Porsche Cayenne 2023: tech-heavy interior update comes to large SUV

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Porsche has debuted the interior of the updated Cayenne, with the remainder of the refreshed large SUV set to make its official debut at the Shanghai auto show in China on April 18. 

Dubbed the ‘Porsche Driver Experience’, the Cayenne’s new triple-display dash looks to be very similar to the infotainment system currently found in the all-electric Taycan EV.

For the first time in a combustion-powered Porsche vehicle, the Cayenne’s partially analog cluster has been replaced entirely with a curved digital unit, measuring 12.6-inches wide. 

Porsche notes that swapping to an entirely digital cluster gives drivers a lot more customisation, allowing up to seven views to be selected, depending on the equipment level. 

Another element that has been carried over from the Taycan is the gear selector tab that now sits to the right of the steering wheel. This means that the centre console is reserved exclusively for the analog climate controls. 

The Cayenne has retained the large grab handles on either side of the centre console, hinting at the continued off-road prowess of the SUV in the new model. 

In the centre of the dash sits a 12.3-inch infotainment display headlined by wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. Integrated apps such as Spotify and Apple Music are also included with this system. 

A 10.9-inch display that sits above the glove box is now optional on the Cayenne. This screen gives passengers the ability to use the entertainment and navigation systems without the driver being distracted. 

This optional screen also uses a special foil so that the driver isn’t able to see the screen, allowing passengers to stream videos. 

What else is expected for the Cayenne update? 

On the outside, the large SUV is expected to get slimmed-down matrix LED headlights, and redesigned taillights that stretch across the rear tailgate. Subtle front and rear bumper updates are also expected. 

Beneath this new skin, we’re expecting to see similar engine options carried over, ranging from the petrol V6 through to the twin-turbo V8-powered Turbo GT. 

These combustion-powered options will likely continue until 2025, when the Cayenne is expected to go entirely electric, and will sit on the PPE platform. 

It’s worth noting that the PPE-based Macan EV is expected to start production as early as 2024. 

What is offered with the current Cayenne range? 

In Australia, Porsche offers 19 Cayenne variants, comprising the SUV in both wagon and coupe forms, as well as Platinum versions of the three lower-level trims. 

The entry-level Cayenne starts at $135,100 before on-road costs, and is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 that makes 250kW/450Nm. 

Next is the Cayenne E-Hybrid at $152,500 before on-road costs. This pairs the 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 with a plug-in hybrid system that makes 340kW//700Nm in total. It is also rated to a maximum electric range of 47km. 

At $176,100 before on-road costs in the Cayenne S, which is powered by a 2.9-litre turbo-petrol V6 that makes 324kW/550Nm. 

The Cayenne GTS at $207,500 before on-road costs actually uses the same 2.9-litre mill, but power and torque levels are pushed to 338kW/620Nm here. 

Then there’s the Cayenne Turbo at $263,100, which makes use of a 4.0-litre turbo-petrol V8 engine pumping out 404kW/770Nm. 

Though it’s the most powerful at 500kW/900Nm, the $308,800 Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid doesn’t headline the range, and this honour is reserved for the Turbo GT. 

At $352,700, the Cayenne Turbo GT is the flagship SUV of the Porsche line-up, and it makes 471kW/850Nm from its twin-turbo V8. It also happens to be the fastest Cayenne, being able to hit 100km/h in just 3.3-seconds.