Porsche Cayenne 2024 arrives in high condition after 20 years; read the test | Measurements

I confess that the Porsche Cayenne from 2002, the first, does not please my eyes at all (unfortunately or fortunately I did not have the opportunity to drive it). But I also know the importance of a luxury SUV at that time (it was one of the cars that brought the German brand out of the financial hole and, in addition, made the purists turn their noses up). The second generation improved the view a little, but it was still not good… Now, more than 20 years later, I can admit that the Cayenne, in the 2024 line, is in its best form – even more so in a beautiful coupe. version. And the sports utility vehicle is already on sale in Brazil with prices between R$ 810,000 and around R$ 1.4 million (delivery will take place later this year). It’s good to take advantage: in 2025 a fully electric variant is coming …

individual game went to Los Angeles (USA) to drive the third generation SUV that has undergone a facelift. Let’s talk first about the more expensive version turbo gt. Despite the subtle visual changes, you can tell that this is a new SUV. Starting from the front, which has a new (even sportier) bumper, a new grille and HD Matrix LED technological headlights – a standard item here and a BRL 17,000 option on the Cayenne S (the hybrid variant is in the process of matching and starting to be sold later this year in Brazil, but the first units arrive only in 2024).

Each high-quality headlight has more than 32,000 pixels and detects other drivers and prevents the occurrence of high beam light on them, thanks to the precision of the pixels, thus avoiding the glare of the view of the oncoming car. The technology still highlights and warns, blinks, the presence of pedestrians and/or animals on the road (working in conjunction with night vision), as well as being able to create animations (like Audi).

O turbo gt it also has carbon fiber mirror caps and roof, black wheel arches and yellow brake calipers. Behind, perhaps, it is easy to recognize that it is the new Cayenne. Two titanium exhaust pipes placed in the middle are present, as well as the taillights have a new interior layout, more modern and with a 3D effect. There are also two spoilers: a permanent one attached to the roof and an active one, which is activated at speeds above 90 km / h. At high speed, it can generate up to 40 kg of downforce. All to give more stability to the 2,245 kg SUV.

New things, however, are not limited to beauty. Engineering changes the suspension system and the Cayenne now has Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) in all versions and now the shock absorbers feature two-valve technology – and not just one as before. According to the manufacturer, now different stages of extension and compression improve the driving experience. There is more comfort at slower speeds and improved maneuverability with reduced body roll.

In practice, live with the version turbo gt is friendly and you can use the car like everyday. In fact, because it is a sports variant and even with technology to reduce potholes (and look at the California asphalt is not very good), the SUV can sometimes shake those inside, even more with large 22-inch wheels. closely imitating the imperfections of the asphalt . It is possible to walk over a coin and know whether it is a dime, a twenty-five cent, or a fifty—even in the best of driving conditions.

In the chain of curves it may be an exaggeration to say that the Cayenne looks or has the dynamics of a 911. But we are talking about an SUV weighing more than two tons that shows control and contours with some skill. And without drama, without strange body movements and an attractive trap.

The driving position is very good, even for a longer SUV. Steering response, especially in Sport Plus mode, should be replicated by all brands. It does not ask for constant interference on the road and is very accurate in curves, you can know where the wheels are going at all times. Apart from having the right weight for urban use.

Among all the modifications listed here, the interior is probably the most important. Porsche was inspired by Taycan and the Cayenne’s cabin is even more impressive. The instrument cluster is now a 12.6-inch, fully digital, customizable display. Depending on the version, there are up to seven graphics options. Streamlined looks and traditional looks are also available, the latter transferring the old Porsche five-pipe instrument cluster design to digital form. Tachometer, navigation system, night vision assistant or driving assistance system can be selected to be in the front.

The start button is new, but has historically remained on the left side of the steering wheel. Speaking of which, the game is now coming out to 911. A driving mode selector (Normal, Sport and Sport Plus) is now standard and redesigned controls for driver assistance systems on the steering wheel.

Of Taycan comes the gear “lever”, which is now on the right side of the steering wheel between the instrument panel and multimedia. This move makes room in the center console for a new, larger climate control panel with analog controls. Porsche listened to customers and came back with physical buttons to control the cabin climate.

Porsche Communication Management (PCM) or Cayenne’s multimedia center continues with 12.3 inches. But the big news is the 10.9″ screen (optional for BRL 5,597) for the passenger, who can operate the navigation and audio system, as well as see the same information that the driver has on the instrument panel. An interesting detail is that outside of this country the screen may distribute streaming systems (service not available in Brazil).

The design is good, the interior changes are very welcome and the mechanical upgrades too. The main attraction of the Cayenne Turbo GT, on the other hand, is to step on the right pedal and 3.3 seconds (Audi R8 V10 watch, for example) access to the digital dashboard display 100 km / h – without any effort. No matter the gear, the SUV looks like it’s always ready for a 100-meter dash.

Terrace. I’m at 80 km/h in sixth gear. Brake, reduce to a second. The V8 “complains”. I open the window. I slam my foot under the accelerator and eight “mugs” rumble, the front end res up and the Cayenne is catapulted forward in an emerging fashion. A lot because of 86.7 kgfm(!) of torque and the smooth operation of the eight-speed automatic transmission. And as if the 640 hp of the previous model was not enough, Porsche decided to standardize the 4.0 biturbo engine to give 659 hp. My body clings to the seat and my ear is drunk by the terrible sound coming from the exhaust.

I was at the world launch of the coupe version in 2019. At that time, the Turbo GT configuration had not been released (which would happen three years later). Let’s face it, such a utility vehicle (along with the BMW X6 M Competition, Audi RS Q8 and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupé) is absolutely unnecessary from a practical point of view (even more so with an additional 19 hp). The Cayenne S, with more than 470 hp (and almost R$ 600,000 less on the price tag), does the job easily. But, of course, it is aimed at a different type of customer.

Mulholland Drive has a lookout where visitors can enjoy famous sights, such as the Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles and even Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios. Events are for another tour. I prefer to enjoy a few hours with the new Porsche Cayenne 2024. There comes another way…

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