Porsche Cayenne Gets Major Update Ahead of Full-EV Shift
It’s hard to believe that the Porsche Cayenne is now just over 20. Remember, purists spent years lamenting the addition of an SUV to the German sports car manufacturer’s lineup. Today, pretty much everyone agrees that it was a wise move.
What about electrification, though? Earlier this year, Porsche reiterated its goal of selling more than 80 percent EVs by 2030. Following the electric Macan in 2024, as well as the battery-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman a year later, Porsche will launch the next-generation Cayenne with an electric powertrain, possibly in 2025 or 2026. An even larger SUV, also with electric propulsion, is planned a bit further down the line, primarily for North America and China.
And let’s not forget the plug-in hybrid 911, which was confirmed in recent weeks, too. When will we see it on the road? Porsche didn’t say, but the company made it clear that a fully electric 911 is not part of the plan and that Porsche will keep making conventionally powered 911s “for as long as possible.”
Back to the Cayenne. A thoroughly revised and improved model—still part of the third generation—made its global debut at Auto Shanghai on April 18. The list of changes extends to the powertrain, chassis, design, cabin and equipment. Obviously, some are more subtle than others.
On the outside, a new front end combined with more strongly arched wings, a new hood and redesigned headlights emphasize the SUV’s width. With two high-definition modules and more than 32,000 pixels per headlamp, their innovative technology picks out other users and blocks out the light of the high beam with pixel accuracy so as not to dazzle them. Three-dimensional taillights and a new range of 20-, 21- and 22-inch wheels are also part of the refreshed exterior.
Porsche Driver Experience
Following the lead of the Taycan electric sedan, the 2024 Cayenne boasts a completely revised display and control concept. Functions that the driver uses frequently are located directly on or immediately next to the steering wheel.
For example, the lever located on the left behind the steering wheel now has additional functions for operating the driver assistance systems. The shifter is now on the dashboard, to the right of the steering wheel, freeing up space on the centre console for a large climate control interface.
For the first time, the Cayenne includes a fully digital and curved 12.6-inch instrument cluster offering up to seven views. The standard 12.3-inch centre display with Porsche Communication Management integrates harmoniously into the new dashboard and provides access to all the relevant vehicle functions. Native apps such as Spotify and Apple Music are provided to optimize connectivity.
Another completely new feature, which takes a page from a growing list of vehicles, is the optionally integrated 10.9-inch passenger display. This additional touchscreen allows the front passenger to take the strain off the driver, for example by operating the navigation or selecting a media service. Similar to the Jeep Wagoneer, special foil ensures that the display cannot be seen from the driver’s seat, reducing distraction.
Comfort and Power
Porsche engineers worked to elevate comfort to new heights with an available adaptive air suspension using dual-chamber, dual-valve technology. At the same time, they say this suspension improves driving precision and performance, and reduces body movements in dynamic driving situations. It also offers an even sharper differentiation between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus drive modes.
Under the hood, the entry-level Cayenne comes with an optimized 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine that now generates 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft. of torque. The same six-cylinder also forms the basis for the powertrain of the Cayenne E-Hybrid. In combination with a new electric motor that has been improved to 174 horsepower, combined output increases to 468 horsepower. The high-voltage battery capacity is increased from 17.9 kWh to 25.9 kWh. Pure EV range is not specified yet, but it should be significantly longer than the current 27 km.
Surprisingly, at a time when most automakers choose to downsize their engines, the Cayenne S replaces its V6 engine with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that delivers 468 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque. It’s good to go from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. You can save nearly 1.5 second by opting for the Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe, which now generates 650 horsepower using a similar V8.
Can’t wait to see the 2024 Cayenne? Porsche is already taking orders, with the first deliveries planned for mid-summer. Pricing starts at $89,800 in SUV configuration or $95,400 for the Cayenne Coupe.
