While BMW was the first German manufacturer to
take the concept of the sport utility vehicle and calibrate it
specifically for exceptional performance on the street, the Porsche
Cayenne came along right behind it and promptly eclipsed the BMW in
terms of performance on the road and luxury. The Porsche also had one
more thing going for it, the Cayenne was exceptionally capable offroad
too.
Manufactured since 2002, the Cayenne was also the first Porsche model to house a V8 engine since the marque stopped building the Porsche 928. For the 2015 model year, the Porsche Cayenne has been significantly updated, although in true Porsche fashion, you’d have to examine the new model carefully to discern most of the differences between this version and the original.
As is common practice at the storied automaker, the vast majority of the changes are beneath the sheetmetal. Engines have been reworked, the suspension system has been recalibrated, new comfort and convenience equipment has been incorporated, and mild styling updates have been applied to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Just as is true for every new Porsche model across the board, this newest Porsche Cayenne is the best one the company has ever offered.
Manufactured since 2002, the Cayenne was also the first Porsche model to house a V8 engine since the marque stopped building the Porsche 928. For the 2015 model year, the Porsche Cayenne has been significantly updated, although in true Porsche fashion, you’d have to examine the new model carefully to discern most of the differences between this version and the original.
As is common practice at the storied automaker, the vast majority of the changes are beneath the sheetmetal. Engines have been reworked, the suspension system has been recalibrated, new comfort and convenience equipment has been incorporated, and mild styling updates have been applied to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Just as is true for every new Porsche model across the board, this newest Porsche Cayenne is the best one the company has ever offered.
Models & Pricing
For the 2015 model year, Porsche
is offering the Cayenne in four states of trim; Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne
S, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, and Cayenne Turbo.
Starting at $61,700, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel gets – as standard equipment – heated exterior mirrors, a power-actuated tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel and a cooled glovebox, a sliding and reclining rear seat, a seven-inch touchscreen interface, navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels, a set of xenon headlights accompanied by LED daytime running lights and taillights, automatic windshield wipers, Bluetooth handsfree telephony and audio streaming, and a 10-speaker audio system.
With pricing starting at $74,100, Cayenne S gets a set of 19-inch wheels, and adds to all of the above; a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine (replaces the V8 from last year), speed sensitive power steering (aka Power Steering Plus), a sunroof, and front and rear parking sensor arrays.
The plug-in hybrid Cayenne S E-Hybrid starts at $76,400 and comes equipped with all of the above (where appropriate) plus an adaptive suspension system, Porsche Car Connect (leverages the smartphone to monitor key systems of the vehicle), an onboard charger, and an energy management display.
The $113,600 base price of the Cayenne Turbo adds a 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, adaptive LED headlights along with LED daytime running lights and foglights, a height adjustable air suspension system, an alacantara headliner, full leather upholstery for the seats, dash, and door panels; sport seats for the driver, front passenger, and the outboard positions of the rear seat; and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.
As is true for the rest of the Porsche lineup, the options roster is as long as the list of Porsche’s motorsports wins. You can customize a Cayenne to fullest extent of your heart’s desires, or at least to the fullest elasticity your financial situation will permit. We’re talking ceramic brakes, aero body kits, 18 different wheel options ranging in size up to 21 inches, and best of all, you can fit any of that stuff to any of the trim levels.
For a full listing, check out the Porsche Website; there’s way too much for us to go into here. However, some of the key features include self-closing doors, smart cruise control, dual-screen rear video entertainment, voice activation, and a 16-speaker Burmester audio system.
Starting at $61,700, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel gets – as standard equipment – heated exterior mirrors, a power-actuated tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel and a cooled glovebox, a sliding and reclining rear seat, a seven-inch touchscreen interface, navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels, a set of xenon headlights accompanied by LED daytime running lights and taillights, automatic windshield wipers, Bluetooth handsfree telephony and audio streaming, and a 10-speaker audio system.
With pricing starting at $74,100, Cayenne S gets a set of 19-inch wheels, and adds to all of the above; a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine (replaces the V8 from last year), speed sensitive power steering (aka Power Steering Plus), a sunroof, and front and rear parking sensor arrays.
The plug-in hybrid Cayenne S E-Hybrid starts at $76,400 and comes equipped with all of the above (where appropriate) plus an adaptive suspension system, Porsche Car Connect (leverages the smartphone to monitor key systems of the vehicle), an onboard charger, and an energy management display.
