The 2024 Porsche Cayenne

When it comes to luxury SUVs that offer a thrilling driving experience, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne stands out as a true contender. With a starting price of $80,850, it combines the elegance and practicality of an SUV with the heart and soul of a sports car. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into the features, performance, and innovations that make the 2024 Cayenne a remarkable vehicle in the competitive mid-size luxury SUV segment.

Overview

Porsche, renowned for its sports car heritage, seamlessly translates its performance DNA into the Cayenne, making it a standout in the mid-size SUV category. Despite its size, the Cayenne manages to feel agile and nimble, thanks to its expertly tuned chassis. It offers an exhilarating driving experience with a range of powerful engine options, including a plug-in hybrid and a twin-turbo V-8. But the Cayenne isn’t just about performance; it also delivers on luxury, boasting a refined ride, a quiet cabin, and an array of cutting-edge tech and convenience features. Let’s dive deeper into what makes the 2024 Cayenne a top choice for SUV enthusiasts.

What’s New for 2024?

For the 2024 model year, the Cayenne receives a subtle yet stylish exterior refresh. While the changes may require a discerning eye to spot, the interior gets a significant overhaul. Porsche introduces a new dashboard design with more digital elements, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The steering wheel, borrowed from the iconic 911 sports car, adds a touch of elegance, and a toggle-type shift lever mounted on the dashboard enhances the cabin’s modernity.

In terms of performance, Porsche raises the bar across the lineup. The base model sees a bump in power with an additional 13 horsepower, while the Cayenne E-Hybrid gains 9 extra horses. The Cayenne S, however, steals the show with its switch to a potent 468-horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine. These updates not only enhance the Cayenne’s performance but also ensure that it remains competitive in its class.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2024 Cayenne lineup offers three primary trim levels, each catering to different preferences and needs:

• Cayenne: Starting at $80,850
• Cayenne E-Hybrid: Starting at $93,350
• Cayenne S: Starting at $97,350

For the budget-conscious buyer, the base Cayenne offers an enticing starting point. It comes well-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, among other features. To make it even more appealing, consider adding the Premium package, which includes ambient interior lighting, adaptive cruise control, a potent Bose surround-sound system, heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

For those who crave a sportier driving experience, the Sport Chrono package, with expanded drive modes and launch control, is a must-have. If you’re planning to venture off-road, the Off-Road package provides extra underbody protection and additional displays, while the adaptive air suspension enhances both on-road performance and off-road capabilities.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

One of the Cayenne’s standout features is its versatility in engine options. Buyers can choose from:

• A turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 generating 348 horsepower.
• The Cayenne E-Hybrid, which combines an electric motor and a turbocharged V-6 for a total of 463 horsepower.
• The Cayenne S, featuring a formidable 468-horsepower twin-turbo V-8.

All Cayenne models come equipped with an astute eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Porsche’s engineering prowess shines through as they’ve managed to make a vehicle weighing over two tons move gracefully. The Cayenne delivers an athletic and refined driving experience, further enhanced by standard adaptive dampers and a range of performance options, including an adjustable air suspension, four-wheel steering, and active anti-roll bars.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

While the official EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2024 Cayenne are yet to be released, the base model is expected to maintain similar figures to the 2023 model, which was rated at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with the turbocharged V-6 engine. The Cayenne’s focus on performance may not make it the most fuel-efficient option in its class, but its power and handling prowess make up for it.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

For those interested in the Cayenne E-Hybrid, Porsche has improved the electric range by upgrading the battery pack. The 2024 model boasts an estimated usable capacity of 20.6 kilowatt-hours, up from 14.3 in the previous version. This translates to an extended electric driving range, expected to be around 25 miles, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious drivers. Additionally, Porsche has enhanced the E-Hybrid’s onboard charger, allowing for faster charging times.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside the 2024 Cayenne, you’ll find a refreshed interior design that draws inspiration from the Taycan EV sedan. The new dashboard features a plethora of screens, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The steering wheel borrowed from the 911 adds a sporty touch, while a toggle shifter mounted on the dashboard creates a sleek and uncluttered center console.

Porsche’s commitment to personalization shines as the Cayenne offers a wide range of options for customizing the interior, from seatbelt colors to surface materials. While many of these options come at an additional cost, they allow buyers to create a truly bespoke driving experience. The Cayenne may have two rows of seats compared to some rivals with three, but it compensates with an adjustable and spacious back seat that offers ample room for passengers and cargo. Cargo volume is generous, surpassing that of Porsche’s iconic 911 sports car.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Cayenne boasts a cutting-edge infotainment system that spans the dashboard. At the center is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, a secondary 10.9-inch display for the front passenger provides entertainment options while maintaining safety by remaining invisible from the driver’s perspective. Behind the steering wheel, a 12.6-inch screen displays vital driving information and vehicle data. The Cayenne’s infotainment setup is not only comprehensive but also intuitive, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for Porsche, and the Cayenne reflects this commitment. It offers a plethora of driver-assistance technologies to enhance safety on the road. Key safety features include:

• Forward-collision warning
• Parking sensors at both ends
• Night vision with an optional infrared camera
• Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

The Cayenne’s comprehensive safety suite aims to provide peace of mind for both the driver and passengers, making it a trustworthy choice for families and individuals alike.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche backs the Cayenne with competitive warranty coverage, which includes:

• Limited warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance: Covered for the first year or 10,000 miles

It’s worth noting that while Porsche’s warranty is competitive, some competitors like BMW and Volvo offer longer coverage for complimentary scheduled maintenance, which may be a consideration for buyers seeking additional value.

Specifications

For those who crave the utmost in performance, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne S stands out as a compelling choice. It features:

• Price: $97,350
• Engine: Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 4.0-liter V-8, producing 468 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Dimensions:
  • Wheelbase: 114.0 inches
  • Length: 194.1 inches
  • Width: 78.1 inches
  • Height: 66.8 inches
• Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/51 cubic feet
• Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 27/60 cubic feet
• Curb Weight (C/D est): 5100 pounds

Performance (C/D EST)

• 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
• 100 mph: 8.5 seconds
• 1/4-Mile: 12.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 169 mph

EPA Fuel Economy (C/D EST)

• Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/21 mpg

In conclusion, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne epitomizes the fusion of luxury and performance in the mid-size luxury SUV segment. With its refined interior, array of tech features, and a variety of potent engine choices, it caters to a wide range of preferences. While it may not outperform Porsche’s iconic 911 Turbo, the Cayenne delivers a driving experience that’s hard to match in the SUV world. Whether you prioritize power, style, or cutting-edge technology, the 2024 Cayenne is a vehicle that deserves serious consideration. Visit your nearest Porsche dealership to experience the thrill of the Cayenne firsthand and discover why it has evolved from a brand enthusiast’s nightmare to a respected performance SUV over the years.