Porsche Cayenne Review: Porsche’s Best-Selling SUV Just Got Better

When most people think Porsche, they think 911. But if we’re being honest, the car that really made Porsche the global brand it is today is the Cayenne. Since its launch in 2002, it’s become Porsche’s bestseller, with over 1.25 million sold worldwide. For many of our customers, this is the Porsche they live with every day – and the latest update makes it better than ever.

What’s New?

This isn’t a minor facelift – Porsche calls it one of the most extensive upgrades in the company’s history. The changes may look subtle from the outside, but under the skin and inside the cabin, the Cayenne is practically a new car.

Highlights include:

• New engines with more power, including a V8 for the Cayenne S.

• Updated hybrids with a larger 25.9kWh battery and up to 46 miles of electric range.

• Sharper handling thanks to new two-valve dampers and wider tyres.

• Completely redesigned interior, inspired by the Taycan.

• Choice of two body styles: traditional SUV or sleeker Coupe (around £3,000 more).

Engines and Performance

The base Cayenne now runs a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with 353PS, while the new Cayenne S swaps its old V6 for a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 pushing out 474PS. That’s the same engine family you’ll find in Lamborghinis – and it shows. 0–62mph takes 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 167mph.

The hybrids are hugely improved too:

• Cayenne E-Hybrid – 470PS and up to 46 miles electric range.

• Cayenne S E-Hybrid – 519PS and more muscle.

• Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid – a staggering 739PS, 0–62mph in 3.7 seconds, and 183mph top speed.

Whether you want efficiency or outright power, there’s a Cayenne for you.

Handling: Still the SUV Benchmark

The Cayenne has always been the best-handling SUV, and Porsche has sharpened it further. The new two-valve dampers and optional two-chamber air suspension improve comfort and agility. Wider tyres mean more grip, and optional tech like rear-wheel steering and active anti-roll systems add even more control.

Despite weighing around 2.3 tonnes, the Cayenne still drives like a Porsche – direct steering, confidence in corners, and a sense of connection you just don’t get in rival SUVs. Our customers love it because it feels like a proper Porsche, just with room for the family.

Design and Presence

Outside, the changes are subtle but effective: a resculpted bonnet, sharper wings, and new matrix LED headlights with over 32,000 pixels. At the back, a restyled 3D light bar and lower apron give it a fresher look. Wheel options now range from 20 to 22 inches.

The Coupe version offers a sportier profile, but practicality is slightly reduced compared to the standard SUV.

A Totally New Interior

Step inside, and the Cayenne feels like a different car. Borrowing heavily from the Taycan, it now features:

• A 12.6-inch curved driver display.

• A 12.3-inch central infotainment screen.

• An optional 10.9-inch passenger display.

The cabin is cleaner, more modern, and packed with tech. Yet it still feels premium and driver-focused – exactly what you’d expect from Porsche.

Practicality

This is still a proper family car. The standard SUV offers a huge 772-litre boot (627 litres in the Hybrid), while the Coupe manages 592 litres (434 in Hybrid form). Rear passenger space is good, though not much more generous than in the smaller Macan.

Need to carry more? No problem – the Cayenne is designed to handle daily life as well as long trips.

Pricing and Value

• Base Cayenne V6 – from £70,500.

• E-Hybrid – from £80,000.

• Cayenne S (V8) – around £85,000.

• S E-Hybrid – around £87,000.

• Turbo E-Hybrid – £130,000+.

Whichever you pick, expect Porsche’s usual long options list. Even so, all models come generously equipped with adaptive suspension, leather interior, and Porsche’s advanced infotainment.

Running Costs

The hybrids are the stars here, with official figures of up to 188.3mpg and just 33g/km CO2 – perfect for business users with low Benefit-in-Kind tax. With 46 miles of electric-only range, many customers can handle the school run or commute without touching a drop of petrol.

The V6 and V8 models are thirstier (22–26mpg), but that’s expected for SUVs with this much power.

My Take – Why Our Customers Love It

We see a lot of Cayennes come through, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s the SUV that still drives like a sports car. It’s practical, luxurious, and tech-filled, but also powerful and fun in a way rivals like the BMW X5 or Audi Q8 can’t quite match.

For families who want one car that does everything – school runs, road trips, and even the occasional back-road blast – the Cayenne really is hard to beat. And with the updated interior and hybrid options, it’s better than ever.

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