The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is an SUV by design but a sports car by nature. This largest of Porsches provides a diverse range of powertrains that include a pair of proficient V-6s, a modern plug-in hybrid, and a thundering twin-turbo V-8. Of course, power is pointless if it isn’t properly harnessed, and the Cayenne’s innate athleticism and sublime handling traits ensure it lives up to the German brand’s illustrious history.
Even though it’s officially revealed today, the U.S. public will have to wait almost a year before the first 2019 Porsche Cayenne arrives in dealerships. The carmaker hasn’t provided closer information about the gorgeous luxury mid-size SUV except they said it’s going to become available in the U.S. in mid-2018. However, they suggested how many green bills you have to have if you want to drive this piece of perfection. Judging by the official information, the base third-generation Cayenne will cost $66,750, while the Cayenne S starts at $83,950. The manufacturer hasn’t said anything about other versions because it revealed just these two. Luckily for you, we know everything about all other models.
It might be unusual, but we’ll start with the models that won’t be available in North America. As we have found out in the past few hours, the producer won’t introduce diesel. Overseas markets will get two diesel-powered Cayenne SUVs, but neither the 3.0-liter V6 nor the 4.0-liter V8 engine won’t be available in the U.S. See also our recommendations on the 14 best LED and DRL Fog Lights for Your Cars, and best car side door mirror cover to buy in 2020, and the 11 best windshield car wiper blades, and the 10 best car mud flaps.
However, the base and S models that are introduced today will definitely come. The SUV starts with a 3.0-liter V-6 which makes 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 2021 Porsche Cayenne S is getting a 2.9-liter twin-turbo engine with 440 HP and 406 lb-ft. Both options will work in a pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Porsche won’t stop at these two models. No, they will also introduce the topping gasoline Turbo model mated to a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with 550 horsepower, as well as the base plug-in hybrid which combines a 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor. Though, the most potent model should use another hybrid powertrain. The system is familiar already because it currently powers the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid model. This drivetrain combines electric power with the V8, making 680 horsepower.
Compared to its predecessor, the new generation Porsche Cayenne isn’t too different from the outside. However, you have to admit that the German carmaker did a terrific job here, simply because the new model looks better than the old, which is basically the main purpose of every redesign.
Aside from it’s more attractive, the 2021 Cayenne also uses a new architecture, which managed to save 143 pounds and brought an additional 100 liters of space in total. Now, since it’s going to continue to offer just two rows of seats, all extra space will be oriented to comfort. Speaking of which, the carmaker added TFT screens left and right for driving data, as well as huge 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, so you can enjoy in a wide variety of services, including navigation of course. Still, we are concerned with the fact that there are actual buttons on the steering wheel only. The touchscreen is nice and we are sure the Porsche offers the best possible quality, but we would be happy to see more tangible controls here.
Standard safety features are wide and encouraging because the new SUV features lane change assist, lane-keeping assists with traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and adaptive cruise control. There is also the amazing night vision assist, which can see pedestrians and animals faster and more precise than any driver can.