History/Overview
The Cayenne was Porsche's first SUV, and while its launch met with outcries from some brand purists, brand customers jumped all over the performance luxury model, bringing it to their driveways in droves. Now in its third generation, Cayenne continues to offer one of the highest levels of performance available in an SUV, with sports-car levels of driving dynamics and seating for five.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
Other than reintroducing the GTS model, Porsche made no major changes to the Cayenne for 2021.
Available Trims
Porsche has a dizzying array of Cayenne models. There's base Cayenne, 434 hp Cayenne S, 453 hp Cayenne GTS, 455 hp PHEV Cayenne E-Hybrid, and PHEV 670 hp Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. Then there's the Coupé model, which offers a more curved roof and comes in all of the same variants plus 541 hp Cayenne Turbo Coupé. All get AWD and an eight-speed auto. Base and E-Hybrid models get a 3.0L turbo V6, S uses a 2.9L turbo V6, and GTS and Turbo trims add a 4.0L V8,
Standard Features
Standard features include a panoramic roof (coupe only), 19-inch wheels, power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, dual-zone climate, heated leather seats, cruise, heated wheel, and 10-speaker audio with Apple CarPlay. E-Hybrid adds Sport Chrono with included performance aids, larger brakes, and active suspension management.
S adds even larger brakes, parking sensors, and front collision warning with pedestrian detection. Turbo models get adaptive air suspension with height adjustment, 21-inch wheels, even larger brakes, active aerodynamics, adaptive lights, 18-way power front sports seats, and 14-speaker audio.
Key Options
Many colour and wheel choices are available. Porsche also offers 14 and 18-way sports seats. An offroad package adds underbody protection, Premium package offers Pano roof, Bose audio, adaptive headlights, and lane change assist. Premium Plus adds LED Matrix lights, vented front seats, and four-zone climate. The Assistance package adds surround-view cameras, head-up display, adaptive cruise, and night vision.
Air suspension and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control are offered on all models where it isn't standard, as is Sport Chrono. Massage seats are also available.
Fuel economy
Porsche Cayenne is estimated to return 12.5 L/100 km city, 10.3 highway. S is 13.1/10.5, Turbo 15.6/12.5, and GTS 15.8/12.3. For Coupe, that's 12.7/10.3, 13.4/10.9 for Coupe S, 15.2/12.4 for Coupe GTS, and 15.8/12.2 for Turbo Coupe.
On the PHEV side, E-Hybrid offers 27 km range and 5.1 Le/100 km combined, with Turbo S E-Hybrid 24 km and 5.6 Le/100 km.
Competition
Cayenne competes with BMW X5 and X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace, Range Rover Sport, Maserati Levante, and certain trims of Lamborghini Urus.
