Recently we attended the launch of the new Porsche Cayenne in Cape Town. The Cayenne has been enhanced visually and features mixed tyres, as well as rear-axle steering for the first time. The enlarged air intakes at the front and the new horizontal light edges result in the luxurious Cayenne SUV appearing wider and sportier. The vehicle’s exterior length has increased by 63 millimetres, without any change to the wheelbase (which remains at 2,895 millimetres) whereas; the roof height has been reduced by nine millimetres, compared to its predecessor. The Cayenne is 4,918 millimetres in length and 1,983 millimetres in width (excluding mirrors), creating a noticeably enhanced elegant and streamlined silhouette. The luggage compartment volume has increased by 100 litres and now offers 770 litres capacity. The wheels are one inch larger in diameter, with wider tyres on the rear axle for the first time, emphasising the improved driving dynamics.

The exterior of the new Cayenne is made entirely of aluminium, the floorpan assembly, front section and virtually all the chassis components are manufactured from alloy. One particular technical highlight is the innovative lithium-ion polymer starter battery, which alone accounts for a weight saving of 10 kilograms over the predecessor model. In total, the weight of the Cayenne when empty has been reduced from 2,040 to 1,985 kilograms – in spite of the significantly extended range of equipment.

Every Cayenne is fitted with LED headlights, which can be combined with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), offering a variety of light modes such as cornering light and motorway light. Alternatively, the new LED main headlights with matrix beam including PDLS Plus is the top system available. Variable light distribution and intensity are enabled by 84 individually activated light-emitting diodes. This results in the Cayenne offering new functions such as high beam that does not glare opposing traffic, as well as adaptive sign glare control. With a unique front end and the LED headlights from the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), the Cayenne Turbo has an appearance that is both dominant and independent. At night, the new Turbo sets itself apart from other Cayenne models with its double-row front-light modules. The side profile is characterised by 21-inch Turbo wheels as standard, specially reserved for this top model, set in flared wheel arches with painted wheel-arch trims. The twin tailpipes, unique to the Turbo, is the key distinguishing feature on the rear end. The door trims and rear apron are painted in the exterior colour.

Inside, the Porsche Advanced Cockpit welcomes you into the Cayenne’s atmosphere of luxury. At the heart of the new display and control concept is a 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen from the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM), launched last year with the new Panamera. A range of digital functions can be operated intuitively – including by voice control. The Porsche Connect Plus allows access to online services and the internet, including the standard navigation. The analogue controls on the new centre console are focused on the main functions of the vehicle. Other buttons are harmoniously integrated into the smartphone-like touch surface, which produces acoustic and haptic feedback when operated. In typical Porsche style, the driver has a central analogue tachometer, flanked by two 7-inch full-HD displays. They present relevant driving data plus additional information selected using the multi-function steering wheel.

There are two newly developed six-cylinder engines to choose from: firstly, the Cayenne with a six-cylinder turbo engine and displacement of three litres which delivers 250 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. This all results in a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds (5.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) and a top speed of 245 km/h, and secondly the Cayenne S with a 2.9-litre V6 engine with twin turbocharging. This model delivers 324 kW (15 kW more than its predecessor) 550 Nm of torque, and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with Sport Chrono Package), and has a maximum speed of 265 km/h.

The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the new flagship of the model line-up. It is powered by a four-litre V8 biturbo engine that delivers 404 kW. Porsche has improved the driving dynamics with a combination of innovative technologies, such as active aerodynamics including an adaptive roof spoiler, self-levelling three-chamber air suspension, wider rear tyres as well as the new high-performance brakes. With additional options, such as rear-axle steering or electric roll stabilisation with a 48-volt system, the SUV is said to be able to achieve the driving characteristics of a true sports car. The new Cayenne Turbo accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) and reaches a top speed of 286 km/h.

The Cayenne is made to drive on every terrain and on rough terrain; off-road modes make it easy for the driver to select the right setup for their journey. The SUV’s default setting is the Onroad programme; however, four other modes activate the conditioning for mild off-road terrain: Mud, Gravel, Sand or Rocks. On-road capabilities of the model are also further improved thanks to active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air suspension and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilisation system.