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Although the latest base model Cayenne gets treated to plenty of new upgrades, it's likely to leave potential buyers wondering whether it's worth the extra cost over the previous model and other rivals in the midsize luxury SUV sector
by Amreetam Basu on February 21, 2024, 07:52In 2002, Porsche took a huge gamble by launching the Cayenne, an SUV based on the Volkswagen Touareg, which left many purists sneering. Despite the criticisms, Porsche’s gamble paid off as the years progressed - big time. Much to the surprise of many, the Cayenne became a runaway success, bringing in more money for Porsche than ever.
Fast forward to 2024, and Cayenne sales are still going strong, with the model now in its third generation. With the latest facelift, it receives a mid-cycle refresh, bringing a handful of updates to keep it competitive.
So, what’s new with the base model? The most noticeable change is on the exterior and inside the cabin. A new face graces the Cayenne, now looking more mature than before, thanks to the Taycan-inspired lights. On the inside, there’s a new driver’s display, and the front passenger can enjoy their share of infotainment with the optional 10.9-inch display.
Under the hood, things remain familiar. The base Cayenne continues to pack a punch with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 348 horsepower, which is 13 more horses than before.
Of course, the Cayenne isn’t without rivals. It faces stiff competition from established players like the BMW X5 and the Genesis GV80, offering compelling combinations of luxury, performance, and technology.
With a starting price of around $79,000, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne remains the premium proposition in the market. With that in mind, the question remains: will the latest updates be enough for the Cayenne to maintain the throne in the face of ever-evolving competition? Let’s dive into its best features.
Gets-the-job-done performance
Like all Porsche vehicles, the Cayenne gets a whole set of trims, and while the top-end models will always be the attention grabber, not all buyers look for rocket-ship acceleration and sportier handling affair, often at the expense of comfort. Many of us crave luxury and just enough performance to not require refilling the gas tank every few days while still offering enough punch to overtake most other vehicles on the highway.
Enter the 2024 Cayenne, which is, in fact, the base model Cayenne. When we state "base," don’t get your hopes up for a $50k Porsche, as this entry-level version is priced at $79,200, but you still get a decent performer in the segment for the money.
A 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 powers the "base" Cayenne, just like the pre-facelift model. However, instead of the previous 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, the 2024 Cayenne cranks 348 horses and 368 pound-feet of torque. Great news! However, for a Porsche and such an expensive SUV, the performance could be a dealbreaker for some, especially when comparing it to its competitors.
The Genesis GV80 and the BMW X5 get six-cylinder mills, both producing the same 375 horsepower. Despite this, the duo put down more torque: 391 pound-feet for the Genesis and 398 pound-feet for the Bimmer. Is the Porsche losing here? Yes, at least in the raw performance category.
The drivetrain remains the same throughout the Cayenne range, which is an eight-speed automatic gearbox, routing power to all four wheels.
If you’re interested in the base Cayenne, we wouldn’t recommend taking it into the drag strip and racing a supercar at the lights. However, it’s decently quick; you’re looking at 5.7 seconds to 60 mph, or you could shave off a few ticks with the Sport Chrono package. Meanwhile, the top speed comes at around 154 mph.
In comparison, the X5 xDrive40i, according to BMW, gallops to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Surprisingly, the Genesis GV80’s acceleration timing matches the Bimmer. With this, the V6-powered Cayenne fails to do the "Porsche magic" and is considerably slower than its competition, top speed aside.
| Category | 2024 Porsche Cayenne | 2024 BMW X5 xDrive40i | 2024 Genesis GV80 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo V6 | 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 | 3.5-liter turbo V6 |
| Gearbox | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive type | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Horsepower | 348 hp | 375 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 38 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 seconds | 5.3 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Top speed | 154 mph | 130 mph | 149 mph |
Supple ride is it’s specialty
Choosing the entry-level Cayenne will treat you with soft ride quality and impressive handling dynamics. Even the base Cayenne features adaptive suspension dampers, which are highly dynamic in nature. It also sports an adaptive steering system, which adjusts the responsiveness automatically on vehicle speed and gives you maximum feedback when you speed up.
However, if you want maximum comfort and better handling capabilities, we recommend opting for the adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering. Choosing the air suspension will make the ride even more comfortable, and you won’t feel as jittery going over speed bumps and rougher road sections. Also, you can lower the suspension when you want to take the Cayenne on more spirited drives.
The Cayenne measures 194.1 inches, meaning it is a sizeable crossover. To maneuver within city limits and tight traffic, the rear-axle steering comes in handy, as it can tilt the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels, minimizing the turning radius.
An iconic design meets futuristic touches
While the Cayenne might not be the most impressive-looking SUV on the road, it does a fantastic job of translating classic Porsche design cues into a practical and functional package. Its muscular stance and smooth curves give it a compact and purposeful look, making it feel surprisingly nimble for its size.
For the 2024 model year, Porsche refreshed the Cayenne with a sprinkle of visual upgrades. New Matrix LED headlights are reminiscent of the ones found with the Taycan EV, while larger front air intakes help cool the combustion engine under the hood. The fenders have been reshaped for a more modern look, and the hood gets a redesign, too, with more aggressive lines.
