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PORSCHE Cayenne Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 9
First production year: 2002
Engines: Gasoline, Hybrid gasoline, Hybrid
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
PORSCHE Cayenne photo gallery

Porsche introduced the third generation of its full-size luxury SUV Cayenne in 2017 and kept it virtually unchanged until 2023 when it added a facelifted version at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Usually, German automakers use a four-year gap between the launch of a new model and its facelifted version. But Porsche is not a typical brand, so it could afford to do things differently. So, instead of refreshing the lineup in 2021, it postponed it for almost two years until the Spring of 2023. But the wait was well worth it thanks to the newly added features in the standard package, improved cabin equipment, and better performance.

On the outside, the 2023 Cayenne featured a modified front fascia that sported two horizontal slats over the grille and the side scoops. But the most significant change was for the headlights, which featured a standard Matrix LED system previously offered only as an option. Another upgrade was for the wheels, which grew from 19" to 20" in diameter. Last but not least, the overall length has been increased.

Inside, Porsche completely revamped the cabin, adding a new dashboard and up to three displays: one in front of the driver, a second one for the infotainment system atop the center stack, and the third one on the passenger's side. Moreover, there was no analog tachometer anymore, which might enrage some customers. Another major change was for the gear selector, which was moved from the center console onto the dashboard next to the steering wheel.

For the drivetrain, Porsche used the same three-liter turbo V6 but tuned to provide more power and torque. But despite that increase, the fuel efficiency was slightly improved.

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PORSCHE Cayenne Turbo GT photo gallery

Porsche facelifted the Cayenne lineup in April 2023, and along with the rest of the range, the Turbo GT version was also drastically improved.

After the success recorded with the Cayenne lineup and the Turbo version, the German automaker continued its quest to provide one of the best go-fast SUVs on the market. Sharing its platform with vehicles such as the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga meant that the Porsche-branded crossover could benefit from several structural developments that helped it perform well at high speeds. In addition, thanks to the practical interior and its luxury-oriented features helped the automaker sell them in big numbers for its segment. On the other hand, the Turbo GT version focused more on performance and exterior styling, and the facelifted version brought new upgrades that pleased customers.

The exterior look of the Turbo GT version was offered exclusively with the Cayenne Coupe bodywork but with some unique styling touches. At the front, it featured the same two-slat grille flanked by LED-adorned side scoops, but the lower bumper received an additional lip spoiler in a carbon-fiber trim. Moreover, the same design trims were used for the door mirrors. From its profile, the sloped-back greenhouse was adorned at the back on the upper side of the tailgate by a small wing complemented by an additional spoiler on the lower side, above the taillights. Underneath the rear bumper, Porsche added two oval exhausts, placed closer to the car's center, surrounded by the diffuser.

Inside, the dashboard offered a completely new experience for the car's occupants. Porsche installed a 12.6” curved display in front of the driver for the instrument panel and two other touchscreens: one of 12.3” for the infotainment system and a 10.9” one in front of the side passenger. Another significant change was the removal of the gear selector from the center console. The automaker took inspiration from the Taycan and moved that next to the steering wheel. Sports seats were standard for the front occupants, while the rear benchseat was profiled for two, even though it sported three headrests.

Under the hood, the automaker squeezed another 19 PS (19 hp) from the turbocharged V8 engine. Thus, the vehicle could pass the 300 kph (186 mph) barrier.

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PORSCHE Cayenne E-Hybrid photo gallery

Porsche refreshed the Cayenne lineup in 2023, and the changes were noticeable in every aspect, and even the most environmentally-friendly version of it packed more power than the non-facelifted version.

The German automaker continued the Cayenne's success story that it began in 2002 with a third generation that broke cover in 2017, and customers were pleased. But the market started to change, and hybrid vehicles began to be more and more significant in a carmaker's lineup, so Porsche improved the hybrid version of its flagship SUV not only on the new model but also on the facelifted version.

