The Porsche Cayenne may have been controversial when it was launched in 2002.

But two decades down the line, it has been a huge success for the German carmaker.

An updated version of the current-generation Cayenne debuted at Auto Shanghai 2023, sporting more advanced tech and punchier engines.

Exterior-wise, it gets a new front end combined with standard Matrix LED Headlights, more strongly arched fenders and a new hood. 

Three-dimensionally designed tail lights, uncluttered surfaces beneath and a new rear apron with an integrated number plate holder characterize the rear-end design of the Cayenne.

Neater dash layout

Porsche said the updated sport-utility vehicle includes the new Porsche Driver Experience that was first introduced in the Taycan electric sedan.

Functions that the driver uses frequently are located directly on or immediately next to the steering wheel. For example, the lever located on the left behind the steering wheel now has additional functions for operating the driver assistance systems.

The cabin also features a fully digital, 12.6-inch instrument cluster, with an optimized heads-up display available as an option. 

Meanwhile, the standard 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management display integrates harmoniously into the new dashboard and provides access to all the relevant vehicle functions, including native apps like Spotify and Apple Music. 

A 10.9-inch display is now available for the first time for the passenger side. It displays performance data, providing separate access to the infotainment system controls and, depending on the market, the option of streaming video content on the road.

More electric range for hybrid Cayenne

Buyers of the Cayenne E-Hybrid will be pleased to discover that Porsche has given the variant a maximum all-electric range of 90 kilometers.

This is down to a new high-voltage battery, which has increased from 17.9 to 25.9 kWh. A new 11-kW onboard charger now shortens the charging time at an appropriate power source to less than two and a half hours despite the increased battery capacity.

The Cayenne E-Hybrid also gets an all-new electric motor mated to a turbocharged V6 gasoline engine for an increased combined output of 470 PS.

Meanwhile, the Cayenne S drops its V6 for an all-new, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 474 PS and 600 Nm of torque. 

All updated Cayennes get steel-spring suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management. New shock absorbers with two-valve technology that separates the rebound and compression stages allow optimized performance in all driving situations.

0 to 100 in 3.3 seconds

Finally, for those who want a 911, but need room for five and lots of cargo space, there’s the Cayenne Turbo GT.

This non-European model also packs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine cranking out a whopping 659 PS. It does 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 305 km/h.

To handle all this muscle, the Turbo GT gets Porsche’s carbon-ceramic brakes, bespoke wheels and an aggressive body kit.

When do you think the updated Porsche Cayenne will come to our shores?

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