What's the news?
Porsche has just revealed its third generation Cayenne SUV, a car the company itself calls 'the sports car among sports utility vehicles'. As with all new car launches, the 2018 Cayenne promises more performance, greater efficiency and more equipment, achieved via a revised line-up of new engines, an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, lighter bodywork and advanced new chassis systems. Initially revealed in standard Cayenne and Cayenne S forms, the range will be enhanced with a range-topping Turbo model in time, while hybrid drivetrains will also be available.
Exterior
The third-generation Cayenne's design remains wedded to that of Porsche's 911 sports car. Finally, that's beginning to work, so the Cayenne's proportions are not as awkward as its predecessors', and Porsche's fitment of wider rear tyres, riding on a minimum wheel diameter of 19 inches, helps.
LED front and back lighting is standard, while the rear features Porsche's now signature 3D design and the bar connecting the lights. The positioning of the front lights accentuates the Cayenne's width, while the large air intakes underline Porsche's promise of sporting performance. Longer by 63mm (on the same wheelbase as before) yet 9mm lower, the subtly altered proportions not only enhance the looks, but also create a greater size distinction between the new Cayenne and its Macan relation.
Interior
Borrowing heavily from the new Porsche Panamera, the Cayenne's cabin is dominated by the central 12.3-inch full HD touch screen in the dash, with a pair of seven-inch screens sitting either side of the prominent analogue rev counter in the instrument binnacle. The appearance of those 'Porsche Advanced Cockpit' screens are configurable and offer enhanced connectivity, while all Cayennes come with Porsche Connect Plus.
Six different driving profiles can be selected, while the driver can save settings for lighting, driving programmes and assistance systems, too. Smartphone connectivity is a given, though Porsche has added an Offroad Precision App for owners wanting to document their off-road driving. More useful in reality to most owners will be the increase in luggage space, the Cayenne now able to hold 770 litres, which is a significant increase of 100 litres over the outgoing model.
Mechanicals
Two petrol engines have been revealed at the Stuttgart unveil, a 3.0-litre single turbo V6 with 340hp in the standard Cayenne, and a 440hp 2.9-litre bi-turbo for the Cayenne S. That's 40hp and 20hp more respectively over the outgoing models' outputs. Allied with optional Sport Chrono that allows the S to reach 100km/h in less than five seconds, aided by the new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
All versions are four-wheel drive, while there's the option of Porsche 4D chassis control, three-chamber air suspension and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, as well as - for the first time in a Cayenne - rear-axle steering to improve the big SUV's agility even further. All the various drive modes are available via the Drive Mode Switch as part of the revamped, optional, Sport Chrono package.
Anything else?
Porsche is introducing new brake technology in the 2018 Cayenne. Optionally available for the first time is Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB), which sit below the PCCB carbon ceramic brakes in the options list. PSCB feature a cast iron disc with a tungsten carbide surface for improved friction values, better wear and reduced brake dust. They're distinguished by white callipers and a shiny finish to the discs once they've bedded in.
The new Cayenne can be ordered from today, with deliveries starting in Spring 2018.