The rear gets a makeover, too, with revised 3D-effect taillights, which are now much sleeker than before, and a new license plate placement in the bumper, ditching the previous spot on the liftgate. Its standard 18-inch wheels are now a thing of the past, too - all Cayenne trims now roll on a minimum of 20-inch wheels.
More screens and luxury inside
The Cayenne’s interior gets a makeover for the 2024 model year facelift, but it’s a change that might not please everyone. The classic analog rev counter, flanked by digital displays, is replaced by a fully digital 12.65-inch gauge cluster borrowed from the Taycan. While the rev counter remains the focal point, it’s now a digital representation, not the real deal.
Did you notice the steering wheel? That’s borrowed from the 911 lineup and is power-adjustable as standard. It features the right amount of buttons and is extremely grippy. Additionally, like a traditional Porsche, the engine start/stop button is on the left, and the 918-inspired toggle gear selector is on the right side of the driver.
This shift to digital continues across the dashboard. A long, horizontal 12.65-inch touchscreen panel is housed at the center, with an optional 10.9-inch passenger display beside it for added entertainment for your co-pilot. New air vents with vertical vanes flank the screens, adding a touch of modern flair.
One thing that annoyed us is the choice of materials as standard. Everything you touch, from the dashboard top to the door panels, is covered in faux leather. For a crossover priced just shy of $80k, it’s not too much to ask by expecting standard leather. On a positive note, the standard leatherette seats do offer good support and come with heating functions for the front row by default. However, it needs to be said that the optional 18-way adaptive Sport seats are a game-changer for added comfort and bolstering.
Getting in and out of the Cayenne is a breeze thanks to its generous ground clearance - no awkward crouching or stepping down required. Visibility is decent all around, and you’ll have standard front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera to help maneuver. If you crave extra assistance, automatic parking and a surround-view monitor are available as optional upgrades.
The Cayenne packs a decent-sized cargo space for a midsize SUV, measuring 27.2 cubic feet behind the extremely spacious second row. Although it is not subpar, its rivals, such as the BMW X5 and Genesis GV80, offer even more space for your luggage: 33.9 cubic feet and 34.9 cubic feet, respectively.
FAQs
What is the engine power of the 2024 Porsche Cayenne base model? The base model features an optimized 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine delivering 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.
What are the new assistance systems in the 2024 model? New systems include Active Speed Limit Assist, enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Evasion Assist and Turn Assist, and improved Porsche InnoDrive with Active Lane Keep and Intersection Assist.
What suspension options are available? Standard steel spring suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and optional adaptive air suspension offering enhanced comfort and performance.
What is the starting price of the 2024 Porsche Cayenne? The starting price is $79,200, excluding a $1,650 delivery, processing, and handling fee.
When will the 2024 Porsche Cayenne be available in U.S. dealerships? The new models are expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships starting in the Summer of 2023.
More capability, more performance and a new look, inside and out: Porsche presents the 2024 Cayenne
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A comprehensive upgrade and a big step that affects nearly every area of the car – from styling through to performance, dynamics, comfort and technology
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Porsche Driver Experience: new control concept and digital cockpit
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New exterior design with extensive changes to almost every panel
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Optimized chassis with new two-valve suspension
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More power for all engine variants and the return of the V8 to the Cayenne S
Atlanta . Porsche has upgraded the third generation of the Cayenne with comprehensive changes to the powertrain, chassis, design, and in-car technology. This has further extended not only on- and off-road performance, but also luxurious everyday comfort.
Porsche has thoroughly refined its successful luxury SUV. The 2024 Cayenne debuts with a highly digitalized display and control interior concept, new chassis technology and innovative high-tech features. “It’s one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche,” says Michael Schätzle, Vice-President Product Line Cayenne. High-definition HD Matrix Design LED headlights illuminate the road with a clear visual signature, an air quality system filters pollutants from the cabin, and for the first time in the Cayenne, an optional display for the front passenger can be ordered to stream videos during a trip – taking inspiration from the Taycan. With its extensively upgraded design and more powerful family of engines, the Cayenne emphasizes its ambition to be the most engaging car in its segment.
Digitized and driver-focused: Porsche Driver Experience
Porsche has integrated a completely revised display and control concept into the interior of the new Cayenne. The new Porsche Driver Experience, first introduced in the Porsche Taycan, focuses on the driver and optimizes operation. Functions that the driver uses frequently are located directly on or immediately next to the steering wheel. The stalk located on the left behind the steering wheel now has additional functions for operating the driver assistance systems. The gear selector in the new Cayenne is now on the dashboard. This makes room on the new center console for storage and a large air conditioning controller in an elegant black panel design. Large, easily accessible controls combined with manually adjustable air vent controls and a haptic volume knob ensure optimum operability and a refined look. A key feature of the new Porsche Driver Experience is the right balance between digital and analog elements.
