New Porsche Cayenne Turbo

5 seats, 177mph and year-round versatility. The definitive high-performance SUV

Introduction

It’s now 16 years since Porsche launched generation one of the Cayenne, a high-performance SUV that both changed the fortunes of Porsche and perceptions of how sporty an SUV could be. The third-generation Cayenne, launched in 2018, is the best-looking, most efficient and most technologically-advanced yet. Its performance flagship is the Cayenne Turbo; an all-wheel drive five seater with supercar performance.​

Safety

Standard safety features for the Cayenne Turbo include LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System, with dynamic cornering lights that turn the main headlights into the bend as you’re cornering. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle you’re following, Predictive Pedestrian Protection warns and then brakes to avoid collision with pedestrians in the road ahead, and the auto stop/start function can monitor driver fatigue and bring the car to a halt if he or she is unresponsive. ​

Design

The looks of the Cayenne have evolved over the years and the latest generation is slicker and smarter than ever. The typical Porsche signatures of prominent front wing, sloping bonnet, deep front apron with triple intakes are all present. For the new models, the doors have been restyled, the roofline has been tailored and the rear end treatment with its LED taillights is cleaner, sharper and more appealing. The interior has been radically updated too, with a new HD 12-inch touchscreen and touch-sensitive, glass look console controls. ​

You won’t find it hard to spot the difference between Cayenne Turbo and other models; the Turbo has a more aggressive front end with enlarged Hannibal Lecter-style air intakes, wheel arch extensions, 21” Turbo Design wheels and adaptive roof spoiler. Inside, the Turbo has a special multifunction steering wheel, Turbo-embossed headrests and adaptive sports seats.​​

Performance

It’s all change in the engine department for the 2018 Cayenne range, and the range-topping Turbo features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that develops 550PS and maximum torque of 770Nm. Even though the Cayenne is a large, luxurious five-seater, that kind of propulsive power is enough to rocket the Cayenne Turbo off the line to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The gearbox is an 8-speed Tiptronic and Porsche Active Suspension Management with adaptive air suspension comes as standard on the Turbo model. Porsche Traction Management delivers active management of the grip to all four wheels. Performance options include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. For the first time in the Cayenne’s evolution, the rear tyres are a larger width than the fronts. 

Such stellar performance needs equally impressive brakes and the Cayenne Turbo comes as standard with Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, which feature a ceramic coating on cast iron. These resist fade better than iron discs alone, as well as dramatically reducing brake dust. So as a bonus, your Cayenne Turbo’s wheels will stay pristine for longer. However full ceramic composite brakes are available as an option. ​​

Technology

Porsche’s term for its infotainment system is Porsche Communication Management, and in the new generation Cayenne Turbo this is based around a 12-inch high-definition touchscreen. Through PCM, you can make your selections either via the touchscreen, a rotary control or via voice control. Online navigation, mobile phone interface, audio controls and CD/DVD interface are all simply and intuitively accessed. A Bose® Surround Sound system comes as standard, though you can upgrade to a Burmeister® 3D Surround Sound system.

Verdict

Porsche pioneered the high-performance SUV and despite a clutch of new contenders from other thoroughbred marques, the new generation Cayenne Turbo still rules. Better, more accessible infotainment coupled with a more powerful yet more efficient powertrain keep it ahead of the chasing pack. Like every Porsche, it’s a practical daily driver yet it’s also capable of the kind of thrills that just a few years ago were the preserve of two-seat sportscars. An icon reinvented. ​