Much to the criticism of its fans, Porsche built its first SUV way back in 2002. Now though, the Macan outsells the 911 three times, and this is the all-new 3rd-generation Cayenne. Important? You bet!
Let's take a sneak peek at the model before it arrives at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. First, the styling. As we had already established a couple of days ago, those hoping for a massive cosmetic update will be disappointed. Particularly from the front, this SUV looks a lot like the old one. As with every 911 generation, the details are being moved around an inch at a time, striving for that perfect design.
The hood has been brought a little closer to the ground, while the air intakes have been enlarged. All models get full-LED headlights now, but adaptive systems are also available, and they can reduce glare even from road signs. The roof is 9mm lower than before, but you probably can't tell.
Step inside, and you will be greeted by far a more modern layout. In the center is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gets rid of some of the clutter.
It certainly doesn't move you in the same way that the Range Rover Velar does. This basic model's lackluster trim isn't helping much either. Thankfully, the back borrows the taillights that go straight across from the wagon version of the Panamera. Most of the physical buttons around the shifter aren't buttons at all, but haptic feedback touch surfaces, sort of like what you have on your phone.
Leg and headroom have improved over the previous generation, as has storage - 770 liters or about 100 more than before. Unlike the Audi Q7, there's no 7-seat option though.
The aluminum body contributes to the 65-kilogram weight saving over the outgoing model (143 lbs - yes, that's disappointing). Depending on the model, you get standard springs, adaptive dampers or air suspension with roll stabilization. Rear-wheel steering? Yes, of course. Porsche also says this is the first car in the world to have tungsten-carbide brake coatings.
There won't be diesel, at least not at launch. The base model is thus powered by a 3.0-liter turbo engine producing a familiar 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. There's also a Cayenne S which downsizes significantly to a 2.9-liter twin-turbo engine making 440 HP and 406 lb-ft. An upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is the all-wheel drive.
In America, it will be a 2019 model year, not a 2018 one, as previously expected. When it hits showrooms next summer, this SUV will cost $65,700 for the regular Cayenne and $82,900 for the S. As we've come to expect from them, Porsche has bumped prices up by about $5,000.
The hood has been brought a little closer to the ground, while the air intakes have been enlarged. All models get full-LED headlights now, but adaptive systems are also available, and they can reduce glare even from road signs. The roof is 9mm lower than before, but you probably can't tell.
Step inside, and you will be greeted by far a more modern layout. In the center is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gets rid of some of the clutter.
It certainly doesn't move you in the same way that the Range Rover Velar does. This basic model's lackluster trim isn't helping much either. Thankfully, the back borrows the taillights that go straight across from the wagon version of the Panamera. Most of the physical buttons around the shifter aren't buttons at all, but haptic feedback touch surfaces, sort of like what you have on your phone.
Leg and headroom have improved over the previous generation, as has storage - 770 liters or about 100 more than before. Unlike the Audi Q7, there's no 7-seat option though.
The aluminum body contributes to the 65-kilogram weight saving over the outgoing model (143 lbs - yes, that's disappointing). Depending on the model, you get standard springs, adaptive dampers or air suspension with roll stabilization. Rear-wheel steering? Yes, of course. Porsche also says this is the first car in the world to have tungsten-carbide brake coatings.
There won't be diesel, at least not at launch. The base model is thus powered by a 3.0-liter turbo engine producing a familiar 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. There's also a Cayenne S which downsizes significantly to a 2.9-liter twin-turbo engine making 440 HP and 406 lb-ft. An upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is the all-wheel drive.
In America, it will be a 2019 model year, not a 2018 one, as previously expected. When it hits showrooms next summer, this SUV will cost $65,700 for the regular Cayenne and $82,900 for the S. As we've come to expect from them, Porsche has bumped prices up by about $5,000.