Unleashing Power and Luxury: The 2024 Porsche Cayenne

by Marouf Hussain Chowdhury. October 27, 2023.

In the world of high-performance luxury SUVs, the Porsche Cayenne has always been a force to be reckoned with. As the year 2024 rolls around, Porsche enthusiasts and automotive aficionados are in for a treat as the new Porsche Cayenne comes roaring onto the scene with an array of exciting updates and improvements. From new powerful engines to a refined Porsche Driver Experience, this vehicle embodies the perfect fusion of performance, elegance, and technology.

Exterior design

Looking at the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe we got our hands on, we immediately noticed the new front end, translating some of the new design cues from the new Macan. The new bumper design, new LED Matrix headlights and updated bonnet design enhance the new model’s looks. The taillights also get updated, along with a new bumper with an integrated number plate holder. New default colours have also been added. Our Cayenne S Coupe had one of them – Cashmere Beige Metallic.

New Powerful Engines

One of the most significant updates to the 2024 Porsche Cayenne lies under the hood. The range of engines available for the Cayenne has been revamped to deliver even more power and responsiveness. With options that cater to both speed enthusiasts and those who appreciate efficient performance, the Cayenne is now available with a lineup of advanced powertrains.

V8 Power Returns to the Cayenne S

For those who crave more power, the Cayenne S, in particular, has received a thrilling update. Instead of the V6 engine that used to power the Cayenne S, it now boasts a formidable V8 engine. This enhancement propels the Cayenne S into a new realm of performance, delivering a symphony of power and precision to satisfy the most discerning driving enthusiasts.

Porsche immediately reminded us of this new change when we did a cold start of the Cayenne S we got our hands on. The engine roars into life, with the V8 burbling away for half a minute before settling down to a gentle hum.

Performance

The turbocharged motor produces about 468 hp and 600 Nm of torque, which is 34 hp and 50 Nm more than its six-cylinder predecessor. Porsche claims the new Cayenne S accelerates the SUV and the SUV Coupé to 100 kph in up to 4.7 seconds in combination with the Sport Chrono Package. The top track speed is 273 kph.

The standard Cayenne comes with an optimized 3.0-litre V6 single-turbo engine. It now generates 348 hp and 500 Nm, which is 13 hp and 49 Nm more than before.

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 centre console for storage and a large air conditioning controller in an elegant black panel design.

Large, easily accessible controls combined with, thankfully, manually adjustable air vent controls and a haptic volume knob ensure optimum operability.

New digital display

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 optimised 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.

A 10.9-inch display is now available for the first time for the passenger side. This certainly makes the front passenger’s driving experience more interesting 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, highly reducing the chances of getting distracted.

Porsche Active Suspension Management

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne E-Hybrid models come standard with a steel spring suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). With new shock absorbers with two-valve technology, with separate rebound and compression stages, Porsche claims there is an improvement in handling and comfort.

The driving experience can be additionally enhanced using the new optional adaptive air suspension with two-chamber, two-valve technology. This improves the driving experience with compliant suspension characteristics and stabilises 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. Porsche claims the suspension also offers a sharper differentiation between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes.

The Cayenne S Coupe we drove had air suspension, which was really impressive in action. While cruising along highways, the Normal mode is very good, nicely soaking in small bumps and imperfections on the road. Switching to the Sport and Sport Plus modes is another story, as it stiffens up the suspension, making the Cayenne stay flat around corners. You could forgive us for sometimes thinking we were in a hot hatch instead of an SUV, a testament to Porsche’s suspension tuning expertise.

New HD Matrix LED Headlights

The 2024 Cayenne boasts a fresh set of eyes in the aesthetics department. New HD Matrix LED headlights provide exceptional visibility and contribute to the Cayenne’s bold, modern appearance.

With two high-definition modules and more than 32,000 pixels per headlamp, these headlights illuminate the road ahead with precision and adapt to traffic conditions, dimming individual LEDs to prevent blinding oncoming drivers while maintaining maximum brightness in other areas.

The brightness of the modules can be regulated in more than 1,000 steps depending on the driving situation. Customised light modes increase safety and comfort in different driving situations.

While dropping a friend in one of the communities in Dubai where there were not many streetlamps, we experienced the Matrix LED headlights in action, automatically illuminating the road in front and dipping down when faced with oncoming traffic. Also, the cornering lights switched on in the dark, broadening the surrounding light even further.

Porsche Cayenne Verdict

In conclusion, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to excellence in every aspect. From its new powerful engines and refined Porsche Driver Experience to the enhanced Porsche Active Suspension Management and HD Matrix LED headlights, this SUV blends power, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. And with the V8 engine now gracing the Cayenne S, it’s clear that Porsche has raised the bar again, making the 2024 Porsche Cayenne still one of the best offerings in the luxury midsize SUV segment.