The Porsche Cayenne, a German luxury SUV, has evolved significantly since its debut in 2002. The 2023 model represents the third generation facelift of this iconic vehicle, known by its codename E3 9Y0. This latest iteration continues to uphold Porsche’s legacy of merging luxury, performance, and practicality. Designed by the renowned Michael Mauer, who also created the Macan, Panamera, 911, and 918 Spyder, the Cayenne exemplifies Porsche’s dedication to automotive excellence.
The 2023 Porsche Cayenne is available in a single petrol variant priced at ₹1.35 crore ex-showroom. For those seeking a more dynamic appearance, the coupe body style is also offered at ₹1.41 crore. The Cayenne is assembled in Slovakia and Malaysia, utilizing the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Longitudinal Matrix (MLB) evo platform. This platform is shared with other high-end SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus, Volkswagen Touareg, Bentley Bentayga, and Audi Q7, Q8, and Q5. The 2023 model features thermally and noise-insulated front glass and revised chassis for enhanced ride comfort and handling.
The exterior of the Cayenne boasts several premium features. It includes a lower valance to improve aerodynamics and appearance, HD Matrix LED headlights available for ₹4.70 lakh, featuring 11 LED stripes, 64,000 camera-controlled pixels, four-spot daylight, and dynamic automatic leveling. The electrically adjustable outside mirrors come with ambient lighting, turn indicators, and a camera. Side skirts add to the sporty look of the vehicle, while the standard 21-inch alloy wheels are paired with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 SUV tires in the front and Pirelli P Zero tires in the rear. Options for 20 and 22-inch wheels are also available. The Cayenne is available in Montego Blue, with additional options like white, black, silver, grey, red, and beige. Custom colors can be selected for ₹20 lakh. Safety-wise, the Cayenne has received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP and features a sports exhaust system available for ₹6 lakh, stainless steel construction, and LED tail lights with 3D lighting graphics.
In terms of dimensions, the Porsche Cayenne measures 4.9 meters in length and 1.7 meters in height, with a ground clearance of 238 mm. It can wade through water up to 530 mm deep, has a turning circle of 12.2 meters, a kerb weight of 2100 kg, and a gross weight of 2800 kg. It can tow up to 3500 kg and has a roof loading capacity of 100 kg. The interior of the Cayenne offers numerous luxurious options, ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹16 lakh, including ambient lighting and various seat configurations. The vehicle features 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which can expand the boot space from 772 liters to 1708 liters. The sound system options include a 14-speaker, 710-watt Bose surround sound system for ₹2.80 lakh and a Burmester sound system option for ₹12 lakh. Climate control is managed by a four-zone automatic system with an air quality feature. The 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system supports USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and navigation. A 10.9-inch passenger display is available for ₹1.52 lakh.
Performance-wise, the Cayenne is powered by a 2995 cc V6 Volkswagen EA839T CWGD petrol engine, producing 348 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 248 kmph. The engine is also used in Volkswagen Touareg, Audi A6, A7, A8, S5, SQ5, and Q8, delivering a fuel efficiency of 10 kmpl from a 75-litre fuel tank, with an optional 90-litre tank available for ₹25,000.
Safety features in the Cayenne include nine airbags, ABS, lane change assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and active speed limit assist. A surround view camera system is available for ₹1.53 lakh, and optional safety features include night vision assist for ₹4.75 lakh and off-road underbody protection for ₹3.70 lakh.
Porsche offers a wide range of accessories for the Cayenne, including roof boxes, bike carriers, leather luggage sets, cool bags, car covers, floor mats, sun blinds, footrests, child seats, high-visibility jackets, microfiber cloths, car care kits, smoking packages, fire extinguishers, scuff plates, carbon fiber exterior kits, key covers, and more. Porsche also provides a one-year warranty extension for ₹2.29 lakh, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
In conclusion, the 2023 Porsche Cayenne facelift is a luxurious, high-performance SUV that offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and capability. With its extensive range of options and features, it caters to a wide array of preferences and needs, making it a versatile choice for discerning buyers. Whether driving in the city or exploring off-road terrains, the Cayenne promises an exhilarating experience every time you get behind the wheel.