The car's exterior was slightly modified with the introduction of the new standard Matrix LED headlights, with an option for HD-Matrix LED ones. But while the previous Hybrid generation sported green-painted brake calipers, the 2023 model came with normal, unpainted ones. Thus, besides the "hybrid" wording on the front fenders, there was no mention of this eco-friendlier version of the SUV. Still, a keen eye for detail would've noticed the charging port flap mounted on the rear quarter panel on the driver's side.

Porsche refreshed the cabin, introducing a completely digital dashboard for the first time in the model's history. Fronting the driver was an instrument panel, continued by the touchscreen for the infotainment system placed atop the center stack. In addition, the automaker added a third touchscreen on the passenger side. But, just like its predecessor, the 2023 Cayenne boasted a luxurious interior, with front bolstered seats and a split-folding bench in the back.

The improved powertrain of the 2023 Cayenne E-Hybrid gained 30 kW (40 hp) compared to the 2017 model, for a total of 130 kW (174 hp). Together with the turbocharged V6, it provided up to 470 PS (464 hp). In addition, the enlarged battery pack of 25.9 kWh ensured a full-electric range of 90 kilometers (56 miles).

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PORSCHE Cayenne E-Hybrid photo gallery

The third generation of the Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in August 2017 and launched in front of the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the same year. The E-Hybrid version came in 2018.

Porsche used the same platform as the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus for the third generation of the Cayenne. It was named MLBevo and offered the possibility to introduce a hybrid version. It also featured a rear-axle steering system, very useful in tight parking spots and improving cornering speed.

At the front, the Cayenne E-Hybrid featured a continuous grille design, interrupted by three vertical slats. The turn-signals from the door-mirrors featured a dynamic light move thanks to the LED technology. On the side, the dynamic look was enhanced by the raked D-pillars and the roof-spoiler. In the back, two, wide, and chromed rectangular exhausts were placed under the bumper, in the apron. Like its predecessor, the 2018 Cayenne E-Hybrid featured green brake calipers visible through the 19” light-alloy wheels.

Inside, the Cayenne E-Hybrid featured the new 12.3” Full-HD touch-screen from the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system. For the instrument cluster, only the tachometer remained analog, and it was flanked by two 7” displays, needed for other relevant driving data. Due to the longer wheelbase, the rear passengers got more legroom than before, despite the thicker front seats.

Porsche fitted the Cayenne E-Hybrid with a turbocharged 340 hp 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with a 136 hp electric motor for the drivetrain. Total combined power output reached 462 hp. The whole assembly was mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sent the power in all corners.

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PORSCHE Cayenne (PO536) photo gallery

The third generation of the Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in August 2017 and launched in front of the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the same year.

While it wasn't the same difference between the first and the second generation, the third one came with an entirely new platform, shared with the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. It was fitted with important technical upgrades, such as the rear-axle steering system, which allowed a better cornering speed and an easier parking maneuver.

At the front, the Cayenne featured a continuous grille design, interrupted by three vertical slats. The turn-signals from the door-mirrors featured a dynamic light move due to the LED technology. On the side, the dynamic look was enhanced by the raked D-pillars and the roof-spoiler. In the back, two, wide, and chromed rectangular exhausts were placed under the bumper, in the apron.

Inside, the Cayenne featured the new 12.3” Full-HD touch-screen from the Porsche Communication Management infotainment system. For the instrument cluster, only the tachometer remained analog and it was flanked by two 7” displays, needed for other relevant driving data. Due to the longer wheelbase, the rear passengers got more legroom than before, despite the thicker front seats.

For the drivetrain, the Cayenne was fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. It offered 40 hp more than its predecessor and it was paired to a standard 8-speed automatic gearbox. The PTM (Porsche Traction Management) all-wheel-drive system was improved. Along with the pneumatic suspension, it offered a better road-holding and off-road abilities, despite not being fitted with a low-range transfer case anymore.

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PORSCHE Cayenne (958) photo gallery

The facelifted version of the Porsche Cayenne was introduced in 2014 and it received a restyled design, new features, and, most important, upgraded engines, starting with the base version.

When it was introduced in 2002, the Cayenne featured a 3.2-liter V8, which was the access model in the new SUV range. It was available with a manual gearbox. For the second generation's facelift, the Cayenne was a far better option.

