New Cayenne S Coupe

Recently, I had the chance to test drive Porsche’s new Cayenne S. In this post, I’d like to share my review. As always, this blog contains no promotions, so please read with confidence.

Our family previously owned a Cayenne E-Hybrid. This time, I’ll draw on that experience to compare the new and old models.

The new Cayenne falls under a minor facelift.
The exterior changes are subtle, but the front end and rear taillight designs have been updated. Even as a former owner, it’s hard to distinguish from the older model at a glance.

Finally fully digital. The central tachometer design looks familiar somehow, or maybe not…

However, the interior changes are immediately obvious.

The shift lever has moved from the center console to beside the steering wheel, and the meters have switched from analog to digital, reminiscent of the Taycan.
Personally, I like this change. For a practical car like the Cayenne, this setup allows you to operate the shift lever smartly without taking your hands off the steering wheel, which I think is better.

Here is the shift lever. Just like the Taycan.

Center console of the new Cayenne

The test drive was in the coupe model, and the Arctic Grey body color left a strong impression. Once inside, the repositioned shift lever makes the center console feel somewhat empty.

Perhaps because of this, I honestly feel that the interior’s sense of luxury has slightly diminished compared to the previous model due to the loss of the center console’s moderate clutter.

New Cayenne’s V8 Engine and Handling

This time, Porsche finally switched from the traditional key-turn engine start to a push-button start. Personally, I’m a bit disappointed by this, but when the engine fires up, its sound captivates you.

With increasingly strict noise regulations, the startup sound of this Cayenne S is remarkable.

Not only the volume but also the quality of the sound is thrilling. This sound tuning can be seen as Porsche’s answer within the constraints of noise regulations. This bodes well for the upcoming late-model 992 as well.

V8 engine of the new Cayenne

The Cayenne Coupe S is equipped with PDCC, rear-axle steering, and air suspension, making it fully loaded with driving-related options.

From the moment you start driving, the tire rolling feel is smooth, and anyone will notice the difference from the very first roll. The ride comfort is definitely better than the previous model. The V8 engine has almost no turbo lag or torque fluctuations, making it easy to handle. It pairs perfectly with the Tiptronic transmission, offering comfort beyond many luxury saloons.

21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels

In Sport and Sport Plus modes, the newly developed air suspension allows for a low and stable ride. It fully demonstrates its capabilities on winding roads. At one point, the dealer representative riding alongside said, “Try pressing the brake a little harder here.”

It was a slight downhill, but when I carefully pressed the brake a bit harder, there was almost no nose dive. Despite the high ride height and heavy body, the control is superb. I was amazed. I learned that this kind of control is a feature of the new air suspension.

The lightness in corners and the feeling that the car is smaller than it actually is were also impressive. Even on bumpy roads, vibrations settle instantly, highlighting the excellence of the suspension.

Air suspension at maximum ride height

Air suspension at lowest ride height. The two-finger gap matches the 911’s PASM Sport!

At the lowest ride height. Incredibly low!
This is the charm of air suspension. Besides ride comfort, the center of gravity is significantly lowered, making it highly recommended for sporty driving.

A New Level of Driving Enjoyment

The previous Cayenne was fun and handled well on winding roads, but the level of “fun” this time has reached almost that of the Macan. The continuous curves are enjoyable, and despite being an SUV, there’s no need to brace for corners, encouraging you to drive more aggressively. This was the first Cayenne that made me want to do at least two more laps.

The rear-axle steering is also effective, making U-turns surprisingly easy. Compared to the rear-axle steering I had on the Panamera Turbo, this one feels even more agile.

One of my favorite points about this Cayenne is the pleasant exhaust note. Of course, this is likely thanks to the sports exhaust, but it’s not a loud roar; rather, it produces a truly pleasant sound. This avoids any vulgarity and probably won’t tire you even after long listening.

The Appeal of the New Cayenne

This test drive made me fully appreciate the new Cayenne’s appeal. Especially the S’s V8 engine is not only sonorous but also wonderfully manageable. Knowing it’s a detuned version of the Cayenne Turbo GT’s V8 engine makes me value it even more.

HD Matrix LED headlights. Along with the advanced control technology of the new air suspension, these are technologies currently unique to Porsche.

If you’re considering purchasing the new Cayenne, choosing between the E-Hybrid and V8 is tough. The hybrid’s responsiveness and speed are attractive, but the V8’s charm is significant. PDCC is especially effective on a model like the Cayenne and is an essential option.

Porsche exceeds expectations with every model update. The new Cayenne stands apart from other SUVs in ride comfort, sportiness, and driving enjoyment. If you prioritize interior comfort features, luggage space, or seven-seat utility, other brands might be better, but otherwise, I believe the Cayenne is the best choice.