2024 Porsche Cayenne Enhances the SUV Recipe

Regardless of some preliminary resistance when the Cayenne debuted 20 years in the past, it has grow to be probably the most necessary automobiles in Porsche’s lineup, comprising about 30 p.c of its worldwide gross sales. The present, third-generation Cayenne has been in manufacturing because the 2019 mannequin yr and receives a well timed refresh for 2024.

This is not your typical facelift, although. It is a important improve over the earlier yr, stopping in need of a brand new technology as a result of it shares a lot of the identical chassis and crash construction. The 2024 Cayenne sports activities a brand new look, with a reworked entrance fascia with bigger air intakes, restyled headlights, extra distinguished fenders, and a delicate hood bulge. The bottom additionally will get a makeover, with new taillights and a tailgate that makes it look wider than earlier than.

On the within, a brand new 12.6-inch curved digital instrument show debuts alongside the PCM 6.0 infotainment system and its 12.3-inch touchscreen. The earlier gear selector lever has been changed by a smaller toggle present in different Porsches and moved to the sprint. That frees up some area on the middle console for extra storage and a brand new climate-control panel. The Cayenne additionally provides a ten.9-inch touchscreen for the entrance passenger, just like that present in the Taycan.

The Cayenne lineup has been scaled again dramatically from 9 trim ranges to 4. The bottom 348-horsepower Cayenne begins at $80,850, whereas the 468-hp Cayenne S will set you again one other $16,500. On the top quality is the 650-hp Turbo GT that flirts uncomfortably with a $200,000 price ticket. It is solely obtainable within the coupe physique fashion and is now unique to the U.S. market. Slotting above the bottom mannequin is the plug-in turbo V-6 Cayenne E-Hybrid with 463 horses at $93,350. A totally electrical Cayenne is due in a couple of years and can overlap with the internal-combustion fashions.

Driving the Cayenne Turbo GT

We had the chance to unleash the Cayenne Turbo GT on a few of our favourite roads in Southern California to see how the adjustments have an effect on this sportiest of utility automobiles. The Turbo GT definitely deserves its place because the spiciest of Cayennes. If it had a Scoville ranking, it’d simply mimic its six-figure pricing. Acceleration needs to be just like the insane 2.8 seconds we recorded in a ’22 mannequin, and while you pin the pedal to the ground, you are met with probably the most wonderful V-8 engine growls this aspect of a Jaguar F-type.

Off the road, the Turbo GT stumbles for only a temporary second because it struggles to maintain the sticky Pirelli tires from going up in smoke and prepares for the following gear, however it’s nonetheless spectacular and chuckle-inducing. The usual ceramic composite brakes are as much as the duty of getting this about-5100-pound SUV slowed, and the agency pedal provides additional assurance.

Easing right into a flip, the Cayenne’s steering is appropriately Porsche-like with its precision and energy. The usual adaptive air springs and light-weight carbon roof hold the Turbo GT from feeling top-heavy because it tracks via the curves with solely a touch of physique roll. Mid-corner bumps may cause the rear tires to momentarily step out of line, however the Cayenne regains grip and composure earlier than you possibly can react.

Simply as spectacular as its cornering prowess is the Turbo GT’s snug journey. Dial the drive mode again to Regular, and the suspension relaxes its clenching tautness for the form of smoothness wanted for longer journeys. The distinguished highway noise will add a little bit of long-distance fatigue again, although.

Cayenne S Drive

We additionally drove the Cayenne S on the identical roads, and the variations had been telling however not dramatic. The large information for this midrange mannequin is the return of the V-8 engine instead of the earlier V-6, bringing with it a further 34 horses. However you will not discover the Turbo GT’s theatrical snarl within the S, which as a substitute has a relatively bland sound that may very well be mistaken for the six-cylinder.

The Cayenne S additionally comes with a extra typical adaptive suspension that does not have the vary of consolation or efficiency from which the Turbo GT advantages. It is extra nervous and jittery over tough pavement and never as solidly settled in lengthy sweeping curves. The air suspension is accessible as a $2390 choice, nonetheless, and we extremely advocate it for each the Cayenne S and base mannequin, whether or not or not you are searching for dealing with efficiency. Even with this addition, the Cayenne S prices half as a lot because the Turbo GT.

After all, efficiency is simply a part of the Cayenne equation. It is nonetheless a luxurious SUV, and its inside handily meets expectations. Whereas we may do with much less piano black on the middle console, the cabin is swathed in premium supplies, and there is a sturdy heft behind all of them. Moreover the aforementioned highway noise, the inside is devoid of any creaks, squeaks, and extreme wind noise.

Shifting the gear selector to the sprint additionally permits for a wi-fi charging pad that is properly positioned beneath the sprint and is a superb pairing with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You additionally get a bigger storage pocket and cupholders. The brand new climate-control panel fortunately retains some bodily toggle switches for distraction-free changes. Secondary controls are capacitive contact buttons that require trying away from the highway to make use of.

We’re not satisfied the optionally available passenger touchscreen is definitely worth the $1490 worth, however there’s a sure cool issue, nonetheless. It permits the entrance passenger to get pleasure from their very own streaming leisure, management a number of car options, and play co-pilot with navigation, regardless that the middle touchscreen is simply a brief attain away. The show’s polarized filter makes it seem to the driving force as only a black plastic sprint aspect to get rid of distraction. Our essential concern with this show is the chance of triggering movement illness for extra delicate passengers.

Altogether, the adjustments make the 2024 Porsche Cayenne much more fascinating than earlier than. For the driving force who seeks extra efficiency than the bottom Cayenne already delivers, the Cayenne S is bound to boost your coronary heart charge. We might recommend optioning the air-spring suspension for a broader unfold of each consolation and dealing with. As wonderful because the Turbo GT is, its very almost $200,000 worth appears extreme. But when we had the form of financial institution stability that would take up such a success, you’d higher imagine we might go for it.

Contributing Editor

With a background in design and open-wheel racing, Mark Takahashi obtained his foot within the door as an artwork director on automotive and motorbike magazines. He parlayed that right into a profession as an automotive journalist and has reviewed hundreds of automobiles over the previous few many years.