2024 Porsche Cayenne | First Drive

For the latest Porsche Cayenne pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/porsche/cayenne/

The Porsche Cayenne currently in its 3rd generation receives updates for the 2024 model year… should we call it a mid-cycle refresh? Well that answers THAT. The Cayenne will be offered in SUV or coupe designs, and the exterior gets a new headlight and taillight treatment, restyled front fascia with larger intakes, higher fenders, integrated license plate holder, 8 new wheel designs, and new shock absorbers with two-valve technology… more on that later.

However, inside is where we see the biggest change. The cockpit layout takes elements from the Porsche Taycan EV, and now has a curved 12.6 inch digital gauge cluster, a standard 12.3 infotainment touchscreen with standard wireless apple CarPlay and android auto, a new optional 10.9 inch passenger sidescreen with a special polarizing layer that disables viewing from the driver seat, and a redesigned instrument panel and center console.

The gear selector has been relocated to the right of the steering wheel, and in typical Porsche fashion, the left of the steering wheel is where you’ll find the new engine start button. Oh, and the steering wheel design itself is taken right out of a Porsche 911. The new overall design looks great and has premium fit and finish, with the exception of the gloss black HVAC controls on the center stack that give haptic feedback which operates fine, but the way the whole pad goes in when pressed takes away some of that upscale quality. Oh and while I’m complaining, I don’t like how the center armrest doesn’t click into place and it’s easy to slide forward.

The new Cayenne has 3 different engine options all linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The base gets a 3.0L turbo charged V6 generating (348 hp and 368 lb.-ft.), which is 13 hp and 36 lb.-ft. more than before. This six cylinder engine will also serve as the basis for the powertrain of the e-hybrid model which has a 174 hp electric motor, and will make a combined output of 463 hp. This PHEV now has a bigger 25.9 kWh battery, but we won’t know the estimated all-electric range until later, but there are drive modes to help improve efficiency.

And finally, the new Cayenne S now has a refined 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with a maximum output of (468 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque), which is 34 hp and 37 lb.-ft. more than its six-cylinder Cayenne S predecessor. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, the V8 can accelerate both the SUV and the Coupé to 60 mph in around to 4.4 seconds.

What also adds to that driving experience is rear steering which enhances steering response and handling, and the new shock absorbers with two-valve technology mentioned earlier. These allow optimized performance in various driving conditions by providing comfort at low speeds, and better handling at higher speeds with improved pitch and roll management.

Further enhancing ride comfort and performance is the optional two-chamber air suspension which reduces body movement and gives better differentiation between the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus drive modes.

For added safety, Lane Change Assist and Lane Keep Assist come standard. However, you may have to pony up for features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and 360 camera. And if you’re wondering about fuel economy, Porsche hasn’t released those just yet but stay tuned.

The new Cayenne will be made to order and pricing will start at ($79,200 for the SUV and $84,300 for the Coupé) plus destination. Standard equipment include matrix design LED headlights, 20 inch wheels, Porsche’s active suspension management, 4 usb ports, and a wireless charger with a cooling tray. Noting that the Coupes will have an available panoramic glass roof.

For more efficiency the e-Hybrid starts at ($91,700 (Coupé from $95,700)). To enter the V8 space, the Cayenne S starts at ($95,700 (Coupé from $102,100), and for maximum performance, the Cayenne Turbo GT sold exclusively as a coupe has a starting price of ($196,300). It comes with the twin turbo V8 engine but puts out 19 more horsepower for a total of 650 hp and can sprint from 0-60 in 3.1 seconds with the lightweight sports package which shaves off 72 lbs. The turbo GT comes standard with ceramic brakes, 22-inch wheels with high performance tires, rear-axle steering, and center mounted titanium sport exhaust.

Competitors in the luxury performance SUV segment include the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q8, Range Rover Sport, and the Jaguar F-Pace. Porsche goes up against some heavy hitters, but a sporty and refined ride with a premium and tech filled cabin can make potential buyers give the Cayenne it a second look.

This thing has it all so if you have the money bucks, you should give it a look…

00:00 2024 Porsche Cayenne
0:36 Exterior
1:02 Interior
3:04 Powertrain Options
4:18 Driving Impressions
9:53 Pricing
10:53 Competitors