- Watch Porsche Cayenne Review
- What is the performance like?
- What does the interior offer?
- What is the driving experience like?
- How much boot and storage space are offered?
- Elevated Pricing & Model Range
- How does it fare against rivals?
- Standard features and extras
- What is the Porsche Cayenne engine like?
- How much is the Porsche Cayenne to maintain and own?
- Porsche Cayenne Review Summary: Should you buy, finance, or lease one?
Porsche has breathed new life into the third-generation Cayenne, a flagship SUV that continues to dominate the luxury segment. With refined engineering and innovative cabin design, this rejuvenated model stands out for those who crave a thrilling drive.
Rather than introducing an entirely new generation, Porsche has opted for a meticulous redevelopment of its existing Cayenne model in this review.
Subtle visual changes mask the extensive engineering and cabin design updates, underscoring Porsche’s commitment to enhancing every conceivable aspect of this luxury SUV.
If you’re in the market for a five-seat luxury SUV that offers an exceptional driving experience, this Porsche Cayenne review demands your attention.
Curious about how the Porsche looks on the road? Watch our comprehensive review of the Porsche Cayenne now to see for yourself
A Legacy Redefined
The Cayenne, which first debuted in 2002, has been instrumental in cementing Porsche’s status as a global automotive leader.
The third-generation model, initially launched in 2017, has now undergone one of the most significant product upgrades in Porsche’s history.
With over 1.25 million units sold, this update is crucial for maintaining its appeal and performance in the competitive luxury SUV market.
Externally, the updated Cayenne features minimal changes, but don’t be deceived. The engineering beneath the surface is transformative.
The SUV sits on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, shared with the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus, ensuring robust performance and luxury.
What is the performance like?
The Cayenne is celebrated for its dynamic handling, setting a benchmark in the segment. The updated model continues this legacy with various enhancements.
The entry-level Cayenne now boasts a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, delivering 353 PS, capable of 0-62 mph in just 6 seconds.
The model’s drive is further refined with features like the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and rear-axle steering, enhancing agility and stability.
For those seeking more power, the V8 variants and improved plug-in hybrid models offer impressive performance.
The flagship Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid now produces a staggering 739 PS, reaching 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds, making it the most powerful Cayenne to date.
What does the Porsche Cayenne’s interior offer?
Inside, the Cayenne continues to offer a luxurious experience. The redesigned cockpit provides a low set driving position, unique for an SUV, enhancing the sporty feel.
The interior updates include elegant black panel designs, new air conditioning controls, and advanced air quality systems that activate based on navigation data.
The Cayenne’s technological advancements are not limited to performance.
The cabin now includes a curved 12.6-inch digital instrument display and a redesigned centre console with a dash-mounted gear selector, echoing the futuristic design cues from the Taycan.
The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system integrates seamlessly with native apps like Spotify and Apple Music, ensuring that drivers stay connected and entertained.
What is the driving experience like?
Porsche’s advanced driving assistance systems, such as the improved Porsche InnoDrive, offer semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience.
These systems work seamlessly with the vehicle’s navigation, providing predictive responses to ensure optimal performance and safety.
While many owners may never venture off-road, the Cayenne’s capabilities remain impressive.
With features like air suspension, Porsche Traction Management, and optional off-road packs, the Cayenne is well-equipped for rugged terrains.
How much boot and storage space are offered?
Revealing a remarkable 772-litre capacity up to the top of the rear seatbacks, the Porsche Cayenne SUV offers 180 litres more than its coupe counterpart.
This figure stands 122 litres above the space provided by the BMW X5. However, incorporating the batteries for the petrol-electric system reduces the capacity to 627 litres in the Cayenne SUV e-hybrid versions, and just 434 litres for the Cayenne coupe e-hybrid.
Opting for the top turbo e-hybrid further diminishes this space. Despite Porsche’s refusal to include a standard spare wheel, the freed-up underfloor space is a useful trade-off, even if you have the upgraded audio system with its additional subwoofer.
The loading area is notably square, although accessing it involves lugging your items over a substantial loading lip, adorned with a stainless-steel cover that scratches easily.
Netted storage on the left and a right-hand sidewall compartment enhance storage options. The rear bench’s sliding ability and vertical seat back adjustments vary the boot space.
With air suspension, you can select a lower load height, making loading heavy items easier. Absent a 12-volt socket, the Cayenne compensates with a bag hook and four chromed tie-down points.
The rear backrest’s 40/20/40 split allows the central part to flatten for long items, maintaining space for two rear passengers.
Fully folding the rear bench from the back requires using rather flimsy seat base catches, but when forward, it creates a near-flat loading area, offering 1,728 litres on base or S specification models.
Elevated Pricing and Model Range
Prices have risen significantly since the last test in 2018. The entry-level price, once £56,000, now stands around £70,000 for the base 3-litre V6 petrol Cayenne SUV as of early 2024.
The alternative Cayenne coupe body shape demands a £3,300 premium.
If a V6 PHEV powertrain is your preference, prices start at £80,000 for the e-hybrid SUV, just below the S hybrid’s £87,000.
A V8 model begins at £85,000, escalating to £130,000 for the top turbo e-hybrid.
Despite Europe missing out on the 650 horsepower turbo GT model due to emissions regulations, the Cayenne remains a competitive choice within its segment.
How does it fare against rivals?
