No surprises here, as Stuggart has continued to make the Porsche Cayenne even better.

The Porsche Cayenne has historical significance for the German marque. Back in 2002, this was the vehicle that breathed new life into the company and ushered in a new world of SUVs.

Fast forward to today, and this is the third generation’s refresh. The Cayenne was a pioneer, a lone wolf in its early days.

Now, it finds itself in a crowd, rubbing shoulders with SUVs of all shapes and sizes. Still, that doesn’t seem to faze its attitude on being an industry trendsetter.

Improve the things that count

There are a few variants of the new facelifted Porsche Cayenne, but this is the “base” non-hybrid V6.

You don’t get the grunt and thump of a V8, or the extra boost from electrical assistance, but this 3-litre 6-pot is still fine in a relaxed, unsporting kind of way, and that’s what a lot of people secretly want from a cushy SUV.

Still, you do get 349bhp and 500Nm of torque on tap, plenty for the opportune overtake and acceleration off the line. Speaking of, the century sprint is done and dusted in just 5.7 seconds, and the Cayenne can push all the way to 248km/h if you like.

The V6 will play ball with you until about 5,000rpm, when it starts to get breathless. Otherwise, power comes on smooth like butter, and the 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox rows through gears with urgency.

For those who crave spirited driving but had to settle on an SUV to please their spouse and kids, you’ll appreciate the way the Cayenne rounds a corner.

The handling of the Cayenne continues to be a marvel. It feels like defying physics, gracefully tackling corners and challenging roads with an assurance that’s rare.

The facelift seems to have slightly lighter steering than its predecessor; a subtle update, but one that makes the car more composed in town. The real magic lies in the steel suspension with adaptive dampers. They absorb bumps and imperfections with finesse, leaving you in a serene bubble of comfort.

If you are intending to buy a Cayenne, fuel economy would probably not be one of your top considerations.

Thankfully it probably isn’t, because Porsche’s claimed figure of 8.3km/litre is pretty much the highest you’ll ever see. You could achieve that on the expressway, but give it any sense of oomph and it quickly drops. My average hovered around the 6.7km/litre mark, through a mix of light traffic and the occasional burst of acceleration.

But wait, this looks like the old one?

On first glance, the new Cayenne might deceive you into thinking it’s the previous model. But lean in closer, and the nuances start to shine.

The new Matrix LED headlights are a standout feature, elevating the vehicle’s face with a modern, sophisticated glow that’s becoming a signature across Porsche’s range.

The designers didn’t stop at the headlights. The front bumper has been sculpted anew, the bonnet refined, and the wings given a bit more muscle.

The tailgate, with its sleeker design thanks to the relocated license plate, speaks to a design ethos of less clutter and more style.

It’s these little changes that collectively elevate the Cayenne's exterior to a new level of elegance. And between you and me, I still prefer the SUV variant more (this is the coupe).

Can you spot the differences now?

Big changes are immediately visible as soon as you hop in. The physical rev counter has been replaced by a dazzling 12.6-inch digital display, reminiscent of the futuristic Taycan.

Cycling through its seven display options, you’ll appreciate the homage to Porsche's heritage with the classic round dials.

The start-stop button has replaced the iconic twisty key starter; a nod to modernity, but sacrilegious to the fellow enthusiast. The gear selector, now emerging horizontally from the dashboard, is another influence from the Taycan, signalling a subtle shift in design philosophy.

The 12.3-inch central touchscreen is one of the best in the market now – responsive, clear, and visually impressive, despite being a bit intricate to use at times. The optional 10.9-inch passenger screen is an interesting addition, though its utility might be subjective.

The interior design isn't just about screens and tech; you still get an ambience that blends modernity with classic Porsche elegance. The new vents, fresh trim materials, and a coppery tone add a level of sophistication that borders on the opulent.

By raising the gear lever, the designers have cleverly created more space in the centre console, including a chilled (much appreciated!) wireless charging bay for added convenience. The retention of physical switches for climate control is a thoughtful touch, maintaining a tactile connection in an increasingly touch-screen-dominated world.

However, the glossy centre panel, while stylish, is prone to attracting dust and fingerprints. It's a small trade-off in an otherwise impeccably crafted interior.

Rear seat room is generous, ensuring comfort for all passengers, and the headroom is particularly noteworthy, even in this tapered Coupe variant.

Cargo space is decent even for the Coupe, standing at 554 litres. For those who want more utility, the SUV body style beckons with 770 litres to spare.

The OG SUV

The OG SUV

The Cayenne has always been a standout in the Porsche lineup, and the latest iteration takes it a notch higher. In a market increasingly crowded with flashy SUVs, the Cayenne retains a sense of restraint and elegance.

While the 911 may be the icon of the Porsche brand, it's the Cayenne that underpins the company's success.

Technical Specifications

2024 Porsche Cayenne (Coupe)

Engine: 2,995cc V6 Turbocharged, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 349 bhp
Torque: 500 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A) Tiptronic S
0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 248 km/h
Fuel Economy: 8.3 km/L (claimed)
Price: POA (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Porsche Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)