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 offered a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter engine. The displacement resembled the flat-six engines from the 911 range, but in a mid-size SUV, the V6 was a better choice. It offered 300 hp and it was the only naturally aspirated Cayenne on the market. The manual gearbox was deleted from the standard, and options list.

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PORSCHE Cayenne (958) photo gallery

After the shock passed and the Cayenne became the best-selling Porsche model, the company had the guts to launch a bolder, more powerful, second generation of the Cayenne at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

With the second generation of the Cayenne, Porsche proved itself very profitable, even though it was hit hard by the world economic crisis from the 2008-2010 period. But the luxury car market didn't drop the same as the other car-segments. So, the Cayenne went on with a new generation that gathered immediate attention.

The two-box shape with a curved back was kept. While the first generation started a lot of debates regarding the headlights, the second generation solved that issue but started a new debate regarding the taillights, which looked like they were from a Korean SUV. The car was slightly longer, wider, and higher than its predecessor. All new models shared the new headlight graphics with additional lights at the inside so unmistakably Porsche.

Inside, a particular eye-catcher was the center console that raised up to the front with protruding switches and buttons, giving the interior the character of a genuine cockpit. A 7" touchscreen was placed in the middle of the center console. The dashboard, as well as the instrument panel, featured a brand-new design, expressing that typical DNA of a Porsche, for example through five circular dials and the tachometer positioned exactly in the middle.

For the engine compartment, Porsche installed new engines, including a brand new V6 supercharged with a Hybrid module that allowed the vehicle to run as an EV or full-power, twin-engine vehicle. A new, 8-speed automatic gearbox was available.

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PORSCHE Cayenne (957) photo gallery

On the brinks of the global recession in 2007, Porsche launched the 2008 Cayenne model. Although some addressed it as the second generation, it was more of a refresh, with better technologies and interior.

When the Porsche launched their first off-road model, the Cayenne, in 2002, the whole world was shocked. Nobody could believe that this could be possible. But they did it right. And, despite all the odds, the Cayenne was a great SUV with real off-road abilities and strong performance.

But the look even if it resembled some other 911 models, it wasn't completely accepted. For the facelift, the streamlined headlights enhanced the car's look. The bumper featured the same big air-scoops to cool the engine and the brakes. The DRLs were placed underneath the headlights, and inside of the side-scoops. A new set of rear-view mirrors were installed.

Inside, the interior has received an important update. The instrument cluster featured five round dials with analog and digital gauges inside. The infotainment unit received a well-deserved update compared to its previous version.

Under the hood, there were new and improved engines, with direct gasoline injection and, of course, more power. The 6-speed Tiptronic S was standard-fit for the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, while the V6 versions had a 6-speed manual. The power was sent to all four wheels via the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) that could send all the power to the front or back if needed.

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PORSCHE Cayenne (955) photo gallery

The Porsche brand had important financial troubles. With a small lineup of vehicles, it needed something to go straight-up on the market. And that was the 2002 Cayenne. The SUV that saved the sports-car company.

First, it was a shock for the 911 fans. How could their favorite brand to launch a family SUV with the Porsche logo on it? Moreover, how could they do that by sharing the platform with a Volkswagen? Well, all that happened and it did happen to save the brand. And the first generation of the Cayenne was the best selling Porsche of all times until the end of its production.

The Cayenne had some design inspiration from its famous brother, the 911. The headlights resembled those from the Porsche 911-996 model. Some part of the front bumper also looked something like a 911. But the rest of the car was nowhere near any Porsche of any time. It was built with curved surfaces and a sloped tailgate. The taillights were big and tall when compared with those from a 911. Event their shape was different.

Inside the car, there were some Porsche details such as the instrument cluster and the key on the left side. The gearshift lever was the same as in the 911, but the seating position was higher. As a plus, though, there was enough room for three adults in the back and a pair of doors to access them.

Under the hood there were few engine options. It started with a 3.2-liter V6 and it went up to a turbocharged V8. A diesel version was added later.

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