The $113,600 base price of the Cayenne Turbo adds a 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, adaptive LED headlights along with LED daytime running lights and foglights, a height adjustable air suspension system, an alacantara headliner, full leather upholstery for the seats, dash, and door panels; sport seats for the driver, front passenger, and the outboard positions of the rear seat; and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.
As is true for the rest of the Porsche lineup, the options roster is as long as the list of Porsche’s motorsports wins. You can customize a Cayenne to fullest extent of your heart’s desires, or at least to the fullest elasticity your financial situation will permit. We’re talking ceramic brakes, aero body kits, 18 different wheel options ranging in size up to 21 inches, and best of all, you can fit any of that stuff to any of the trim levels.
For a full listing, check out the Porsche Website; there’s way too much for us to go into here. However, some of the key features include self-closing doors, smart cruise control, dual-screen rear video entertainment, voice activation, and a 16-speaker Burmester audio system.
Design
As we mentioned earlier, Porsche
is a company prefers to evolve its designs over time, rather than
revolutionize them every five to seven years the way most manufacturers
do. Thus, you can see a lot of the original Cayenne in this, the third
generation model.
For this update, while the overall silhouette remains largely unchanged, the front fascia, fenders, and hood have been completely redesigned. Compared to the second-generation model, all of their primary lines run outwards to give the revised Cayenne a wider and more powerful look. The hood is broader as well, and its cutlines run down the fenders. The central air intake has been made smaller, but it is bookended by a pair of larger supplementary intakes. Air blades have been incorporated within them to route air to the intercooler and add visual interest.
The revised profile view employs a slightly rearward sloping roofline for a faster overall appearance. This also makes the roof spoiler look more prominent. The fender lines have been sharpened, and the rearview mirror housings now contain turn signal repeaters.
At the rear, the brake lights feature a four-element design, features such as the license plate well; hatch handle, and the taillight package have been integrated more elegantly with the result of smoothing the overall appearance.
Unmistakably a Porsche, the Cayenne’s redesign still blends fluidly with the rest of the marque’s offerings.
For this update, while the overall silhouette remains largely unchanged, the front fascia, fenders, and hood have been completely redesigned. Compared to the second-generation model, all of their primary lines run outwards to give the revised Cayenne a wider and more powerful look. The hood is broader as well, and its cutlines run down the fenders. The central air intake has been made smaller, but it is bookended by a pair of larger supplementary intakes. Air blades have been incorporated within them to route air to the intercooler and add visual interest.
The revised profile view employs a slightly rearward sloping roofline for a faster overall appearance. This also makes the roof spoiler look more prominent. The fender lines have been sharpened, and the rearview mirror housings now contain turn signal repeaters.
At the rear, the brake lights feature a four-element design, features such as the license plate well; hatch handle, and the taillight package have been integrated more elegantly with the result of smoothing the overall appearance.
Unmistakably a Porsche, the Cayenne’s redesign still blends fluidly with the rest of the marque’s offerings.
Features & Controls
Inside, the environment, while
suitably luxurious for a conveyance in this price category, also caters
strongly to the driver. The new multifunction steering wheel features
shift paddles for the transmission and is patterned after the one fitted
to Porsche’s halo 918 Spyder model.
As is Porsche tradition, the ignition switch for the engine is to the left of the steering wheel and the instrument panel is dominated by a large centrally located tachometer. Legibility is unrivalled by anything else out there, and the very look of the instruments tell you you’re sitting in a rarefied position when you’re at the controls.
While the maker does include a touchscreen interface, Porsche has resisted completely adopting the screen and controller strategy employed by other luxury makers for secondary functions. Instead, the Cayenne (as does the other Porsche models) employs what at first appears to be a bewildering array of buttons lining the center console, and grouped by function.
To our eye, it’s a handsome feature. What’s more, once acclimated, one can access systems much more quickly using it. Rather than digging through menus on a screen, you simply touch a button to activate the feature you desire. That said, some functions are better served through the touchscreen and you’ll find its menu structure to be quite logical.
As is Porsche tradition, the ignition switch for the engine is to the left of the steering wheel and the instrument panel is dominated by a large centrally located tachometer. Legibility is unrivalled by anything else out there, and the very look of the instruments tell you you’re sitting in a rarefied position when you’re at the controls.
While the maker does include a touchscreen interface, Porsche has resisted completely adopting the screen and controller strategy employed by other luxury makers for secondary functions. Instead, the Cayenne (as does the other Porsche models) employs what at first appears to be a bewildering array of buttons lining the center console, and grouped by function.
