Flagship SUV gets subtle design tweaks but gains on technologies first seen in the Panamera.
Is it really all-new?
Yes it is. Due to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt motor show next month, the Porsche Cayenne has been revamped in third-generation form to rival the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Range Rover Sport.
Although the basic shape remains very familiar with the predecessor, the all-new Cayenne can be best noted with details including the Panamera-like front lights, horizontal slats in the front bumper and the slimmer rear lamps.
Although the Cayenne sits on the same wheelbase length of 2,895mm, it is 63mm longer, 44mm wider and 9mm lower. The longer body has also allowed for more luggage room.
The Cayenne’s new platform, called MLB and already employed in the Q7 and Bentley Bentayga, helps shave 65kg in body weight and allows for a 48V electrical system.
The biggest change inside the cabin is the use of digital and touch screens, first seen in today’s Panamera.
Are the engines lifted from the Panamera?
Yes they are, although Porsche has announced just two petrol-turbo engines for the Cayenne initially. The Cayenne runs the 340hp 3.0-litre V6, while the Cayenne S goes for the newer 2.9-litre V6 delivering 440hp.
But rather than getting the Panamera’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Cayenne receives a regular torque-convertor auto with the same amount of forward ratios. Four-wheel-drive with off-roading modes are standard.
At a later stage, the Cayenne should come with plug-in hybrid variants, with the crucial one for Thailand being 3.0-litre V6 petrol-electric.
Will it be priced under 10 million baht?
Certainly, if you spec for the pending hybrid. But before that happens, Thai fans need to be content with the more conventional V6 models that could see prices budging 10 million baht.
Although not popular in Thailand, the Cayenne could still feature diesel versions despite some issues with such engines in Germany.
New options that should be made standard in Thai-spec models include rear-wheel steering, three-chamber air suspension and roll stabilisation that’s now activated electronically rather than hydraulically for faster response times.
