This new Porsche Cayenne might be the most fun SUV

The third-generation of the high-riding 4x4 that defined the sporting SUV and put Porsche on a path to record profits is available first in petrol-only Cayenne and Cayenne S forms. Both are available to order now for delivery next April.

Newer than it looks under the aluminium panels of the evolutionary body design, the latest Porsche boasts a raft of deep-down structural and engineering changes as well as a new Porsche Advanced Cockpit and host of technology updates.

These include ditching the normally-aspirated V6 for blown engines: a single turbo 3.0 with 335bhp for 152mph and 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds (price from £55,965), and a twin-turbo 2.9 V6 in the S. This boasts another 99bhp for a top speed of 164mph and 0-62 in 5.2 seconds (price from £68,330). Pay more for the Sport Chrono package and you can shave both acceleration times by three-tenths.

Both Cayenne and Cayenne S offer more power than the equivalent outgoing petrol versions, plus the promise of better fuel consumption although there are no figures on this thus far. 

As well as the downsized turbo engines, the new Porsche’s efficiency should be boosted by less mass: this is the first Cayenne to weigh in at under two tonnes, despite a couple of extra inches (63mm to be precise) in body length and what Porsche says is a marked increase in equipment and features.

The diet is down to more aluminium (not just the body but also the floor pan and most of the chassis), more electrics (including 48-volts) for actuators rather than hydraulics, and lightweight components such as a lithium-ion polymer starter battery. Overall weight reduces from 2,040 to 1,985kg.

With a new tyre set-up – one inch bigger all round, and wider at the back than the front for the first time – and the options of rear-axle steering (from the 911), electronic roll stabilisation and air suspension, the Cayenne is said to be more of a sports car in its sector than ever, while still able to tackle mild off-road routes. Porsche says that all elements of the lightweight chassis are new apart from the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damper system that is standard with the Cayenne S. 

In the braking department, there is the new option of a tungsten-carbide coating for the cast iron discs which Porsche says increases the friction values and reduces wear and brake dust. The calipers do look cool painted white. Another change is to the eight-speed Tiptronic ‘box which gets shorter ratios in the lower gears for a sportier response.

Practical and spacious as ever, the new Cayenne comes with a tighter turning circle (one benefit of rear-wheel-steer) and a 100-litre larger boot. The cabin gets a tech makeover with the dashboard now featuring the 12-inch full-HD touchscreen from the latest Panamera. It’s not all digital: there’s still a central analogue tachometer.

The extra length and slightly lower roof have a modest streamlining effect on a car that since the first-gen model has always been challenged on the streamlining front. So it looks smart, and there are some lovely details like the new LED lights. But we are yet to be convinced by the many-slatted front grille. A bit like the Volkswagen Arteon?

There again these are the entry models. Faster and more aggressive Cayennes will be joining the range in due course, not just a new version of the mighty Cayenne Turbo but also hybrid models using the latest petrol-electric powertrain from the Panamera. 

Get used to that idea: the biggest-selling Cayenne has traditionally been the 41mpg diesel but in a rapidly changing world it’s certain that Porsche will want us to think more hybrid than oil-burner.