The Cayenne is available as both a traditional SUV and a coupé-SUV – the latter is certainly sportier looking, and though there’s a minor sacrifice in luggage capacity and rear headroom it still offers loads of space. The design updates for the 2023 model include new Matrix LED headlights, new wings and bonnet. A new front spoiler and airdam are more aggressive in design with larger, squarer air intakes. The rear now features quad tailpipes and a new rear apron design, along with full-width 3D effect taillights.
PERFORMANCE
The entry-level Cayenne’s 3.0-litre turbo V6 gets a handy power increase to 353PS and 500Nm of torque, a gain of 13PS and 50Nm. Next model up, the Cayenne S, now boasts a 4.0 V8 biturbo in place of the previous V6; this develops 474PS and 600Nm of torque, for a 0-62mph time of just 4.7 seconds. Alternatively, you can choose the Cayenne E-hybrid, with a larger battery pack than before and an electric motor that boosts combined power to 470PS, while delivering an electric-only range of up to 56 miles. All Cayenne models feature steel spring suspension as standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and all-new 2-valve shock absorbers that improve low-speed comfort and handling with better control of pitch and roll. Alternatively, adaptive air suspension remains an option for the ultimate in driving precision and dynamic performance.
TECHNOLOGY
It’s the cabin of the new Cayenne that reveals the most dramatic upgrade from its predecessor. The driver gets an all-new curved 12.3-inch digital driver’s display while the gear selector is now on the dashboard, freeing up space in the console for climate control switches and a smartphone wireless charging pad. The central 12.3-inch infotainment screen now includes integration for apps such as Spotify and Apple Music. There’s an optional, separate 10.9-inch display for the front seat passenger that allows them to set navigation, view performance data or even stream a movie – a special surface foil prevents the driver from being able to see this and become distracted. A new air quality system uses navigation data to anticipate road tunnels on the route and automatically switch to air recirculation, with the option of a sensor that can detect the level of fine dust particles in the air and pass it through the fine dust filter multiple times if necessary.
SAFETY
The new Cayenne features Porsche’s latest optimised assistance systems, which include an active speed limiter, swerve assist, cornering assist, and an improved version of Porsche InnoDrive system as part of the adaptive cruise control. Park Assist uses an acoustic signal and front/rear displays to alert the driver of any obstacles at the front or rear of the car.
