HOW DOES IT APPEAR FROM THE INTERIOR?
As part of the facelift, the Cayenne’s interior received a comprehensive makeover, which amounted to essentially “more screens.” The analog rev counter has been replaced with digital ones that are bookended by digital displays. All of the instruments are now housed in a single 12.6-inch screen that mimics the Taycan’s futuristic cockpit, marking a significant turning point in the Porsche cinematic universe.
There are seven views available, and fortunately, two of them still have straightforward circular dials. You’ll go through everything a few times over and probably end up using things nonetheless. However, BMW could learn a lot from this as the speedometer on the Cayenne is far simpler to read than the one on the X5.
WHAT OTHER NEWS IS THERE?
The previous, cumbersome “key” starter has been replaced, to one side, with a start-stop button. It’s unfortunate that same-old genericism has taken the place of a sentimental bit of Porsche distinctiveness. On the other hand, another Taycan holdover is the gear selector, which now protrudes horizontally from the dashboard. This implies that manual gear shifting is not possible on the stick, but we doubt many Cayenne purchasers will find this bothersome.
If you want to shift gears manually using the paddles, you lock the transmission into manual mode by depressing the lever. Since the gearbox behavior is so well-managed, it’s unlikely that you will.
IS THE INFORMATION VALUE FOR MONEY?
Your primary touchscreen, which is 12.3 inches, is located in the center. It is a crisply drawn, lag-free unit. Although a little tricky in some areas, the dashboard’s “shelf” at least offers a useful handrest. The Cayenne now has an optional 10.9-inch screen in front of the passenger that is coated with a film that blanks out the contents to prevent driver distraction.
The film’s refusal to focus on crispness and resolution while moving really gave us a slight motion sickness. Even though it has a ton of streaming alternatives, we think the majority of travelers will probably rather glance at their phone, where social media and messaging are available in addition to the movies. The optional second screen for the Cayenne is £1,061. That will cover the cost of an eight-year Netflix HD subscription.
The only other changes appear to be new vaneless vents and some updated trim materials, along with an oddly elegant coppery tone that elevates the Cayenne’s otherwise somber atmosphere to opulence akin to that of a Bentley. However, there’s more to note.
The Cayenne is now safer, more manageable, and feels more expensive to drive than many of its competitors thanks to a number of clever design cues, such as the raised gear lever, more storage in the center console, a wireless charging bay that cools down quickly, and the sensible retention of physical climate control switches by Porsche.
IS THERE ANYTHING TO AVOID?
Similar to the modern Macan and Panamera, the shiny center panel of this car appears nice when it’s brand-new but gathers dust and fingerprints rapidly. Even worse, there is a chance of blinding glare, which is another good reason to keep the glass roof’s blinds closed or, better yet, open.
There is enough of stowage robust materials and perceived quality. Adults can easily fit behind adults in the rear seat thanks to the robust headroom, and unless you choose the dingier Coupe with its narrower windows, you will notice a headroom increase over a Macan. Since the hybrid’s battery prevents underfloor storage, Porsche has shrewdly included a little cubbyhole next to the trunk lip where you can at least tuck the cable out of the way. At twice the price of the BMW XM, however, this smart solution isn’t offered.
