Despite an enlarged body, it achieved a 65kg weight reduction

Porsche is synonymous with the "911." Breaking away from this image, the luxury SUV "Cayenne" debuted in 2002. While some were hesitant about why a sports car specialist like Porsche would build an SUV, it quickly became a popular model, with a combined total of over 760,000 units sold worldwide across the first generation and the second generation that arrived in 2010.

During that time, Porsche also successfully expanded its lineup into broader categories with the introduction of the four-door "Panamera" and the compact SUV "Macan." Then, at the end of 2017, the current third-generation Cayenne underwent a full model change for the first time in seven years.



The lineup includes three models: the "Cayenne" with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo producing 340ps, the "Cayenne S" with a 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo producing 440ps, and the "Cayenne Turbo" with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo producing 550ps. The model we test drove was the Cayenne S, the main grade.

The body dimensions are 4,918mm in length, 1,983mm in width, and 1,696mm in height, making it 63mm longer, 25mm wider, and 9mm lower than the previous model. While the body was enlarged without changing the 2,895mm wheelbase, the use of lightweight aluminum for all exterior panels resulted in a 65kg weight reduction, bringing the total weight to 2,020kg.




The exterior, painted in a deep blue called Biscay Blue Metallic, showcases Porsche's latest design language with wider air intakes and a design that linearly connects the left and right taillights with thin LEDs. However, the basic concept remains largely unchanged.

The interior, on the other hand, has been updated with the Porsche Advanced Cockpit, centered around a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The dashboard, which previously featured a row of analog switches, has been replaced.

Page02.20ps increase in maximum output despite downsizing

Maximum output increased by 20ps despite downsizing

Settling into the plush truffle brown club leather seats and starting the engine with a twist of the starter, not a button, the large tachometer appears in the center of the instrument panel, asserting its identity as a Porsche sports model. Flanking it are two 7-inch screens displaying navigation information, night vision, and more.

The 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo engine mounted in the front is a significant downsizing from the previous model's 3.6-liter. However, it produces a maximum output of 440ps (324kW) at 5,700-6,700rpm, a 20ps increase, and maintains the same maximum torque of 550Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm.




Power is sent to all four wheels via a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The performance figures of a top speed of 265km/h and 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds (a 6km/h increase and 0.3-second decrease from the previous model) impressively dispelled my initial apprehension, as I looked at the catalog, wondering how this 2.9-liter engine could move such a large body. When I pressed the accelerator, the car accelerated to the speed limit in no time, accompanied by the pleasant V6 exhaust note from around 4,000rpm.

Even without driving it so spiritedly, the excellent engineering and the dense, meticulous German craftsmanship are constantly communicated through the steering wheel, the pedals underfoot, and the seat supporting my back and hips, which is a welcome sensation.



Furthermore, the optional rear-axle steering system enhances maneuverability, reducing the turning radius from the standard 5.7 meters to 5.4 meters, which is a significant improvement for daily usability. This likely explains why you often see female drivers with children in the back seat navigating the narrow streets of Tokyo's upscale residential areas with confidence in a Cayenne.

The price is 12,880,000 yen. The test car, equipped with optional features including body color, seats, and steering system, totaled 19,861,000 yen.

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