2024 Porsche Cayenne First Drive Assessment: Consider it as Cayenne v3.5

It’s greatest to think about the 2024 Porsche Cayenne as Cayenne model 3.5. It’s not a clean-sheet redesign, as its underlying crash construction, common dimensions and considerable componentry carrying over from the third-generation Cayenne launched for 2017. It’s greater than the same old mid-cycle refresh, nonetheless.

Every of the 4 carryover fashions are extra highly effective (the GTS, Turbo and Turbo S E-Hybrid are on hiatus for 2024). The bottom Cayenne’s 3.0-liter turbo V6 now produces 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, up 13 and 36, respectively. On the different finish of the spectrum, the Cayenne Turbo GT’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 now produces 650 hp, up from 631. It’ll hit 60 in the identical 3.1 seconds. Modifications to the 2 fashions within the center are extra substantial.

The Cayenne S loses its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 in favor of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. You learn that proper. It’s arduous to recollect the final time a brand new automobile acquired an enhance in cylinders and displacement, somewhat than the other, however right here we’re. In keeping with Stefan Fegg, director of the Cayenne mannequin line, the V6 had reached the boundaries of its efficiency potential with the outgoing engine’s 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Porsche wished to extend energy for the quasi-new technology, nonetheless, which introduced engineers again to the good-old V8 to attain 468 hp and 442 lb-ft. Sounds easy sufficient, however to promote the Cayenne S in Europe, applied sciences needed to be developed to accommodate strict emissions legal guidelines. These embrace revolutionary camshaft sensors, a higher-pressure injection system and an electrical wastegate, and so they additionally support effectivity, although official EPA numbers weren’t accessible. These aren’t discovered within the V8-powered Turbo GT, which subsequently isn’t on the market in Europe, Japan and elsewhere.

Frankly, if effectivity and emissions of a V8 can higher, match or at the very least come near these of a V6, who the hell is ever going to complain? The reply is nobody. There was a cause we have been so depressed as V8 after V8 obtained changed by some characterless turbo V6 over the course of a decade-plus. Porsche/Audi’s V6s have been higher than most, however there’s nonetheless no changing the telltale warble produced by these further cylinders. Whereas we await the all-new, all-electric Cayenne technology that’ll arrive within the “center of the last decade” and be offered alongside this generation-and-a-half for some period of time, it’s good to know the gas-powered Cayenne will go down swinging.

That mentioned, selecting it isn’t a given. The Cayenne E-Hybrid will get that up to date base V6 plus a extra highly effective electrical motor for a complete system output of 463 hp, up from 455. It hits 60 in 4.7 seconds, which is just three tenths off the tempo of the V8. The larger information is the battery, which considerably expands from 17.9 kilowatt-hours as much as 25.9. EPA electric-only vary estimates weren’t accessible, however the automotive confirmed 45 miles once we obtained in with a full battery – that might be a large enchancment over the earlier 17 miles. Both manner, there’s a brand new, extra highly effective, 11-kW AC charger on board, which may drop at-home charging instances to as little as 2½ hours with the proper house charger.

Acceleration from the E-Hybrid is unsurprisingly quiet and easy when driving utilizing the all-electric vary. Completely different hybrid energy supply mixtures robotically pop up within the touchscreen while you function the steering wheel rotary drive mode knob, together with computerized, maintain (saves the present battery quantity for later in your drive) and cost (makes use of the engine to prime up the battery for later in your drive). Against this, doing so in a Volvo Recharge mannequin requires tap-tap-tapping into the touchscreen.

Once more, although, the E-Hybrid isn’t simply the eco alternative. It might be a hair slower to 60 and lack that signature V8 warble, nevertheless it’s completely a performance-oriented powertrain. It was a pleasure to wring out within the Santa Monica Mountains, with the electrical motor ever prepared to offer a jolt of right-now torque because the boosted six spools into motion with a not-unforgettable engine and exhaust notice. The general expertise driving the S wasn’t so a lot better that it will outweigh the E-Hybrid’s ample electrical vary and cheaper price – $91,700 versus $95,700 for the SUV with the Coupe costing one other $4,000 (E-Hybrid) or $6,400 (S).

One doable hangup: the brake pedal. The E-Hybrid has the identical agency preliminary pedal response as different Cayenne fashions do, however for no matter cause, this results in some clunky transitions between the regenerative and mechanical brakes that makes for troublesome modulation and jerky stops, particularly at decrease speeds. Maybe this might be attributed to our E-Hybrid take a look at automotive having the carbon ceramic brake choice, which appears totally nonsensical for this specific Cayenne (if presumably each Cayenne). One thing to look out for on a take a look at drive.

