The design language of the new Cayenne is clear and convincing: sportier, more dynamic and even more Porsche. The predecessor, the Cayenne second generation, is already instantly recognisable as a member of the Porsche family. The company’s Design DNA was incorporated in its planning. However, when developing the next generation our aim was to bring the new model even more in line with the product range, making it more Porsche.
The new Porsche Cayenne presents itself immediately as more athletic and dynamic. The vehicle appears to be less angular and with more emotional lines that emphasize the family relationship with our sports cars and the new Panamera models.
The length of the previous Cayenne model is 4.795 metres. The objectives set in designing the new generation were both diverse and challenging. One of the targets was to increase interior space and enhance the level of flexibility.
The new model offers an extended wheelbase of 40mm which has made an overall length increase of 48 mm possible. Whilst the new Cayenne has gained an additional 6mm in height, you get the impression that it is actually lower and therefore closer to the road. Interior space was further enhanced by an increased width of 11mm. Despite this growth the Cayenne through intelligent design actually looks smaller … hence the earlier speculation of a baby Cayenne.
Visually the previous Cayenne model was instantly recognisable as a Porsche with its high bonnet line. The hood was not as defined and you will notice that the Porsche badge is not positioned on the actual bonnet lid.
The new model offers a greater definition. All lines appear to converge at one point, emphasizing the vehicle’s striking contours. Note that the Porsche badge now sits on the bonnet, similar to all other models in our range. The power dome is very distinctive and gives a sleek definition to the hood.
The bonnet line for the second generation Cayenne runs in an angular shape creating a clear design.
As for the new Cayenne, the front has changed dramatically. The more pronounced arrow shape results in a very dynamic impression and can be found in our other entire Porsche model. The overall visual impression is that of an elongated bonnet.
High edged wings that sit above the bonnet line form a significant part of the Porsche DNA. When redesigning the new Cayenne this detail was given significant importance.
The wings now are by far more curved, so typical for Porsche. They clearly rise up above the compartment lid and flow elegantly creating a confident frontal impression.
Almost arrow like, with all lines heading to one focal point.
Looking at the air intakes at the previous Cayenne model, functionality was the main driver for design.
The new front is characterised by a large centre air scoop accentuated by two smaller air intakes at each side. Looking at it, you get a sportier impression with less aggressiveness. Through this design feature the model confirms its superior power and performance.
Whilst we were able to incorporate the Porsche Design DNA into the previous generation Cayenne, through intelligent design we have been able to further enhance this aspect.
Hence, on the new model all design contours follow a striking and dynamic path from the front to the rear resulting in a newly enhanced masculine look. The slightly raised contours give the impression of a wedge shape and promise power and dynamics.
The slim D-Pillar creates a fast sweep from the roof line to the rear of the vehicle and emphasizes on the coupe-style, flowing silhouette.
The windows follow the elegant roof line all the way from the A- to the low D-pillar. As a result this vehicle visually becomes even longer and sleek and creates the impression of a lower roof line.
Extending far to the front, the engine compartment lid is reminiscent of Porsche’s racing cars back in the 60’s, clearly emphasizing on the confident power and performance. Cut like the current 911 model, the car appears to have a so-called shark snout.
Like all other Porsche vehicles, the exterior mirrors are now positioned on the door and appear therefore flatter.
Looking at the well known rear of the second generation Cayenne, we are aware of Porsche’s typical shoulders, slightly edged rear lights and the general high starting point for the D-pillars.
As a fully fledged Porsche family member, the new Cayenne offers an exciting rear view. The D-pillars taper out at a lower angle. Along with horizontal style elements and with an emotional design based on round lines, the new Cayenne benefits greatly from the typical Porsche sports car look. The new Cayenne features the Porsche lettering at the rear clearly carrying the brand’s name.
The wide shoulders, a typical Porsche Design DNA element, have been implemented in the second generation already. With its flat roof the model is beautiful but offers opportunities to make it more dynamic and elegant.
The shoulders of the new Cayenne flow freely and smoothly. The two convex curves of the roof spoiler flow into the middle of the rear roof and thus evoke the design of the unique Carrera GT.
For the new generations the lights are now unmistakeably Porsche with darker inner headlight covers and silver rings on the light unit. Similar to those found on the Carrera GT.
Also the rear units have changed dramatically and reach further towards the front and underline the vehicle length and dynamic characteristics of the model.
INTERIOR
So unique for all Porsche models the ignition key is again positioned to the left of the steering wheel.
A particular eye-catcher is the new centre console rising up to the front with its protruding switches and its raised gear shift. Of course you all know that this feature was introduced with the Panamera last year and has now been transformed for the new Cayenne. The result is clear; you will have genuine feeling of a cockpit atmosphere.
The previous design of the instrument cluster was well defined and easy to use. The instrument panel in the new version comes in a brand-new design again expressing the DNA so typical for our brand with the rev counter positioned returns to the middle, like in any other Porsche our most important instrument.
The five dial-type instruments are now more sports oriented with a rounder design.
When it comes to the dashboard the previous generation offered a clear design and luxury comfort. The new layout is more drivers friendly and sporty with a repositioning of the larger air vents on each side of the 7-inch touch screen. Now the driver is able to direct the air flow with greater flexibility. Overall, the design team from Weissach has managed to create an elegant and sporty dashboard for this SUV.
The Cayenne characteristic grab handles from the first two generations have been kept. They are now re-styled, more user -friendly and most importantly can be found on all four doors.
The new three-spoke steering wheel now comes as standard for all new Cayenne models. Customers are also able to order a sporty version of this item with gearshift paddles.
Overall, the interior clearly reflects the objective to combine greater flexibility with enhanced everyday functionality. All materials are of high quality and elegance and customers have a large choice of leather interiors and trim elements.
The new Cayenne is more dynamic, more efficient, more spacious and lighter overall, pointing to the future of technology and sporting, elegant design. The new Cayenne generation is more Porsche than ever before.
