Verdict

A couple of foibles cease the Cayenne from taking the complete 5 stars – the regenerative brake really feel being the principle one. Nevertheless, the cabin is lush and the brand new tech works effectively, too. So with extra electrical vary than its predecessor, strong however not beautiful efficiency, better consolation and but additionally a sportier, extra participating drive, the newest Cayenne E-Hybrid ought to proceed the nameplate’s legacy as a Porsche best-seller.

The Cayenne is the automotive that paved the way in which for Porsche as we all know it at the moment – to not point out the mannequin that paid for it, too, with the German agency having offered 1.25 million examples over the previous 20 years.

It has a brilliant future, too, as a result of the automotive is about to go all electrical for its subsequent iteration, anticipated in 2026. Whereas ICE vehicles is likely to be on loss of life row, the wait will nonetheless be comparatively important for fashions such because the Cayenne, so Porsche has overhauled the Mk3 model of its huge SUV to maintain it contemporary till the funeral bell lastly tolls for petrol energy.

And there’s heaps that’s contemporary, regardless of the brand new Cayenne’s silhouette wanting acquainted. The satan is within the element, with the headlights sharpened up, that includes new matrix-LED lamps (plus the choice of HD-matrix items) with a squarer design that ties within the straight strains and chamfered edges of the brand new entrance bumper. There are additionally sharper entrance wings and a brand new bonnet to finish the marginally squarer, bluffer look.

The again finish isn’t as closely revised. It options 3D tail-lights and a cleaner rear apron in contrast with its predecessor’s.

There are extra modifications inside, with the Cayenne receiving a completely digital 12.6-inch sprint. The central 12.3-inch show stays, nevertheless it’s joined by an elective passenger show, measuring 10.9 inches, that may be operated individually from the principle display screen.

The Cayenne has all the time felt like a luxurious automotive inside that also has a sporty nature, and whereas this new mannequin continues to supply loads of the latter, Porsche has undoubtedly boosted the previous. Touches that assist embrace air vents that don’t have louvres, some pretty supplies and new tech that works in addition to you’d anticipate, with nice graphics and a responsive display screen.

The driving place remains to be excellent and it encourages you to use what the Cayenne can provide. There’s heaps to use, too. The chassis now options adaptive dampers with independently adjustable valves for compression and rebound settings, permitting finer management over wheel and physique motion. This has additionally allowed Porsche’s engineers to dispense with one of many three chambers for the air-suspension set-up, so the brand new automotive runs a dual-chamber system.

At low pace round city, the massive SUV nonetheless feels a bit lumpy on 22-inch wheels. It’s an enchancment over its predecessor, rounding the sides off the worst bumps effectively, however the occasional highway knobble does get transmitted by to the cabin.

Nevertheless, when you up the pace to even a average stage, the developments to the suspension are obvious. On the consolation finish of the spectrum, the Cayenne rides with extra composure that leads to much less head wobbling for passengers. But Porsche has additionally pushed its dynamic envelope and the Cayenne is now even sportier. On the quick stretches of twisty highway on our easy, comparatively light take a look at route, the automotive’s agility was shocking. There’s a lot of grip and even some communication by the steering; not many luxurious SUVs can boast that.

The elective rear-axle steering boosted the Porsche’s keenness to show however felt pure, serving to offset our 2,425kg E-Hybrid mannequin’s additional mass from the battery.

This version would be the biggest-selling Cayenne, and there are lots of modifications to the powertrain. The three.0-litre turbocharged V6 stays, whereas the battery grows from 17.9 to 25.9kWh. The additional power density comes from extra superior cells, and it means the automotive can cowl as much as 46 miles on electrical energy alone. Drive largely on the town and Porsche reckons you’ll be able to run for as much as 56 miles.

Tweaks to the electrical motor end in extra energy, with the E-Hybrid’s whole output now standing at 463bhp and 650Nm of torque. That is sufficient for a 4.9-second 0-62mph time, and regardless of the E-Hybrid’s weight, the burst of torque delivered by the electrical motor at low engine rpm helps to ship a strong response. It by no means feels all that quick, nevertheless it’s fast sufficient. The V6 sounds good, too.

But it surely’s not all constructive. The Cayenne E-Hybrid’s actual weak point is its regenerative braking and the texture you get by the left pedal. There’s a spongy sensation beneath your foot and the extent of retardation by the e-motor alone isn’t that nice.

It’s a tough step when the common brakes begin working, and the pedal feels extra strong, however the transition may very well be higher.

In any other case, there are few drawbacks. At £76,800, value is likely to be one, however super-strong predicted residual values imply finance offers needs to be aggressive.