All 2024 Cayennes apart from the Turbo GT get a revised Porsche Energetic Suspension Administration (PASM) system with metal springs and new two-valve shock absorbers changing the earlier single valve setup. Mainly, one valve handles rebound and the opposite compression, thereby bettering the suspension’s dealing with composure and experience consolation. Our take a look at automobiles had the non-obligatory adaptive air suspension (normal on the Turbo GT) that incorporates a new two-air-chamber, two-valve design that does a fair higher job of the identical general mission, whereas additionally offering a higher differentiation between the Regular, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes. The aforementioned wringing out within the Santa Monica mountains definitely confirmed the dealing with composure bit, whereas experience consolation was impeccable throughout our journey up and down Freeway 101 from Malibu to Ojai, Calif.

Another choice sampled was the rear-wheel-steering system, which responds faster than earlier than. Whereas having RWS in a big sedan or sports activities automotive is now commonplace, the sensation of the rear-end coming round so sharply in such a tall automobile is unusual if spectacular.

The outside is up to date, however in true Porsche trend, it’s arduous to inform except you’re taking a look at them aspect by aspect. So, go forward and try this above. The grey automobiles are the earlier design. 

The inside is a a lot larger deal because it not solely represents a recent design for the Cayenne, however debuts elements recent for Porsche. The instrument panel is now all-digital and consists of seven structure/design choices, however all are in step with Porsche’s present gauge aesthetic (i.e., don’t count on futuristic graphics or no matter BMW thinks it’s doing). That features a conventional five-gauge structure, however the data offered isn’t additional customizable, which suggests you’re caught with each a foolish G meter and a not often wanted tire-pressure monitor.

The brand new local weather controls are clearly a response to complaints about Porsche’s earlier two local weather management ideas (manner too many buttons interspersed amongst unrelated buttons adopted by fewer, however now-difficult-to-find touch-sensitive “buttons”). The brand new idea is a neat row of bodily toggles bordered above and beneath by touch-sensitive icons. It’s a greater idea, however the execution is flawed. Pushing down on the icons offers haptic suggestions, however your entire black trim piece strikes with every “button” push, which comes throughout as low cost, particularly for a Porsche. The controls are finally simpler to make use of with out trying, although, so we’ll log it as a win. The Cayenne additionally does with out the Panamera and Taycan’s ridiculous touchscreen-controlled air vents – don’t count on different future Porsches to have them.

There’s no free inside packaging lunches, although, so to make room for that neat array of local weather controls on the middle console, the previous monostable shift knob was binned in favor of the Taycan’s dash-mounted toggle shifter. It’s bizarre in design and placement, however like most digital shifters, you’re certain to get used to it.

To the proper of it sits the newest Porsche Communication Administration (PCM) infotainment system, already discovered within the Taycan, 911 and Panamera. The system is extra colourful than the Cayenne’s earlier PCM, with icons simpler to distinguish at a look, nevertheless it’s largely related in general UI idea. That features the column of menu icons completely docked on the left aspect of the usual 12.3-inch touchscreen, together with one to rapidly have interaction and exit Apple CarPlay.

Sadly not current in our take a look at automotive was the brand new, non-obligatory 10.9-inch passenger show. Not in contrast to the one supplied within the Taycan, this touchscreen permits the passenger to function the navigation system or watch streaming video (from one thing referred to as Screenhits TV), whereas a polarized filter ensures that the motive force can’t see what’s proven. Having the in-dash TV may be good, however in our previous expertise, focusing an excessive amount of on different touchscreen controls, particularly throughout extra sporting moments of driving, is a recipe for, properly, barfing. 

Different tech upgrades embrace USB-C ports all-around and a strong, 15-watt smartphone wi-fi charger that’s cooled to stop your cellphone from incinerating. The non-obligatory adaptive cruise management system now has an Evasion Help system that aids the motive force with steering and braking assist at speeds between 31 and 93 mph. It additionally features a new Flip Help operate that stops you from turning left when a possible collision with an oncoming automotive is detected.  

The ultimate inside piece is the 911’s multifunction sport steering wheel that features the rotary drive mode change and a devoted toggle button for choosing capabilities for each the IP and accessible head-up show. No touchscreen diving wanted. 

All advised, the 2024 Cayenne doesn’t quantity to an enormous distinction from the automotive it replaces, however that in all probability would’ve been the case had it been a clean-sheet redo. That is Porsche we’re speaking about, the epitome of automotive evolution over revolution. Most individuals in all probability couldn’t inform a 2010 Boxster or 911 aside from a brand-new one. After all, when the precise fourth-generation Cayenne debuts with its all-electric powertrain, now that will probably be a revolution.

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