Meet the all-new 2018 Porsche Cayenne, a model now more like a 911 than ever, says the firm, and not just because many are already griping this now one looks just like the old one. No, it's also a Cayenne that gets 911-style detail delights such as mixed wheel widths for the first time - wider at the rear, naturally - trick Porsche 4D Chassis Control suspension (and PASM for the Cayenne S, plus PDCC and rear axle steering), the choice of Sport Chrono that includes a 911-style rotary Mode switch and, above all, the proud claim that the styling is "new and yet familiar". This third-gen Cayenne taken entire sheathes out the 911 rule book.
Biggest styling change is back here
Let's not get too hung up on the styling. The images do it no favours, showing off a dimly-lit model in gloomy blue on what appear to be an unfavourable not-massive set of alloys. Longer and lower than today's model, expect the gentler body curves to reveal themselves more favourably away from the photo studio. Details such as the 3D Porsche lettering within the red rear strip, and the quad LED pinpoints within the standard LED headlights, should also add rich distinction.
Porsche's launching it in regular Cayenne and Cayenne S guise; the hot ones are to come, and the jury's out on whether a diesel will also come or not - there's no hint of one at the moment, perhaps for obvious reasons. The base Cayenne has a 3.0-litre turbo V6 that gives out 20hp more, for 340hp and 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, or 5.9 seconds if you fork out for Sport Chrono, which equips the new eight-speed Tiptronic S auto with launch control.
The Cayenne S uses the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 shared with Audi and 'not fitted, oh no' to the RS5. Here, it produces 440hp, for 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, or 4.9 seconds for those who pay to get Sport Chrono. Porsche doesn't bother with speed limiters, so this one does 164mph; the base Cayenne, which should creep in at under two tonnes thanks to a weight cut of up to 65kg, will do 152mph. No word yet on economy or CO2 figures: those who are worried about that should wait for the future Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
Bye bye buttons! Mostly...
Stylistically, Porsche doesn't say too much: look at the greater emphasis on horizontal lines at the front, it suggests, or the more streamlined look (built entirely from aluminium panels) helped by its smoother roofline. Inside, it's keen to emphasise the entry of all-new PCM infotainment and the Porsche Advanced Cockpit that places a big analogue central tacho between dual 7-inch HD displays, fully configurable to show a plethora of 911-like dials or new-age displays such as night vision thermal image cameras. The centre console owes plenty to the new Panamera, with its cool haptic switches and general smartphone-like sophistication. Expect this sort of stuff in future 911 too.
Under the surface, it's based on the VW Group MLB architecture also used by the Bentley Bentayga and Audi Q7. This means it has access to 48-volt electronics, which Porsche uses to power the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control anti-roll tech. Expect it to be as impressive here as in those other models - and although they beat the Cayenne to it, Porsche has its own tech debut, that of Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, or PSCB (yet another new acronym to get used to). These comprise cast iron discs with tungsten carbide coating, which Porsche says improves power, reduces wear, and also cuts the amount of brake dust given off. Once bedded in, they also display a particularly shiny surface face. How to spot those who have selected the option? By the white calipers - which Porsche can get away with thanks to the cut in brake dust.
Two petrols from launch - don't bank on a diesel...
Porsche also offers five driving modes, four of them (Mud, Gravel, Sand or Rocks) for off-road use, which will please the handful of people who actually take it off-road. All Cayenne come with PTM Porsche Traction Management fully-active all-wheel drive, and we also approve of the reference to the 1980s Rothmans-liveried 911 SC rally car in the launch materials.
We'll see more of it at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, and bring you more of how it looks in the metal then. Can't wait that long before making a decision? Impressively, Porsche says ordering is already open for the new Cayenne, with first cars due to land in April 2018. Prices? From £55,965 for the Cayenne, £68,330 for the Cayenne S.