To our eye, it’s a handsome feature. What’s more, once acclimated, one can access systems much more quickly using it. Rather than digging through menus on a screen, you simply touch a button to activate the feature you desire. That said, some functions are better served through the touchscreen and you’ll find its menu structure to be quite logical.
Comfort & Cargo
The only conveyance offering a
more comfortable place to sit and watch the world go by, or better said;
to have the world watch you go by, has lie-flat seats capable
of converting into beds. Actually, this comparison isn’t as far-fetched
as you might at first believe. In Germany, people use vehicles like the
Cayenne for cross-country travel the way we here in the U.S. use
airplanes. The unlimited speed Autobahn permits the Porsche Cayenne to
nicely substitute for an aircraft for long distance travel, with the
added advantage of door-to-door service.
Thus, the seats provide all day comfort, and the ergonomics of the interior are designed specifically to mitigate fatigue. Further, the cabin is quiet at speed. Keep in mind; we’re talking a top-tier luxury automobile here. Materials, fit and finish, and the overall design are beautifully executed. Outstanding build quality is evident in every aspect of the interior accommodations. This goes a long way toward ensuring your comfort and reassurance.
Regardless of your seating position, you’ll find a lot of attention has been paid to your overall sense of well-being. The rear seats recline, as well as slide fore and aft. They also split fold in a 60:40 ratio. Even when you have them positioned at their most rearward, you’re afforded some 23.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity in all but the S E-Hybrid, which offers 20.5 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, you get 62.9 cubic feet in all but the S E-Hybrid and the Turbo. The Hybrid offers 59.7 cubic feet, while the Turbo grants 60.2 cubic feet.
Thus, the seats provide all day comfort, and the ergonomics of the interior are designed specifically to mitigate fatigue. Further, the cabin is quiet at speed. Keep in mind; we’re talking a top-tier luxury automobile here. Materials, fit and finish, and the overall design are beautifully executed. Outstanding build quality is evident in every aspect of the interior accommodations. This goes a long way toward ensuring your comfort and reassurance.
Regardless of your seating position, you’ll find a lot of attention has been paid to your overall sense of well-being. The rear seats recline, as well as slide fore and aft. They also split fold in a 60:40 ratio. Even when you have them positioned at their most rearward, you’re afforded some 23.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity in all but the S E-Hybrid, which offers 20.5 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, you get 62.9 cubic feet in all but the S E-Hybrid and the Turbo. The Hybrid offers 59.7 cubic feet, while the Turbo grants 60.2 cubic feet.
Safety Features & Ratings
Standard safety kit includes ABS,
traction and stability control, a full complement of airbags, and a
multi collision brake system, which automatically slows the Porsche to
six miles per hour after an impact to minimize secondary impacts.
Optional features include smart cruise control, lane departure warning,
forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring, and front and rear
parking sensor arrays,
Neither NHTSA nor the IIHS have posted crash test data for the Porsche Cayenne.
Neither NHTSA nor the IIHS have posted crash test data for the Porsche Cayenne.
Engines & Fuel Economy
An eight-speed automatic
transmission is fitted regardless of your engine choice. All-wheel drive
is also standard across the board. Engines, as we mentioned earlier,
are determined by the trim level – or said more precisely, the engine
determines the trim level.
Thus, Cayenne Diesel is fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine good for 240 horsepower and an awe-inspiring 406 ft-lbs of torque. According to the EPA, one can expect to see 20 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, and 23 miles per gallon combined.
Cayenne S also gets a turbocharged V6, albeit a twin turbocharged gasoline fired powerplant. Displacement is 3.6 liters and output is 420 horsepower and 406 ft-lbs of torque. This is up 20 horsepower and 37 ft-lbs of torque from last year. Fuel economy is rated at 17-mpg in the city, 24 on the highway, and 20 combined.
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid teams a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with a synchronous electric motor to generate a total system output of 416 horsepower and 435 ft-lbs of torque. This is 36 horsepower more than the 2014 model. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is also a plug-in Hybrid, which means it can be charged from an electrical outlet in addition to regenerative braking and coasting, as can a traditional hybrid. This also gives the S E-Hybrid an electric-only propulsion range of approximately 14 miles (driven conservatively). Fuel economy is rated at 21-city/24-highway/22-combined.
