Cayenne E-Hybrid pairs said engine with an electric motor for a total output of 463hp (with a 25.9kWh battery allowing for 90km of all-electric travel).
Porsche is now accepting orders for the new Cayenne, and Europe will be the first market to receive it mid-2023. As for the Philippines, it will eventually arrive here, considering the SUV’s popularity.
Keyword: The 3rd-generation Porsche Cayenne gets a heavy overhaul