The 2024 Porsche Cayenne: impressive updates and state-of-the-art features

More grunt across the range and a full digital driver’s display are the main changes to the Porsche SUV

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne, a notable heavyweight in the SUV market, undergoes a significant makeover, making it one of the most comprehensive model revamps in Porsche's impressive 75-year lineage.

Bringing forth a compelling fusion of style, performance, and technology, the new Cayenne is heavily influenced by the Taycan, Porsche’s all-electric sports car. The model sees considerable enhancements, including updated powertrain options, improved suspension dynamics, and an advanced dashboard with a digital instrument cluster and optional passenger-side display.

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne is anticipated to make its grand debut in Australia in the latter part of 2023. The range has been streamlined with the notable exclusion of the Cayenne GTS and Turbo models.

Engine and Performance

The updated model lineup starts with the base Cayenne, equipped with an enhanced 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine. It packs an impressive 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque, marking an increase of 10kW and 50Nm from its predecessor.

The Cayenne S brings a substantial upgrade, replacing the previous V6 engine with a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine, producing 349kW of power and 600Nm of torque. This substantial boost allows the Cayenne S to achieve 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

The Cayenne E-Hybrid sports a turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid system, supplemented with a new 130kW electric motor. The total system power output stands at 346kW, with the battery capacity getting a significant boost from 17.9kWh to 25.9kWh. To shorten charging times, Porsche has introduced an improved 11kW on-board charger, though specific details are yet to be announced.

At the pinnacle of the range, the Cayenne Turbo GT features a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 with a mighty 485kW power output, a 14kW increase from its predecessor. The Turbo GT can impressively sprint from 0-100km/h in a mere 3.3 seconds.

Handling and Comfort

Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) now comes standard on the Cayenne and Cayenne E-Hybrid, optimizing the driving experience. Enhancements to the Cayenne's adaptive air suspension, along with new shock absorbers, and adjustments for pitch and roll support, contribute to superior handling dynamics.

Design and Technology

The facelifted Cayenne exhibits stylish Matrix LED headlights as standard, with the option of advanced HD Matrix LED headlights featuring 32,000 pixels per unit. Other design highlights include three-dimensional tail lights, a full-width rear light bar, and three new colour options.

The interior of the Cayenne features a reconfigured centre console, now including storage compartments and larger air-conditioning controls. Comfort is paramount, with front ventilated seats becoming standard in the Cayenne S and soft-close doors in the Turbo GT.

The 2024 Cayenne also sees substantial technological upgrades, including a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central infotainment system, and an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display. The latter can showcase performance data and separate infotainment controls, with a film overlay to prevent driver distraction.

The transmission shifter has been conveniently relocated to the dashboard, creating additional space in the centre console. Moreover, Porsche has introduced a new air purifying system, linked to the GPS, to automatically activate air recirculation when entering a tunnel and filter fine dust particles.

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne is set to undergo a comprehensive overhaul, which is projected to be the most extensive update in Porsche's 75-year history. The facelifted Cayenne will gain new interior appointments, revised exterior styling, and re-engineered drivetrain options. The upgrade is expected to extend the model's lifecycle beyond its predecessors.

This revamp comes as Porsche prepares to launch an electric version of the Cayenne, aligning with the company's plan for electric vehicles to constitute over 80% of their sales by 2030. The electric Cayenne will be sold alongside the existing petrol and plug-in hybrid models.

The Australian Cayenne lineup has been streamlined to four model grades – base, E-Hybrid, S, and Turbo GT. The redesign brings along price increases of up to $14,300 due to the addition of new features.

On the outside, the revamped Cayenne will have a fresh front end, reshaped headlamps, a revised bumper, and altered bonnet and front wheel arches. The headlamps will be available as Porsche's advanced optional HD-Matrix projectors, giving the Cayenne a rejuvenated appearance. At the rear, the SUV will get a new 3D LED graphic for the full-width tail light, while the design of the tailgate will also see some changes.

The facelifted Cayenne maintains its original dimensions. Inside, it will sport a Taycan-inspired dashboard with up to three displays and a revised control layout. The gear selector is now placed within the dashboard, leaving more space for a new control panel in the centre console.

The interior offers seating for up to five and a nominal 770 litres of luggage space. It will also have four USB ports and will support the latest versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In terms of drivetrains, the facelifted Cayenne will have an updated range of petrol and petrol-electric plug-in hybrid engines, all with refinements for increased performance and lower emissions.

The suspension of the updated Cayenne will retain the same double-wishbone front and multi-link rear design, but with enhancements to deliver improved ride comfort and handling.

In the future, Porsche has confirmed it is developing an electric version of the Cayenne to rival the likes of the Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. This version is scheduled to debut in 2025, with Australian sales expected from 2026.