PORSCHE Cayenne S Diesel Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The facelifted version of the Porsche Cayenne was introduced in 2014 and it received a restyled design, new features, and, most important, upgraded engines, such as the V6 diesel version.

Between 2002 and 2010, the Cayenne was sold in more than half-of-million units. It was a huge success for the German car-maker. The V6 diesel version played an important role in this and Porsche decided to keep it in the stable. Along with the facelifted version of the second generation Cayenne, a new V6 diesel was installed.

The exterior of the 2014 Cayenne was enhanced with a sharper design and clear lines. The front fenders, the grille, and the headlights were entirely new. The grille was still divided into three main areas, with the biggest one kept for the engine. The underbody aluminum shield was replaced by a black plastic one. In the back, the roof-spoiler became a standard fit for the entire range.

Inside, the connection with the 911 range was more obvious due to the five-dials instrument cluster and the centrally-mounted tachometer. The new, tall and slim, air-vents were inspired by the Panamera sedan, but on the center console, the buttons from the PTM system were an updated version of those found in the first generation Cayenne.

Under the hood, the 2014 Cayenne Diesel offered an enhanced version of the 3.0-liter V6 diesel unit. It produced 22 hp more than its predecessor while lowering the CO2 emissions and increase the fuel-efficiency. The standard 8-Speed Tiptronic (automatic) transmission helped in achieving better figures. The U.S. version didn't get the new, 262 hp unit and it was kept with the older, 240 hp one.

The introduction of an S-version for the Cayenne was not a surprise, but the introduction of an S-Diesel version for the biggest Porsche SUV was, somehow, unexpected.

In 2012, the main German competitors on the market for the Cayenne were the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Both of them offered powerful diesel engines, the engine of choice for the European customers. But Porsche couldn't stay too much behind them and, starting with 2012, it offered an S version for the diesel.

The second generation came with a lighter bodywork and new styling for the front, that resembled the Panamera. The hood was similar to the 4-door Porsche sedan as well. On the front fenders, the “diesel” chromed badge was installed. In the back, the Cayenne S Diesel featured the same Cayenne S badge as its gasoline version. The two wide exhaust in the back and the roof-spoiler enhanced the dynamic look.

The interior was fitted with the same amenities as the Cayenne S. It was inspired by the Panamera range. It carried-over the steering wheel and the buttons from the S gasoline version. The center stack featured a PCM unit with a navigation system fitted as standard.

The twin-turbo diesel engine offered almost 100 hp more than the BMW X5 4.0d and 158 hp more than the regular, Cayenne Diesel. It was the most powerful Porsche diesel ever, offering 482 hp. The standard transmission was the 8-speed Tiptronic that send the power in all corners via the PTM (Porsche Traction Management). The off-road package offered locking-differentials, but the air-suspension was not a standard fit.