Porsche Cayenne revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Porsche has taken wraps off the third-generation Cayenne. The new Cayenne is developed ground-up with a new platform, evolutionary design, updated interiors and newer engine options. Porsche’s first SUV also debuts the rear-wheel steering for the first time.

The Cayenne takes its design cues from its younger sibling, the Macan, and the new Panamera. The headlamps are new and rock the four-point LED signature. The front bumper consists of horizontal slats with bigger air-intake vents. The silhouette is noticeably sharper with a raked D-pillar.

The length measures at 4,918 mm which is 63 mm longer than the outgoing model. The width has increased by 44mmnow measuring1,983mm. However, the height has been reduced by 9mm to lend a sportier appearance. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,895 mm. 

The rear gives away the bulbous tail lights of the outgoing car and adopts a new sleek LED taillight design which runs across the rear. This tail light design is the new signature of Porsche. Overall, the new Cayenne looks sleeker, sportier, better proportioned and more handsome as compared to the outgoing car.

The new gen Cayenne is based on the new MLB Evo platform of the Volkswagen Group. The bodyshell is made up of alloy, steel and aluminium. The battery is lightweight too. Thus, the SUV sheds 65 kg of weight over the previous model tipping the scale at 1985 kg. 

The cabin is fresh with a lot of influence from the Panamera. The centre console is dominated by a large 12.3-inches infotainment touchscreen. The instrument cluster is an analogue tachometer flanked by a seven-inch digital screen on either side. The cabin comes loaded with all the connected features Porsche has on offer. There are plethoras of driving aids as well. Boot space has also increased to 770 litres.

There are two turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines on offer. The standard Cayenne is powered by the 340bhp/450Nm variant. Meanwhile, the Cayenne S has a 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 under the hood. It generates 440bhp and 550Nm. There are no diesel or plug-in hybrid variant yet, but will join the lineup soon, along with the range-topping performance variants.

The new Cayenne is priced at EUR74,828 for the standard and EUR91,968 for the S in Germany, where it is already available on sale. It will make its public debut at Frankfurt Motor Show.