The test drive experience of the Porsche Cayenne

Bywjb
Porsche Cayenne

The focus is on the facelifted models, emphasizing their shift to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, dynamic driving experiences across track, mountain roads, and city streets, and key upgrades.

Model Lineup in China

Simplification: The Cayenne range has been streamlined from over a dozen models to just six, all of which are PHEVs (plug-in hybrids). The entry-level 2.0L PHEV may phase out in favor of 3.0L versions.

Variants:

  • 3 standard SUV models and 3 Coupe (Coupé) models.
  • Powertrains: Low-output 3.0T V6 PHEV, high-output 3.0T V6 PHEV (Cayenne S), and 4.0T V8 Turbo PHEV.

All models now emphasize electrification, positioning them as “new energy vehicles” under Chinese regulations.

Key Technical Upgrades

  • Battery and EV Range:
    • Battery capacity increased to 25.9 kWh.
    • WLTP EV range: Up to 90 km for 3.0L models; 82 km for Turbo models.
  • Wheels and Tires:
    • Standard 22-inch wheels with thin sidewalls (e.g., 40-series on base, rear 315/35 on Turbo with staggered setup).
    • Challenges are comforted but mitigated by suspension upgrades.
  • Air Suspension:
    • Upgraded from a single-valve triple-chamber to a dual-valve dual-chamber system.
    • Expands boundaries for comfort and sportiness: Absorbs bumps smoothly on tracks (no high-frequency vibrations), minimal dive/squat under braking, and excellent lateral support with negligible body roll.
    • The reviewer notes it feels “planted” like the car is fused to the road, with no residual oscillations.
  • Braking System: Electronic (brake-by-wire) on hybrids, which reduces direct pedal feel compared to pure ICE models but performs well under heavy track use.

Other Features:

  • Optional intelligent matrix LED headlights with 32,000 pixels per side for advanced adaptive lighting.
  • Optional 10.9-inch passenger display (visible only to passenger for safety; appears black from driver’s seat).
  • New interior options: Pale gold electroplated trim with open-pore green accents, carbon fiber panels woven with gold metallic threads—described as premium and highly recommended.
  • Sport steering wheel with top-tier materials and grip.
  • Energy recovery: Up to 80 kW (about 126 hp), improving efficiency for daily use.
  • Charging: Standard AC charging; optional 11 kW upgrade shortens times.

Powertrain and Performance Specs

All models pair a gasoline engine with an electric motor (177 hp, 460 Nm torque, available from 0 RPM for instant response). This “torque floor” ensures a strong low-end pull.

  • Base 3.0T PHEV: 470 hp total, 650 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds. Top speed: 253 km/h.
  • Cayenne S 3.0T PHEV: 519 hp total, 750 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: Under 5 seconds (implied faster than base).
  • Cayenne Turbo PHEV: 739 hp total (strongest Cayenne ever), 950 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds (3.6 seconds with GT package on Coupe). Top speed: 295 km/h (305 km/h with GT package).
  • Driving Modes: E-Power for pure EV driving (ideal for short commutes); Sport Plus for aggressive shifting that rivals pro drivers.
  • Impressions: Explosive acceleration, especially mid-range (e.g., 100-150 km/h, where it outperforms many EVs). Steering feels slightly less precise than pure ICE but沉稳 (stable) and confidence-inspiring. Transmission logic is flawless. Overall, it masks speed—feels composed even when pushing hard.

Driving Experience

  • Track (Figure-8 with steep hills): Turbo Hybrid excels in stability, devouring bumps softly while providing immense grip—no dive under heavy braking, minimal roll in corners. Brakes feel best at high speeds.
  • Mountain Roads: Comfort mode provides silky smoothness with excellent body control, while sport modes deliver engaging handling without fatigue.
  • City Roads: Efficient in EV mode for daily use; overall fuel economy improved due to stronger regen.
  • Overall Verdict: The facelift reestablishes Cayenne as a tech-forward luxury leader, countering challenges from Chinese EV startups. It blends supreme comfort, blistering performance, and efficiency. Reviewer highlights it as “perfect” in balancing extremes, though heavyweight is noticeable.

Pricing in China (Approximate, Including Options)

Base 3.0T PHEV: Around 807,000 CNY (under 1 million with basics; add for luxury/tech packs).
Turbo PHEV: 1.95 million CNY for SUV; Coupe at 1.998 million CNY. Fully optioned: Easily over 2 million CNY.
Value: Base model seen as a strong buy for performance at the price; Turbo for ultimate power.

Market Context

Cayenne remains Porsche’s bestseller in China, especially amid competition from luxury EVs and startups.
The PHEV shift, chassis upgrades, and power boosts solidify its premium status—addressing “embarrassment” for buyers torn between traditional luxury and new-tech rivals.
The reviewer encourages it for those seeking top-tier driving dynamics, tech, and prestige.

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