All-New Porsche Cayenne Launch On 17 October

Porsche is set to launch the third-generation Cayenne in India on 17 October 2018 after a four-month delay. The Cayenne is slightly bigger than before and gets an evolutionary design, but the changes are a lot more than skin deep.

The biggest change is the platform the Cayenne is based on: VW group’s MLB. This also underpins luxurious SUVs like the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. It adds a 48-volt electrical system instead of the traditional 24-volt one, which allows for powerful electric-powered features such as a super-fast three-chamber adaptive air suspension, along with electric anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering.

Also new are the engine options, including the standard set of V6/V8 internal combustion engines and an E-Hybrid variant powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol paired to a couple of electric motors. The Cayenne E-Hybrid is both powerful as well as efficient. 0-100kmph is achieved in 5 seconds with a claimed mileage of 30+kmpl in the European driving cycle!

Also new is the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission which has a shorter first gear for better acceleration and off-road ability. A taller 8th gear results in higher efficiency on the highway too. The Cayenne should introduce Porsche’s Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB), which promise 20 per cent higher longevity without a drop in performance.

Inside, apart from the more luxurious features such as the leather, Alcantara upholstery and the centrepiece on the dashboard, is the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The lower centre buttons have been replaced by touch-sensitive buttons for every conceivable function - including the A/C, suspension modes, drive modes and traction control. The instrument cluster is a 7.0-inch digital screen made to mimic the classic Porsche 5-pod design.

Space inside for passengers hasn’t improved much but the longer body has added 100 litres to the trunk space, bumping up up the total space to 770 litres. Check out our first drive impressions of the new Cayenne here.