Porsche raised the public’s collective eyebrow when it decided to enter the sport-utility vehicle business in 2003 with the Cayenne. However, despite the grumblings of purists, this midsize luxury SUV has proven itself worthy of the vaunted Porsche name over the course of two generations. Sales have exceeded all expectations: Over 276,000 first generation vehicles were produced (2002 to 2010), and around 303,000 units of the second generation, which was introduced in 2010, have already been produced so far.
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| 2015 Porsche Cayenne |
For 2015, Porsche has introduced a more revamped and striking range of the Cayenne. The 2015 model features a sharper design, enhanced efficiency and a generous list of standard features. The new generation of the Cayenne will launch on the market in five versions: Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Diesel, and Cayenne S Diesel and – for the first time – the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment.
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| Revamped front with standard bi-xenon |
Looks
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne now features new bi-xenon headlights, which are standard in the base and S models, with “hovering” four-point LED daytime running lights. Top of the range models come fitted with standard LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). At the rear is a new lights layout. The rear lights have a three-dimensional effect and feature LEDs as standard. The license plate recess, boot handle and lights are now integrated more elegantly into the boot lid. Designers also re-designed the car’s horizontal lines, giving the SUV an even fuller stance on the road. The newly designed exhaust tailpipes are now integrated in the lower rear section. An automatically activating boot lid is a standard feature.
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| Driver focused interior |
Performance
The entry level petrol powered 2015 Cayenne, the S, features a new 3.6-litre biturbo power unit. The V6 churns out 309 kW (420 hp) and 550 Nm of torque. The Porsche Cayenne accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. This is 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing Cayenne S. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres while top speed is 259 km/h. The more powerful petrol powered 2015 Porsche Cayenne Turbo features a 382 kW (520 hp) 4.8-litre unit. The eight cylinder biturbo unit ensures the wheels are kept spinning by 750 Nm of torque. The impeccable performance allows the Porsche Cayenne Turbo to hit 100 km/h from 0 in 4.5 seconds. The engine will continue to accelerate the 2015 Cayenne Turbo to its top speed of 279 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.2 litres per 100 km.
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| Profile generally remains untouched |
The diesel list consists of the 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne S Diesel. The Cayenne Diesel features a 3.0-litre V6 with an output of 193 kW (262 hp) and 580 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is a pocket friendly 6.6 litres per 100 km. 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.3 seconds while the top speed is recorded at 221 km/h. The more performance themed 2015 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel comes equipped with a 4.2-litre V8 engine with an output of 283 kW (385 hp) and 850 Nm of torque. From standstill the 2015 Porsche Cayenne will get to a 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. This particular Cayenne can hit 252 km/h while returning a fuel consumption rating of 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
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| 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid |
The more eco-conscience 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid features a 3.0 litre supercharged V6 paired with an electric motor. The motor is feed with power from a 10.8 kWh lithium-ion traction battery. The battery allows the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid to be driven for a distance of 36 km on pure electric-mode. The supercharged V6 (333 hp / 245 kW) and the electric motor (95 hp / 70 kW) produce a combined system power of 416 hp (306 kW) and a total system torque of 590 Nm. The electric motor provides the kick to accelerate the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds. The top speed in all electric-mode is 125 km/h and 243 km/h with power from both the engine and the electric motor. Fuel consumption is an incredible 3.4-litre per 100 km.
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| The 918 Spyder inspired steering wheel |
Interior
In the interior, designers devoted much of their effort to the driver’s space – the driver now gets a new multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles as standard; its look and functions are based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder. A particular eye-catcher is the centre console rising up to the front with its protruding switches and buttons giving the interior the character of a genuine cockpit. The front passengers are integrated even more into the car, enjoying an even more sporting feeling on their seats. They also made the rear seating system even more comfortable, and seat ventilation can now be ordered as an option for the rear seats. The rear seat backrests fold down separately in a 40: 20: 40 split. The luggage compartment in the 2015 Porsche Cayenne is fully suited also for long trips with the driver and four passengers. The rear seats folding down either completely in split sections increase luggage compartment capacity when required.
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| Revamped rear |
Verdict
With a line-up that stretches from a hybrid V6 to a twin-turbo V8, the Porsche Cayenne isn’t your typical midsize SUV. Nor is it the most practical or family-friendly. Indeed, the Porsche Cayenne’s high load floor and lack of a third-row seat option limit are a testament to that fact. But in terms of spirited driving, there are few better. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, razor-sharp steering, and superb brakes, the Porsche Cayenne demonstrates surprising dexterity around corners. The 2015 Porsche Cayenne continues the SUV’s sporty philosophy while delivering more efficiency and more refinement both inside and out.