Porsche has announced the upgrades and updates it will apply to the Cayenne full-size SUV for the 2015 model year. The Cayenne is one of Porsche’s strongest models, selling more than half a million units since its entrance into the luxury SUV market in 2002.
The updates begin with the Cayenne’s refreshed front end and rear hatch styling. The car appears sharper overall, with an entirely new hood and front fenders and new ‘airblades’ sitting on either side of the vehicle’s front end to guide air towards the intercooler. There are also now bi-xenon headlights standard on all models except for the Turbo, which receives full LEDs and Porsche’s Dynamic Light System. Out back are new taillights, new exhaust tips and a better integrated license plate bracket and tailgate handle. The interior has also been updated with a new multi-function sport steering wheel based on the wheel in the 918 Spyder and seat ventilation may now be ordered as an option for the rear seats.
The exciting news surrounding the 2015 Cayenne is its new line of forced-induction engines. The Cayenne Diesel now serves as the base model, which retains the same 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 with 240 horsepower. One step up to the Cayenne S swaps the diesel out for a 3.6-liter twin turbocharged V6 with 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft.
Also new to the lineup is the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which adopts the powerplant from the Panamera S E-Hybrid for the perfect mix of sportiness and efficiency. That means a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 producing 333 horsepower mated to a 95 horsepower electric motor with a 10.8 kWh battery pack for a total output 416 horsepower. The SUV can also run on all electric mode at speeds of up to 78 mph for limited periods of time. The addition of the Cayenne E-Hybrid also solidifies Porsche as the only manufacturer with three different plug-in hybrid models on offer, if you can believe it.
Of course an updated Cayenne line wouldn’t be complete without the range-topping Turbo. The vehicle will retain the same 4.8-liter twin turbocharged V8 producing 520 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Cayenne Turbo to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds, a figure which dwindles to just 4.1 seconds when the box for the optional Sport Chrono package is ticked upon ordering. It will also accelerate onward to a top speed of 173 mph.
Pricing for the 2015 Cayenne starts at $61,700 for the Cayenne Diesel, and rises to $74,100 for the Cayenne S. The efficient Cayenne S E-Hybrid will command $76,400 and the Turbo will break the six-figure mark, ringing in at $113,600.
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