For the first time, the redesigned cockpit of the Cayenne includes a digital 12.6-inch instrument cluster with a curved and freestanding design and variable display options. An optimized head-up display is available as an option. The standard 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management (PCM) display integrates harmoniously into the new dashboard and provides access to all the relevant vehicle functions. Native apps such as Spotify® and Apple Music® are provided to optimize connectivity in the new Cayenne. A 10.9-inch display is now available for the first time for the passenger side. This enriches the front passenger’s driving experience by displaying performance data, providing separate access to the infotainment system controls and the option of streaming video content on the road. A special layer on the screen ensures that the driver cannot see this display.
Refined design, innovative technology
The new Cayenne features a new front end combined with more athletically styled fenders, a new hood and re-designed headlights emphasize the vehicle’s stance. Three-dimensionally designed taillights, with uncluttered surfaces beneath and a new rear fascia with integrated license plate holder characterize the rear end design of the new Cayenne. An expanded palette offers three new colors: Algarve Blue Metallic, Montego Blue Metallic, and Arctic Grey. The optional Lightweight Sport Package saves up to 72 lbs. of weight for the Cayenne Coupé, and a new extensive range of 20, 21, and 22-inch wheels add to the high degree of customization available for the new Cayenne.
In addition, customers can now use a comprehensive range of new and optimized assistance systems. These include the standard Active Speed Limit Assist, which takes Traffic Sign Recognition into account when using cruise control. The optional Adaptive Cruise Control has been enhanced with two new functions: Evasion Assist can help detect and support the driver in an emergency obstacle avoidance maneuver at speeds between 31 and 93 mph using targeted steering and braking inputs at speeds. The second function is Turn Assist, which helps monitor oncoming traffic when making a left hand turn at speeds up to 6 mph and brakes the vehicle to a standstill if the potential for a collision is detected. The optional Porsche InnoDrive has been improved with Active Lane Keep and Intersection Assist, which offers a higher degree of assistance in traffic jams or on highways.
Increased range between ride comfort and performance
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne E-Hybrid models come standard with a steel spring suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). New shock absorbers with two-valve technology, with separate rebound and compression stages, allows optimized performance in all driving situations. In particular, comfort at slow speeds, handling during dynamic cornering, and pitch and roll management have noticeably improved. The driving experience can be additionally enhanced using the new optional adaptive air suspension (standard on Cayenne Turbo GT) with two-chamber, two-valve technology. This improves the driving experience with compliant suspension characteristics, and stabilizes the vehicle for on-road and off-road handling – compared to both the standard suspension and the predecessor model. At the same time, the optional adaptive air suspension improves driving precision and performance, and reduces body movements in dynamic driving situations. The suspension also offers an even sharper differentiation between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes.
Return of the V8 for the Cayenne S models
The new Cayenne debuts with three different engines. An extensively refined twin-turbo four-liter V8 engine developed by Porsche replaces the previous V6 engine in the new Cayenne S. With a maximum output of 468 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, the new V8 makes 34 hp and 37 lb.-ft. more than its six-cylinder predecessor. It accelerates both the SUV and the SUV Coupé to 60 mph in up to 4.4 seconds in combination with the Sport Chrono Package. The top track speed is 169 mph. The standard Cayenne comes with an optimized three-liter V6 single-turbo engine. It now generates 348 hp and 368 lb.-ft., which is 13 hp and 36 lb.-ft. more than before.
This six-cylinder engine also forms the basis for the powertrain of the Cayenne E-Hybrid. In combination with a new electric motor that now makes 174 hp, the combined output increases to 463 hp. A new high-voltage battery features increased capacity from 17.9 kWh to 25.9 kWh. EPA range estimates will be available shortly before launch. A new 11 kW on-board AC charger now shortens the charging time at an appropriate power source to less than two and a half hours despite the increased battery capacity. Optimized e-hybrid driving modes are focused on further improving the efficiency of the vehicle.
Finally, the Turbo GT designed for maximum on-road performance with standard features such as Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), rear-axle steering, Sport Exhaust system with titanium tailpipes and 22-inch GT Design wheels fitted with ultra-high-performance tires is still the top model in the Cayenne range for the U.S. market. It is available exclusively as a Coupé and benefits from all the optimizations and innovations of the model series. In addition, the output of the twin-turbo four-liter V8 engine of the Turbo GT has been increased by 19 hp to 650 hp. The Cayenne Turbo GT accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, with a top track speed of 189 mph.
Extended standard equipment at prices from $79,200
The standard equipment of the 2024 Cayenne models has been significantly expanded to include Matrix Design LED headlights, Porsche Active Suspension Management, 20-inch wheels (22-inch wheels for Cayenne Turbo GT), Lane Change Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Comfort Access keyless entry, and a smartphone tray with inductive charging at up to 15 watts. The new Cayenne starts at $79,200 (Coupé from $84,300), the Cayenne E-Hybrid starts at $91,700 (Coupé from $95,700) and the Cayenne S starts at $95,700 (Coupé from $102,100). The Cayenne Turbo GT has an MSRP of $196,300. All pricing excludes the $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee. The 2024 models are available to order now, with U.S. dealer arrival expected starting in the Summer of 2023.
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio
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