Porsche Cayenne

Cayenne highlights

Porsche has unveiled the third generation of its flagship SUV, the Cayenne. At the time of launch it will be available in two variants - Cayenne and the Cayenne S. Both will be powered by a newly developed V6 petrol engine, which will be coupled to an all-new 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Porsche's all-wheel-drive system.

While the standard Cayenne will feature a turbocharged, 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 340PS/450Nm, the 'S' variant will be powered by a twin-turbocharged, 2.9-litre V6 engine generating 440PS/550Nm. Porsche claims that the standard Cayenne can complete the 0-100kmph sprint in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 245kmph. The Cayenne S, on the other hand, can accelerate from naught to 100kmph in 4.9 seconds and top out at 264kmph.

The new-gen Cayenne stands nearly 65kg lighter than its predecessor, even after carrying more standard equipment than before. The SUV will be offered with optional rear-wheel steering, Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) tech and a lithium-ion battery that saves nearly 10kg of weight,

As far as gadgets are concerned, the new Cayenne will feature a 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and real-time traffic information, two 7.0-inch full-HD displays accompanying the centrally located analogue tachometer for the driver's instrument cluster, night vision assist with thermal imaging, adaptive cruise control and park assist with surround view.

The car will reach US dealerships in mid 2018. India is likely to get the new Cayenne soon after as Porsche has always brought its cars onto our shores as CBUs.

Once launched, it will lock horns with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, BMW X5 and the Volvo XC90.