With the second generation Cayenne SUV halfway into its life cycle, Porsche has just lifted the wraps off the refreshed version – which incorporates slightly revised styling, increased fuel efficiency and improved standard specification.
On the outside, the Cayenne’s received an updated nose – with new front wheelarches and bonnet. More importantly there are now “airblades” on the extreme ends of the front bumper that directs air more efficiently to the intercoolers. There are also bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights that are standard on the base model Cayenne. The range-topping Turbo model is further distinguished by LED headlamps with Porsche Dynamic Light System.
The Cayenne’s rear-end boasts newly-designed taillights, as well as revised automatic tailgate, and exhaust tailpipes integrated even more into the lower section of the bumper. The Cayenne’s cabin also benefits from a new multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters as standard, more comfortable accommodation for the rear seat passengers as well as optional seat ventilation.
Making headlines is the new Cayenne S E-Hybrid model – the first premium plug-in hybrid SUV. The new car features a lithium-ion traction battery with an energy capacity of 10,9 kWh, which enables an all-electric driving range of 18 to 36 km, depending on the style of driving and nature of the route. The 3,0-litre V6 supercharged engine (245 kW) and the electric motor (70 kW) produce a combined system power of 306 kW at 5 500 r/min and 590 N.m of torque from 1 250 to 4 000 r/min. Porsche claims a combined fuel consumption figure of only 2,83 L/100 km and 79 g/km of CO2 emissions.
The new 3,6-litre V6 bi-turbo engine in the Cayenne S develops 309 kW at 6 000 r/min and 550 N.m from 1 350 to 4 500 r/min. Thanks to its standard eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, the Cayenne S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5,5 seconds – while its fuel consumption is rated between 8,10 and 8,40 L/100 km (with CO2 emissions rated at 223-229 g/km).
Two diesel models, a Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne S Diesel, will also be available. The former is powered by a 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine that produces 193 kW and 580 N.m of torque, while the latter employs a 4,2-litre V8 engine that produces 283 kW and 850 N.m of torque.
The range-topping Cayenne Turbo boasts a 4,8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that develops 382 kW and 750 N.m of torque. Porsche claims a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 4,5 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h.
The updated Porsche Cayenne goes on sale in the European market in October, so we can expect it in South Africa shortly thereafter.
Pricing with a 3-year drive plan:
Cayenne S R986 000
Cayenne Diesel R921 00
Cayenne S E-Hybrid R1 133 000
Cayenne S Diesel R1 151 000
Cayenne Turbo R1 760 000
