SPICE ROUTE

A timely update to the third-generation Cayenne range aims to ease this popular SUV, the best-selling product in Porsche's history, into its all-electric future

- Ian McLaren

The success story of the Porsche Cayenne is well documented. Faced, with an uncertain financial future, this Stuttgart sportscar company needed a so-called "third model" to complement its existing line-up (911 and Boxster), while tempting an altogether broader audience. to spend money with the brand. With confirmation from within its then largest market, the USA, of a steady trend towards luxurious raised-ride-height propositions, a decision was reached to partner with Volkswagen to co-develop the first-ever Porsche SUV alongside the first-generation VW Touareg, both cars introduced in 2002.

A somewhat ungainly-looking creation compared with the low-slung sports cars on which Porsche had created its legacy, the E1 Cayenne nevertheless succeeded in introducing an entirely new customer to the brand. Through an enticing line-up of performance-focused drivetrain options, as well as the Cayenne's inherent dynamic ability compared with the competition, the traditional Porsche owner would ultimately also prove appeased, the guesswork removed from what to park in a two-car garage.

To date, Porsche has shipped more than 1,25 million examples of its Cayenne, with the 95 000 units sold in 2022 alone accounting for 30% of the brand's total sales volume for the year.

Already announced as the strategy that Porsche will adopt once the all-new, all electric Macan range arrives in 2024, the brand is determined to offer its customers. the choice of EV or combustion engine in their SUV range for at least the next four years. With this in mind, and ahead of the reveal of the Cayenne's all-electric future, the existing third-generation car has been treated to what Porsche claims is the most significant model update in the company's history.

WHAT'S NEW?