Here's What You Can Expect in the Latest Version of Porsche's Million-Selling SUV

The Porsche brand has been in the Philippines for 27 years, and the occasion of its anniversary, its distributor unveiled the third generation of the German marque’s bestselling SUV model, the Cayenne. 

First introduced in 2002, the Cayenne sold 276,652 units throughout the first generation’s eight-year run. By 2020, Porsche rolled out its one millionth unit, which only demonstrates the popularity of the model not just to hardcore Porsche fans. In the first six months of 2023, Porsche reports that it has sold nearly 47,000 Cayennes.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT

Photo by Porsche Philippines.

The third generation Cayenne comes with comprehensive changes to the model’s powertrain, chassis, design, and equipment. In fact, Porsche says this latest model of the Cayenne was given the most extensive product upgrade in Porsche’s history, with changes that benefit the model’s on-road and off-road performance, as well as its comfort and luxury features. 

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What’s new in the Cayenne 

There are five models of the new Cayenne: the Cayenne, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S that come in SUV and Coupe body styles, Cayenne S Hybrid, and the Cayenne Turbo GT.

The most significant change in the new Cayenne is the return of Porsche’s V8 engine. The Cayenne S uses a twin-turbo 4.0 V8 gasoline engine producing 474 hp and a massive 600 Nm of torque, while the new Cayenne Turbo GT, which also comes as a Coupe body, its twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine is rated at 659 hp and 850 Nm of torque, while the one with a V6 gasoline engine churns out an impressive 353 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

William Angsiy, Porsche Philippines managing director with and Roberto Coyiuto III, president and CEO of Porsche Philippines

Photo by Porsche Philippines.

Other new features include the Porsche Driver Experience, first seen in the Porsche Taycan, which ergonomically positions frequently used controls on or beside the steering wheel. The gear selector is also now on the dashboard.

The inside now also features a highly digitized display and control concept, a redesigned cockpit with a curved, 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management display, and an optional 10.9-inch screen passenger display giving the front passenger personal access to the infotainment and climate controls.

On the outside, the new Cayenne features redesigned front and rear ends, a new hood, grille, bumpers and rear apron. The Cayenne and Cayenne S are now equipped with LED matrix headlights while the Cayenne Turbo GT has HD matrix headlights, while its rear has a new 3D strip taillight.

Earlier generations of the Cayenne on display at the launch

Photo by Porsche Philippines.

Underneath, the new Cayenne uses a two-chamber air suspension which is combined with other revised control systems. This offers a sharper performance on and off-road. Porsche added that it offers more differentiation between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes. The thicker tire profile gives it a more comfortable and more refined ride quality. 

At the launch, PGA Cars founder Robert Coyiuto, Jr. who established Porsche Philippines in 1996, said he considers the brand the jewel in its portfolio of luxury automotive brands, which also includes Lamborghini, Bentley, and Audi. Also present at the launch were Roberto Coyiuto III, president and CEO of Porsche Philippines, with William Angsiy, managing director. Porsche Philippines also announced that it is constructing a new state-of-the-art building facility on a site beside the original Porsche showroom along EDSA, Greenhills in San Juan.