Against similar Volkswagen Group models, the Audi Q7 55 TFSI costs slightly less, while the Volkswagen Touareg 3-litre TSI is pricier.
Competitors like the Lexus RX 350h offer less power, with alternatives such as the Mercedes GLE 450 and Range Rover Sport priced even higher.
For hybrid enthusiasts, the £80,000 Cayenne hybrid offers a potent alternative to the BMW X5 xDrive 50e and less powerful Volkswagen, Lexus, and Jeep PHEVs.
Standard features & extras
The Cayenne includes keyless entry, a reversing camera, matrix LED headlights, and Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard. However, extras like roof rails, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control cost more. Inside, you get part-leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Keyless entry
- Self-steering Parking Assist
- Surround View with Active Parking Support
- Matrix LED headlights
- Porsche Active Suspension Management
- Part-leather Seats
- Dual-zone Climate Control
- 12.3” Infotainment Screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10” Cayenne Design Wheels
- 8-way Electric Comfort Seats including adjustment of; seat height; seat angle; backrest angle; fore/aft adjustment
- Preparation Porsche Dashcam (front & rear)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Anti-theft Wheel Bolts
- Front Seat Heating
- Voice Control
Dynamic Enhancements
For those seeking dynamic enhancements, the adaptive air suspension and sport chrono package are popular choices. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport, rear-axle steering, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus further enhance agility and cornering stability.
Options like the sport exhaust system, ceramic composite brakes, and power steering plus package are also worth considering for enthusiasts.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort options abound, including four-zone climate control, panoramic glass roofs, and soft-close doors. Entertainment upgrades feature a Bose surround sound system or the top-tier Burmester audio setup.
Rear seat entertainment and advanced connectivity options like a 7GB data pack for streaming and internet browsing cater to modern needs.
Safety Features
Safety is well-covered, with standard autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Additional safety features include adaptive cruise control, evasion assist, and turn assist, although some, like blind spot monitoring, are optional.
What is the Porsche Cayenne engine like?
The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid stands as a testament to Porsche’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. The latest iteration boasts an upgraded 11 kW onboard charger, replacing the former 7 kW unit.
This means that despite a larger battery, recharging is swifter, clocking in at approximately 3.5 hours from a 7.4 kW garage wallbox, or a mere 2.5 hours with an 11 kW three-phase supply. Traditional domestic sockets require about four hours for a full charge.
Efficiency remains a core focus, with the Cayenne Hybrid offering an improved eCharge mode, allowing the engine to charge the battery up to 80% while driving. However, this method remains less efficient compared to other charging options.
Across all Cayenne models, Porsche’s eco-minded engineering shines, incorporating a sophisticated engine start-stop system active not only in traffic but also at near stop speeds in urban environments.
This feature is, however, deactivated in sport driving modes, commonly preferred by drivers.
Porsche’s dedication to efficiency extends to the vehicle’s aerodynamics and intelligent systems. The Cayenne features air curtains around the wheels to reduce turbulence and active air intake flaps that optimise the car’s aerodynamic profile.
One standout feature is the Porsche InnoDrive system, an optional setup that integrates adaptive cruise control, satnav data, radar, and a video camera.
This system intelligently adjusts the car’s behaviour based on road conditions, ensuring optimal efficiency by anticipating corners, roundabouts, and junctions.
How much is the Porsche Cayenne to maintain and own?
Owning a Porsche Cayenne is not without its financial considerations. Routine maintenance is required every 20,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.
A significant dealer visit is expected at 40,000 miles. Tyres and brake pads are notably expensive, and despite the lack of prepaid servicing packages, Porsche offers a fixed-price servicing regime, ensuring transparency in maintenance costs.
Insurance groupings for the Cayenne vary, with the standard variant in group 45, the E-Hybrid in group 49, and other models in group 50.
Depreciation rates are competitive, with a typical variant retaining about 60% of its value after three years and 36,000 miles—outperforming rivals like the Range Rover Sport.
Comprehensive Warranty and Support
The Porsche Cayenne comes with a three-year warranty without mileage limitations, extendable up to six years upon request.
Owners also benefit from a three-year breakdown recovery package, a three-year paint warranty, and a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee. Hybrid models include an additional eight-year, 100,000-mile battery pack warranty.
Porsche Cayenne Review Summary: Should you buy, lease, or finance one?
The third-generation Porsche Cayenne is an exemplar of luxury and performance, making it a compelling choice whether you opt to buy, lease, or finance.
It has evolved significantly since its inception, appealing to a new demographic of Porsche enthusiasts who appreciate sports car technology in a luxury SUV.
The latest model is faster, greener, and more opulently trimmed than ever, making it a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market.
For those prioritising long-term ownership and investment, purchasing a Cayenne ensures full ownership of this engineering marvel, with the potential for strong residual values.
Leasing could be ideal for those wanting to experience the latest features and models without long-term commitment, offering flexibility and lower monthly payments.
Financing strikes a balance, allowing you to eventually own the vehicle while managing costs over time.
While some may critique its styling or the shift towards a more luxurious demeanor, the Cayenne remains a paragon of engineering prowess.
Despite premium pricing and a somewhat controversial options list, it excels both on and off the tarmac.
For those seeking the pinnacle of performance in an SUV, the Porsche Cayenne stands unrivalled in its class, making any acquisition method—buying, leasing, or financing—a worthy consideration.
