As with different automakers, electrification and extra stringent emissions rules steer the destiny of the Porsche V-8 on an analogous course because the analog clock and the cigarette lighter. The totally refreshed 2024 Porsche Cayenne S has all of them, however for a way lengthy?

Utilizing the electric Porsche Taycan for inspiration, the third-generation refresh of Porsche’s bestselling mannequin represents its most important replace because it was launched new in 2002 to the consternation of Porsche purists. It was an unquestionable success, and Porsche wants it to remain that means. The overhauled Cayenne shall be bought alongside the fourth-generation Cayenne, a full battery electric version anticipated for 2026. 

That’s why Porsche revised its powertrains to extend energy whereas decreasing emissions, revamped the inside to switch analog gauges with digital interfaces, and upgraded the suspension to supply extra variability between snug cruising and canyon carving.

I examined the 2024 Porsche Cayenne S in Southern California—the model’s primary U.S. market—and walked away relieved that it was nonetheless the benchmark for the mid-size efficiency SUV. 

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

Porsche Cayenne energy: want a V-8?

Half of the 4 Cayenne fashions supplied in 2024 have V-8 engines, particularly the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo GT. In an automotive twist, the U.S. will get the particular Turbo GT vary topper, not Europe. Emissions rules preclude it from being bought in its house market, in addition to India, Japan, and most Asian markets.  

Bought solely in Coupe kind, the Turbo GT dethrones the Turbo S E-Hybrid as probably the most highly effective Cayenne, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 making 650 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque. In Sport+ mode, it launches the Cayenne from 0-60 mph in simply 3.1 seconds on its approach to an 11.6-second quarter mile. It’s additionally the most costly Cayenne at $197,950. I didn’t take a look at it in and out of doors of Los Angeles.

As a substitute, I examined the projected quantity mannequin, the Cayenne S. It makes use of a closely modified 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 making 468 hp and 442 lb-ft, which is 34 hp and 37 lb-ft greater than the previous V-6 it replaces in Cayenne S fashions. Porsche stated it couldn’t enhance V-6 efficiency and meet emissions rules, so it turned to the brand new V-8 that higher limits emissions and gasoline consumption in excessive energy conditions. 

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

The modifications embody twin single-scroll turbochargers (the GT will get twin-scroll turbos), totally different camshaft positioning sensors, larger strain gasoline injectors, and new electrified wastegates. The bigger, leaner engine improves efficiency in addition to emissions (we’re informed; EPA scores weren’t licensed by press time). The 2024 Cayenne S additionally shaves 0.2 second from its 0-60 mph time, right down to 4.7 seconds or 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package deal. 

My tester had Sport Chrono, and at launch the Cayenne S lifted like a rear-wheel-drive automobile and tickled like a sports activities automotive. Porsche wouldn’t break down what share of torque will get despatched to the rear axle, as a substitute saying that the RWD bias is adaptive however it’s by no means totally 100% on the rear wheels. 

Each Cayenne comes with AWD and a carryover 8-speed computerized transmission. In Sport+ mode, there was the briefest lag that I probably wouldn’t have seen if not for all the electrical vehicles I’ve pushed just lately. The 8-speed allowed the engine to run as much as peak horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and was so in sync with what I meant, on passing strikes uphill or coasting into stops again into L.A., that I didn’t care that the Cayenne has by no means sported Porsche’s unbelievable PDK dual-clutch transmission. 

The brand new V-8’s neatest trick was how quietly it remained within the background. Even below gentle throttle to keep up pace, it emitted solely a gradual, reassuring thrum. Provoke it from Regular to Sport mode, or poke it together with your toe, nevertheless, and the non-compulsory sport exhaust burbles and the engine barks like some well-trained Narco canine let unfastened on a border bust. 

All of the drive modes migrate from the console panel to a dial on the steering wheel, replete with a “Sport Response” button within the middle. Sport Response primarily acts as a bypass from deciding on drive modes: hit the button and for 20 seconds it’ll shift into the bottom gear based mostly on the pace, and the suspension corporations up accordingly. It’s kinda gimmicky however nonetheless enjoyable. The most effective use case for me was in Regular mode and eager to cross a trailer uphill. I hit the button, hit the throttle, and hustled previous the slowpoke in seconds. To return to the earlier mode, I might’ve hit the button once more or waited out the 20 seconds. I waited.  

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

Porsche Cayenne carver

The powertrain was highly effective sufficient to surprise if the Turbo GT was value practically $70,000 greater than the Cayenne S. The Cayenne’s greatest attribute is the way it handles, particularly up and down mountain twisties, and the S actually delivers in that division.

