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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dimensions | |
Vehicle Length | 4,926 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1,983 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1,673 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,895 mm |
Weight | |
Unladen Weight (DIN) | 2,250 kg |
Engine | |
Engine / Cylinders | 4.0 litre/V8 |
Displacement | 3,996 cm³ |
Max Torque | 770 Nm @ 1,960 - 4,500 |
Max Power | 550 hp @ 5,750 - 6,600 rpm |
Performance | |
Top Speed | 177 mph |
Acceleration | 0-62 mph in 3.9 Seconds (With Performance Start) |
Efficiency | |
Combined Cycle | 23.7 mpg - 24.1 mpg |
CO2 | 272 - 267 g/km |