Porsche Cayenne –Just Keeps Evolving

Bahrain Confidential attended the international launch and drive for the new major-facelifted Porsche Cayenne in Salzburg, Austria.

Written by Charlie Cooksey

The Porsche Cayenne is a huge success story for Porsche. Yet, when it was first introduced in 2002 it was a controversial move for the company as many fans of the brand were concerned that an SUV would dilute the company's sports car heritage. However, the Cayenne has proven itself and it has helped Porsche to become one of the most profitable car manufacturers in the world.

The Cayenne is a reminder that Porsche is a brand that is constantly evolving, and is today one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market for good reason. It's stylish, luxurious, and packed with performance features. The 2023 Cayenne is even better than before.

Here's what you need to know about the new Cayenne:

Engine: The base Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that produces 350 horsepower. The Cayenne S gets a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 that produces 474 horsepower. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance: The Cayenne is surprisingly quick for its size. The base model can go from 0 to 60 kph in 5.7 seconds, while the S model can do it in 4.8 seconds. Both models have a top speed of 256 mph.

Handling: The Cayenne is surprisingly agile for an SUV. It's not as nimble as a sports car, but it's still fun to drive on winding roads. The suspension is comfortable on smooth roads, but it can be firmed up for more aggressive driving.

Luxury: The Cayenne is a luxurious SUV inside and out. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, and the materials are top-notch. The Cayenne comes standard with a long list of features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a Bose sound system.

Technology: The Cayenne is packed with technology features. The standard infotainment system features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and there's also a 10.9-inch touchscreen display for the passenger. The Cayenne also comes standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 2023 Porsche Cayenne is a top-of-the-line SUV. In Bahrain, we are of course somewhat limited to long-distance driving, off-roading and seasons of weather. During the drive event in Austria, we seriously tested this car in a variety of weather conditions and terrains. Salzburg, Austria is one of those picture-perfect places in Europe with snowcapped mountains everywhere you look, with typical Austrian architecture all around. Flying out of the Gulf and into these green nature-rich environments is always so refreshing.

What impressed me about the new Cayenne was how well it handled and easily ascended the mountains in Salzburg, going from ground-level moderate climates, climbing up the mountain and progressing through the clouds and the climate changing to heavy rain and snow, with the roads slathered in ice and snow. It took a steady hand to ensure we didn’t fall off the mountain!

Despite its size, being a mid-size SUV, it feels and drives like a compact sports car. Responsive, fast and drives and turns at high speeds with ease. n

To arrange a test drive in Bahrain, contact Porsche Centre Bahrain at +973 1745 9911