Cayenne Turbo runs a 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 capable of producing 520 horsepower and 553 ft-lbs of torque. This is up from 500 horsepower and 516 ft-lbs from the previous version of the engine. It is estimated to be good for 14 mpg in the city, 21 on the highway and 17 combined.
Thus, Cayenne Diesel is fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine good for 240 horsepower and an awe-inspiring 406 ft-lbs of torque. According to the EPA, one can expect to see 20 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, and 23 miles per gallon combined.
Cayenne S also gets a turbocharged V6, albeit a twin turbocharged gasoline fired powerplant. Displacement is 3.6 liters and output is 420 horsepower and 406 ft-lbs of torque. This is up 20 horsepower and 37 ft-lbs of torque from last year. Fuel economy is rated at 17-mpg in the city, 24 on the highway, and 20 combined.
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid teams a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with a synchronous electric motor to generate a total system output of 416 horsepower and 435 ft-lbs of torque. This is 36 horsepower more than the 2014 model. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is also a plug-in Hybrid, which means it can be charged from an electrical outlet in addition to regenerative braking and coasting, as can a traditional hybrid. This also gives the S E-Hybrid an electric-only propulsion range of approximately 14 miles (driven conservatively). Fuel economy is rated at 21-city/24-highway/22-combined.
Cayenne Turbo runs a 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 capable of producing 520 horsepower and 553 ft-lbs of torque. This is up from 500 horsepower and 516 ft-lbs from the previous version of the engine. It is estimated to be good for 14 mpg in the city, 21 on the highway and 17 combined.
Driving Impressions
The Porsche Cayenne is one of
those magical vehicles with the uncanny ability to feel progressively
smaller the more you drive it. Further, its agility completely belies
its ability to tow some 7,716 pounds (this is true for all models except
the hybrid). Regardless of your engine choice, acceleration is strong
off the line, and the faster you go, the more solid the Cayenne feels.
Meanwhile, around town, it’s quiet, comfortable and easy to park.
When people heard Porsche was planning to produce a sport utility vehicle, most responded with overwhelming derision. Then, when the Cayenne came out, and everybody realized it’d go like a “proper” Porsche, they (for the most part) shut up and ate it up.
When it comes to agility, acceleration, and braking until very recently, the Porsche Cayenne had no real peers. In subsequent years, the Range Rover Sport and the M versions of the BMW X5 and X6 have come close, but the Porsche is still the one.
In addition to its capabilities on the street, the Cayenne acquits itself in a highly respectable fashion off road. It’ll crawl over rocks, slog through mud, and surf sand and gravel with the best of the SUV breed. Plus, it’s handsome enough to look good pulling up and waiting patiently anywhere moneyed individuals might choose to engage in conspicuous exhibitions of their wealth.
When people heard Porsche was planning to produce a sport utility vehicle, most responded with overwhelming derision. Then, when the Cayenne came out, and everybody realized it’d go like a “proper” Porsche, they (for the most part) shut up and ate it up.
When it comes to agility, acceleration, and braking until very recently, the Porsche Cayenne had no real peers. In subsequent years, the Range Rover Sport and the M versions of the BMW X5 and X6 have come close, but the Porsche is still the one.
In addition to its capabilities on the street, the Cayenne acquits itself in a highly respectable fashion off road. It’ll crawl over rocks, slog through mud, and surf sand and gravel with the best of the SUV breed. Plus, it’s handsome enough to look good pulling up and waiting patiently anywhere moneyed individuals might choose to engage in conspicuous exhibitions of their wealth.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you want one – you really do.
In all honesty, if you can afford a Porsche Cayenne, there’s really nothing bad to say about the vehicle. Of course, therein lies the other side of the coin. It’s expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, and expensive to insure. Further, pretty much everything on that super-lengthy options list is also expensive.
If you’re looking for similar performance in a more affordable package, you might consider the SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Watch more: In today's video, we'll take an up close and in depth look at the all New 2015 Porsche Cayenne. This version has 420 HP.
In all honesty, if you can afford a Porsche Cayenne, there’s really nothing bad to say about the vehicle. Of course, therein lies the other side of the coin. It’s expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, and expensive to insure. Further, pretty much everything on that super-lengthy options list is also expensive.
If you’re looking for similar performance in a more affordable package, you might consider the SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptionally competent and sophisticated engines, outstanding comfort and luxury, near infinite customization possibilities…
Cons: It ain’t cheap…
Cons: It ain’t cheap…
Watch more: In today's video, we'll take an up close and in depth look at the all New 2015 Porsche Cayenne. This version has 420 HP.
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