Ahead of the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Porsche has showed the all-new, third-generation Cayenne. A highly successful model globally for the Stuttgart-based sportscar maker, this SUV is now made lighter, faster, and more efficient.

Moving to an all-new platform (Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform) allows the 2018 Cayenne to shed a sizeable amount of weight: down to 1,985 kilograms despite the significantly extended standard equipment. In terms of overall size, length is up 63 millimeters while the overall height is down by 63 millimeters. Wheelbase remains the same at 2,895 millimeters. Apart from the platform, the exterior is now made entirely of aluminum while the floor pan assembly, front section, and virtually all of the chassis are made from aluminum alloy. Even the starter battery has been changed to a lithium-ion polymer, saving some 10 kilograms in the process.


As an SUV with the DNA of a sports car, the Cayenne not only gets mixed tires (sizes start at 19 inches), but rear axle steering for the first time. All-wheel drive is standard supplemented by various driving aids such as the Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air suspension, and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilization system.

There will be two variants available at launch. The base Cayenne is powered by a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine. Displacing three liters, it delivers 340 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. This allows this SUV to achieve outstanding driving performance: 100 km/h comes in 6.2 seconds (5.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) while maximum speed is 245 km/h. Moving up, the Cayenne S is driven by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6. Newly developed, it delivers 440 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque—enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.2 seconds (4.9 with the Sport Chrono) and a maximum speed of 265 km/h.


Paired with these engines is an 8-speed automatic. Not only does the expanded ratios offer improved performance, but improved fuel efficiency as well. The Cayenne also offers switchable driving modes that are tailor-made for conditions such as mud, gravel, sand or rocks.

Despite the new construction, the Cayenne’s design remains more evolutionary. However, Porsche has made it appear wider via the larger front air intakes and horizontal light edges. LED now comes standard on all models. At the back, the taillights span from end-to-end lit by a narrow strip of LEDs highlighted by the Porsche logo in the middle.


Inside, the Cayenne receives the Porsche Advanced Cockpit. At the heart of the new display and control concept is the 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen from the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM), launched with the new Panamera. A range of digital functions can be operated intuitively, including by voice control. The analogue controls on the new center console are focused on the main functions of the vehicle. Other buttons are harmoniously integrated into the smartphone-like, glass-look touch surface, giving acoustic and haptic feedback when operated. Though an analog tachometer remains, this is flanked by two 7-inch full-HD displays, which display all other relevant driving data plus additional information selected using the multi-function steering wheel.

PGA Cars, the exclusive distributor of Porsche in the Philippines has confirmed that the all-new 2018 Cayenne will be arriving in the country by the second half of next year.