The third-generation model of the Porsche Cayenne was launched in our market in 2018, but Porsche doesn’t seem too keen to change the overall styling of the Cayenne, but otherwise the Cayenne comes with a refreshed interior and new mechanicals. The second-generation Cayenne was based on VW’s PL72 platform, while the new SUV is based on the MLB-Evo platform that is also used to underpin the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini’s Urus. The new Cayenne gets new engines from the new Panamera, an electric rear-wheel steering and a 48V electromechanical anti-roll bar system. The new cabin features the latest-gen Porsche Communication Management system.
Still a Cayenne
The new Porsche Cayenne looks very similar to the SUV it replaces, barring the tailgate where you will see a new LED light running the width of the rear, intersecting slender LED tail lights. The Cayenne sports large rectangular air intakes on the Turbo model and the PDLS Plus Matrix LED headlights feature the four-talon light signature. India is a market wherein the image of an SUV matters a lot, which has us still wish the Cayenne got an all-new look. The Cayenne also shares its platform with the VW Touareg and Audi’s Q7. But Porsche Cars have re-engineering the Cayenne to such an extent, it feels unique in its own way. Everything feels so robust, including the steering and suspension. The doors shut with a solid thump and the door locks have a nicer feel to them.
Posh stuff
The Porsche Cayenne is now longer and wider but the wheelbase is the same. And that means you get a bit more room at the rear. But we found that the outer edges of the rear seat are contoured to an extent wherein the occupant in the middle would end up being uncomfortable. Also, the central tunnel plays a part in this too. Up-front, the Cayenne gets seats that are well cushioned and get an 18-way adjustable function for both seats. And it can be adjusted in various ways. The dashboard looks like Panamera-fare but it isn’t as modern. The interface includes a big 12.3-inch touchscreen unit that looks great and responds well, while the buttons have been replaced by gloss-black touch-sensitive surfaces. Haptic feedback is offered too, but takes some getting used to. The dials remind us of the ones on the 911, but only the tachometer is analogue while the rest is digital. You will also find wood inserts. Porsche Cars no longer sell base variants, meaning you’ll have to shell out as much as you can to buy one. But then you also get so much more equipment.
Sportscar, not SUV
The ride quality is on the firm side, even if it is in its air-suspension’s mellowest setting. The 21-inch wheels look fantastic but when it comes to bad roads, you’re going to have to pay attention to the rims when dealing with deep pot holes. The Porsche Cayenne comes loaded with off-road driving modes, air suspension and certain clever electronic gubbins. It manages to take the beaten path in its stride effortlessly, despite the low-profile tyres. Out on the road, the Cayenne has improved by leaps and bounds. In Sport and Sport+ modes, it lowers itself while the rear-wheel steering kicks in around corners with amazing composure, particularly bearing in mind its sheer heft. The steering is so perfectly accurate and the sharp turn-in impresses. There’s a good amount of weight in the steering wheel, giving you great confidence. You also get an optional torque vectoring system, which is sure to enhance performance around a bend.
The Cayenne is powered by a turbocharged V8, featuring fuel-injection and developing 542bhp and 770Nm of torque, paired to a ZF-sourced 8-speed torque converter, resulting in smooth and quick shifts. The Cayenne simply shoots ahead. Floor the throttle and everything begins to work so quickly, your mind can barely register what’s happening.
All-rounder?
The Cayenne continues to be the do-it-all SUV. If we have to nitpick, we’d say it could’ve looked very different, but then, it still looks desirable. It’s an engineering masterpiece; it handles like a sportscar, accelerates like one and offers lots of comfort and luxury. And this is one SUV you can really dare taking off the road. No doubt, you end paying a lot of money and the more you spec your Cayenne, the costlier it gets. There are other SUVs that can take you off the road equally well, but none handle the way this one does.
