A recent night at the Porsche Museum saw the third-generation Cayenne being serenaded to the world media in a musical presentation complete with dancers holding balloons. No less than nine Porsche executives, including the CEO, were up on stage to pose for photographers. This is how vital the new Cayenne is to the company.
Cayenne is the best-selling Porsche since it was introduced in 2002; the company sold more than 760,000 units since then. This is also true in the region where Cayenne tops the brand’s sales to a younger generation.
This wide base of supporters will soon be able to drive the lighter, sportier and more agile new Cayenne. They will experience more horsepower, and improved cornering and acceleration due to new steering and suspension technologies that make the Cayenne the true sports car of the SUV segment.
At launch, there will be two new 6-cylinder engines to choose from: A 3-liter turbo that delivers 340 bhp and a 2.9 liter bi-turbo in the Cayenne S providing 440 bhp. Both offer increases of 20 bhp over previous generation engines. The 3-liter engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and offers maximum speed of 245 km/h.
The faster S version accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (with Sport Chrono package) and reaches a maximum speed of 265 km/h.
Both engines are linked to a new 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission which offers shorter response times and no turbo lag. Driving dynamics are improved by the standard active all-wheel drive. For the first time the Cayenne will have wider tires at the rear to improve cornering.
Extensive use of aluminum and a light lithium-ion battery have reduced the Cayenne weight by 65 kg. Like the 911 and Panamera before it, the new Cayenne will have rear-axle steering which helps with high-speed stability and enhances maneuverability.
Despite the weight loss, the Cayenne is longer, by 63 mm, and has more interior space. Its luggage space volume increases by 100 liters to 770 liters.
The overall exterior appearance of the Cayenne has not changed much in the third generation. The enlarged air intakes in the front are clear indicators of the increased performance. The vehicle appears wider and more athletic. The redesigned rear lights host the three-dimensional Porsche logo and end-to-end narrow strip of LEDs.
Every Cayenne is fitted with LED headlights as standard with Porsche Dynamic Light System as an option.
The Cayenne is a very capable off-roader with rough terrain modes that make it easy for the driver to select the right set-up. The default setting is the on-road program with four other modes available for mud, gravel, sand and rocks.
For the first time the Cayenne is available with electric rear-axle steering, a system that already exists in the 911 and Panamera, which improves agility on bends and stability when changing lanes at high speed. A new suspension option is available and offers consumers adaptive air suspension with new three-chamber technology.
Digital evolution
A new concept of Porsche advanced cockpit is integrated in the new Cayenne. At the heart of the system is a 12.3 inch touchscreen which was first introduced last year in the Panamera. A range of voice-activated functions can be operated intuitively.
The standard Porsche Connect Plus allows access to the Internet and online services. Navigation with real-time traffic information is standard. The driver has a central analogue tachometer to view with two 7-inch HD displays that provide all other relevant data. Night vision with thermal-imaging camera is available to assist drivers in poor visibility areas. Other assistance technology include: Lane keeping assist; traffic sign recognition; traffic jam assist and park assist including surround view. The Cayenne is equipped with Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control.
Porsche is expected to add a plug-in hybrid variant of the Cayenne, as in the current generation. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said that the automaker would decide at the end of the decade whether its latest generation of diesel engines could be its last, although the third-generation Cayenne will still offer a diesel, he said.
Porsche was a pioneer with the first generation Cayenne which, in 2002, upset the purists who feared for the company’s image, which rested on sports cars with high performance abilities. However, the vision was proven right and the segment has since grown and includes many other luxury brands.
Bentley has already launched the faster Bentayga, while Lamborghini will offer next year the Urus. Fiat Chrysler has added the Maserati Levante and Alfa Romeo Stelvio with its high-performance Quadrifoglio version. Rolls Royce will come up with its own SUV luxury version – the Cullinan — in 2018.
The new third generation Cayenne was on display at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show and will come to the markets by spring 2018. Prices in KSA will start from SR308,600 ($82,289) for the Cayenne and SR375,800 for the Cayenne S.