Porsche’s pair of SUVs outsell their cars by 3 to 1 so give them props for being the first dedicated sports car company to seriously pursue truck sales. Now, even Ferrari is about to get in the game.
Through the years I think I’ve driven every Cayenne variant available; hybrid,plug-in, diesel, Turbo S, you name it. And I’ve always come away with a healthy appreciation of its on-road performance and admired its air of exclusivity. With MSRPs nearing and sometimes crossing well into the 6 figure realm the Cayenne, like all Porsche vehicles, is reserved for a select few.
This all-new model introduces a host of changes and tweaks both inside and out but in typical Porsche fashion, progress is achieved less conspicuously. At first glance this Cayenne looks very familiar and Porsche likes it that way. Yes, it’s longer, features staggered-width tires for the first time and sports a lightweight aluminum body but in no way does not advertise “new.” Only those who closely follow the autos scene will know that you’ve got the new Cayenne. In a hot segment awash with head turners, this midnight blue Cayenne S blends right in with the crowd.
Following the Panamera’s playbook, the 3.6 V6 has been replaced by the 2.9-liter twin-turbo with a hot V configuration. So the Cayenne S continues to see its engine shrink with each successive redesign though counterbalanced with greater ouput. This one generates 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque – similar specs to before - resulting in a quick yet very business-like 0-to-60mph time of 4.6 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package. Despite the aluminum diet which has shaved off 143 pounds, this Cayenne S returns the same 20mpg in combined driving as the previous model but with a much reduced driving range of 474 miles due to a smaller gas tank. Premium, of course.
Eight speeds remain for the gearbox but first gear is a little shorter than before for greater acceleration and the stop/start system operates under a wider range of circumstances benefitting from the new 48-volt electrical system with a lithium-ion battery located under the floor in front of the passenger’s seat. This Cayenne also boasts a handful of optional features to enhance sportiness, comfort and capability: an adaptive air suspension, rear axle steering, 20” wheels with summer use tires and the Sport Chrono Package with a driving mode switch on the steering wheel unlocking SPORT PLUS, launch control and a SPORT response button for 20 seconds of instantaneous rambunctiousness.
(Driving standup)
Because this SUV handles like a sports car you’d better pony up the extra $1,700 for the Adaptive Sport Seats with their elevated side bolsters otherwise the g forces have their way with you. You can also jack up the body up to over 9” for some dialed-in off-roading. If this is something you plan on doing often, the $2,200 Off-Road Package provides increased underbody protection and an additional towing eye. Again, the suspension feels a little stiff out here where softer would be better. The surround view monitor though is very helpful no matter where you are.
(Front seat standup)
The Cayenne S defies logic when it comes to its sharp handling backed by a multitude of electronic wizardry but others are doing this now too with greater visual appeal, faster and more powerful engines and stocked with far more comfort and convenience at the same or lower price, i.e. the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63.
(Cargo area standup)
Cargo room has increased slightly by about 3 ½ cubic feet while rear seat room feels large with seats that both slide and recline. The new touchscreen infotainment system is also very good and is easy to control. But I’d get rid of the hokey fake ignition key on the left side, I can’t stand this pestilent shifter, don’t love the placement of the volume roller, and the gauges are wider than the steering wheel so the driver can’t see the outer edges.
Base price of this mid-level Cayenne S is about $85,000 and this one – far from fully loaded – checks in at $103,000…too rich for my blood. At that price I need an exceptional performer – which the Cayenne S is – AND SUV luxuriousness which isn’t standard.

Fifteen years ago, the mere thought of famed German sports car maker Porsche producing an SUV was met with widespread incredulity. Almost immediately, it became the brand’s best-seller and now as we await the arrival of the all-new 3rd generation Cayenne it would seem absurd to not have it be part of the Porsche lineup. With the goal of combining typical Porsche performance with excellent everyday practicality, this 2019 model features an all-turbocharged lineup, new 8-speed automatic gearbox, new chassis systems and innovative displays and connectivity. Whether you opt for the 340 horsepower 3.0-liter V6, the all-new 2.9-liter 440 horsepower biturbo V6 or 550 horsepower 4.0-liter V8, the Cayenne is fitted to move and move quickly…in as little as 4.1 seconds to 60mph. Staggered width tires and rear axle steering debut with this Cayenne with the aim of improving stability and driving dynamics. The 3-in-1 concept of sports car, off-roader and touring car is realized through the use of standard all-wheel drive, new software that synchronizes all chassis systems in real time, an adaptive air suspension and electronic roll stabilization. Porsche says this Cayenne takes sport and comfort to the next level all the while being perfectly suited to off-road use. Dimensionally, this Cayenne is almost 2.5” longer with a lowered roofline and an identical wheelbase. Likewise, cargo room has increased slightly by about 3 ½ cubic feet. Feeding the plethora of electronics is a new 48-volt electrical system meaning shorter response times. Reduced weight, lower fuel consumption and a new Sport Chrono package with Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes round out the mechanical highlights. Inside, the Porsche Advanced Cockpit features a 12.3” HD touchscreen, Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera and an optional Burmester sound system. Pricing starts at just under $70,000 and while the Turbo begins at about $125,000. Look for it this summer.

The 3rd generation Cayenne welcomes a new and improved plug-in hybrid model. The 2019 e-Hybrid continues Porsche’s performance-oriented hybrid powertrain strategy, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque between the turbocharged V6 engine and electric motor. Its 0-to-60mph time of 4.7 seconds makes it faster than all but the mighty Turbo in the 4 model Cayenne lineup. Though official range figures have yet to be released, Porsche says this Cayenne can travel about 27 miles in electric mode – almost double that of the previous generation. Because performance is the primary focus behind implementing a hybrid powertrain in the Cayenne, the Sport Chrono Package is standard including a Sport Plus drive mode and a Sport Response Button temporarily adjusts all variable aspects of the vehicle to their most performance-focused setting for 20 seconds. An E-Launch function also allows for maximum electric-only acceleration up to 83 mph. Like its non-hybrid siblings, the Cayenne E-Hybrid now features staggered wheel and tire sizes for sportier driving characteristics, standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive and 4D Chassis Control. All Cayenne E-Hybrid models come with a standard onboard 3.6 kW charger, though a 7.2 kW charger is optionally available to reduce charging times. According to Porsche, the plug-in charging system includes a new connection that is even easier to use.