The 2024 Cayenne S begins at $97,350, together with a $1,650 vacation spot charge, however my tester had many efficiency choices commonplace on the Turbo GT, together with 22-inch RS Spyder wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, an air suspension as a substitute of the inventory metal springs, adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, the game exhaust with titanium pipes (chrome suggestions are an EU no-no), and an electronically locking rear differential.

It additionally got here within the $6,400 Coupe physique type, bringing the tester to someplace within the $120,000 vary. Like 30% of Cayenne consumers, I desire the Coupe for its extra proportional appears to be like and its higher really feel behind the wheel. I can’t clarify why. It’s 65 kilos heavier than the SUV and comes commonplace with a panoramic sunroof, and the outward imaginative and prescient over the shoulder is far worse than the SUV, all of which ought to work in opposition to its favor. It doesn’t. 

New two-valve adaptive dampers allow the Cayenne to additional unfold out its persona from Regular to Sport to Sport+. The rebound response stays comparatively unchanged, however the compression charges enhance so at larger speeds it irons out the street with out wrinkling the cabin and at decrease speeds there’s extra of a connection to the street. Mixed with the air springs, it continuously adjusts to what the motive force places down and the way the street hits again. 

The air springs decrease about 0.7 inch in Sport+ mode, down from 8.3 inches. It’s not sufficient to offset the excessive trip top endemic to a crossover SUV, however one of many charms of the Cayenne S is the way it’s in a position to transfer laterally and fore and aft with out ever dropping its middle. A pair instances on a downhill run I felt a bit ahead hop going arduous right into a flip that made me catch my breath, however that was probably as a consequence of bumps within the street; earlier than I might appropriate it, the Cayenne appeared to rebalance itself. 

The brand new management format strikes the suspension settings into the touchscreen, and the brand new interface permits for personalization of drive modes, chassis response, trip heights, and the game exhaust system. I principally let the drive modes on the steering dial deal with themselves and relished the steering really feel itself. Closely weighted however Porsche-precise, the Cayenne S upholds the bar for a way a efficiency crossover ought to really feel within the arms. 

The choices and the V-8 improve, in addition to the revamped inside, made the Cayenne sound and really feel extra like a luxurious automotive than earlier than, nonetheless with a efficiency edge. 

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

Porsche Cayenne: faucets the Taycan inside

Essentially the most pronounced adjustments to the 2024 Cayenne happen in the cabin because the cockpit aligns extra with the electrical Taycan. Porsche swapped out the analog dials and changed them with a 12.6-inch digital cluster providing as much as seven views; they’re crystal clear and loaded with navigation and efficiency knowledge, however they’ll’t fairly match the consumer friendliness of an Audi or the breadth and depth of data of the newest Mercedes’ interface. Porsche flattened the hood that had protected the cluster from glare, and adopted an anti-glare filter from the Taycan that acts like polarized sun shades to remove reflections. The shortage of a hood appears to open up the windshield a bit extra for higher outward imaginative and prescient. 

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

2024 Porsche Cayenne S

A 12.3-inch touchscreen with bigger icons facilities the lengthy and low sprint, and the entrance passenger can zone out to an non-compulsory 10.9-inch touchscreen blocked from the motive force’s view. It could be good if that area might be coated with wooden or metallic trim, as a substitute of the identical black cowl with or with out the touchscreen. 

Seize handles flank the middle console, which has a brand new haptic local weather management panel and fewer muddle than its predecessor. However the panel might use a bit extra refinement to match the remainder of the inside; push the heated seat button, for instance, and the entire panel flexes. 

The gear selector strikes as much as the sprint to the correct of the steering wheel, and the beginning button sits left of the wheel in typical Porsche vogue. It’s neater, cleaner, and extra reliant on digitization, however the analog Sport Chrono clock stays an possibility.

2024 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe

2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

Porsche Cayenne: SUV or Coupe?

Whereas the Cayenne Turbo GT solely comes within the Coupe physique type, the Cayenne S presents an possibility. The Coupe sacrifices 3.2 cubic ft of cargo area behind the 40/20/40-split rear seats. 5 passengers can slot in both, and the Coupe’s 2+2 rear console divider may be swapped out for a center seat at no cost. Both means, 4 adults match high quality, even in Coupe fashions with a typical panoramic sunroof. Rear headroom appears higher than that of the BMW X6. 

Gasoline financial system hasn’t been finalized and Porsche didn’t present any estimates. We’ll see if Porsche maintains its emissions’ standing, or ranges up. One factor I may be positive of is the V-8 within the Cayenne S provides motorheads a cause to have fun, at the very least for some time. 

Porsche supplied airfare and lodging for Motor Authority to current this firsthand report.