Porsche Cayenne gets V-8 power, again, and style upgrade

Porsche's flagship crossover is getting a midcycle refresh that delivers more driving oomph and a redesigned digital-first interior.

The 2024 Cayenne, unveiled Tuesday at the Shanghai auto show, features a significantly changed powertrain, chassis, design and in-car technology.

Arriving in U.S. stores this summer, the Cayenne crossover starts at $80,850, including shipping, while the coupe version starts at $85,950.

The midsize Cayenne will deliver more standard features, including high-definition LED headlights, active suspension management, 20-inch wheels and safety technology.

Michael Schätzle, vice president for the Cayenne product line, said the 2024 model is among the "most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche."

Dealer Ryan Kirchner describes the Cayenne freshening as more of a typical Porsche redesign.

"Given the pace of technology, Porsche needed to bring a heavy update midcycle," said Kirchner, new-car manager at Porsche Main Line in Newtown Square, Pa. "And it sets the stage for the future electric Cayenne."

Porsche's No. 2 seller in the U.S., the Cayenne accounted for nearly a quarter of the brand's sales in the first three months of this year.

A trio of engines will be offered to power the freshened Cayenne lineup.

The standard Cayenne features a single-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 348 hp, an upgrade of 13 hp over its predecessor.

A Porsche-developed twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine replaces the previous V-6 in the Cayenne S. The 468-hp V-8 makes an additional 34 hp and accelerates the crossover and coupe models to 60 mph in up to 4.4 seconds.

Kirchner said customers are excited about the V-8 returning to the Cayenne S after it was ditched nearly a decade ago.

"Even though this is an SUV, it is still a Porsche, and people are buying it for that emotional experience," he said.

The six-cylinder engine in the Cayenne E-Hybrid pairs with a new electric motor to deliver a combined 463 hp. Battery capacity increases from 17.9 kilowatt-hours to 25.9 kWh. Porsche did not disclose EPA estimates.

The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 in the top-of-the-line Cayenne Turbo GT delivers an extra 19 hp for 650 hp, and propels the crossover from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

The 2024 Cayenne gets an updated front with styled fenders, a new hood and redesigned headlights. There is an updated taillight design and new rear fascia with integrated license plate holder.

New paint jobs — Algarve Blue Metallic, Montego Blue Metallic and Arctic Grey — give the midcycle update a fresh look, while the optional Lightweight Sport Package shaves 72 pounds off the coupe variant.

The 2024 Cayenne lineup rides on a steel spring suspension. New shock absorbers with two-valve technology deliver a comfortable ride at slow speeds, better handling in cornering, and improved pitch and roll management.

Porsche said that the optional adaptive air suspension — standard on the Cayenne Turbo GT — provides more stability for on- and off-road handling and reduces vehicle body movement in spirited driving.

The latest Cayenne introduces a driver-focused concept blending digital and analog worlds, while borrowing design cues from the brand's iconic nameplates.

New dashboard elements taken from Porsche's electric Taycan fastback include a free-standing, curved 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster and revamped center console. A multifunction steering wheel, introduced in the latest-generation Porsche 911, puts driving mode controls and instrument cluster display settings within easy reach.

The Cayenne's gear selector is moved to the right of the steering wheel, making space for a large air conditioning controller on the center console. The vertical air outlets ditch their traditional louvers.

An optional 10.9-inch passenger display that debuted in the Taycan takes the fun beyond the driver's seat.

Passengers can use the touchscreen to operate the navigation system or select media content. Screen-dimming technology prevents the driver from viewing the passenger screen.