Unveiled: India-bound 2018 Porsche Cayenne is more than just a facelift

Porsche has just unveiled the third-generation model of one of its most successful vehicles, the Cayenne. While the exterior of the new Porsche Cayenne looks like it's received just a facelift, the brand has made a slew of changes to the mechanicals. The new car is based on the MLB architecture, which also underpins SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga. Two variants will be launched initially, the Porsche Cayenne and the Cayenne S. The standard Porsche Cayenne will get a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol that produces 340PS (40PS more than before) and 450Nm. Porsche says that it will do 0-100kmph in 6.2 seconds (5.9 seconds with the optional Sports Chrono Package), with a top speed of 245kmph. The Porsche Cayenne S will get a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 petrol which makes 440PS (20PS more than before) and 550Nm. Porsche claims it will hit a top speed of 265kmph, while 0-100kmph comes up in 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with the optional Sports Chrono Package).

The new Porsche Cayenne retains the silhouette of the old car, but features a host of changes underneath

Both variants get a new 8-speed gearbox which according to Porsche, have shorter response times and sportier ratios. The eighth gear ratio however, is longer for better a more relaxed drive and better fuel efficiency. Also contributing to better efficiency is the reduced weight – the new Cayenne is 55kg lighter than before. This, thanks to the all-aluminium exterior, and a lithium-ion polymer starter battery which alone saved 10kg. The new Cayenne also features the Porsche Traction Management system which works with the all-wheel-drive system to distribute power to each of the axles according to the terrain and the selected mode. There are five drive modes to choose from – Onroad, Mud, Gravel, Sand and Rocks.

The new Porsche Cayenne is 63mm longer, 44mm wider and 9mm lower than before

Porsche has developed a new lightweight chassis base, and the front axle features a separated link design while the rear gets a multi-link rear axle. Porsche has also added rear-wheel steering to the Cayenne, a system which can also be seen in the 918, 911 and the Panamera. Porsche will also be offering adaptive air suspension as an option on the new Cayenne. It features a new three-chamber technology which "significantly increases the spread between a sporty, firm connection and the driving comfort expected of a touring car." Also optional is the Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, which uses a cast-iron disc with a tungsten-carbide coating. This coating is said to increase friction and at the same time, reduce wear and brake dust.

The taillights on the new Porsche Cayenne resemble the units on the Panamera

Coming to the design, Porsche has kept the overall silhouette of the outgoing model, but updated the finer details like the grille, bumpers and the lights. The interior meanwhile, receives the biggest change. Gone is the array of buttons around the centre console and gear lever. Instead, Porsche has given a haptic feedback-enabled touchpad like the one in the Porsche Panamera, which works like Apple's 3D Touch technology. There's also a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system while the instrument cluster, has two 7-inch displays flanking the analogue rpm meter.

The interior of the new Porsche Cayenne see a lot of change, with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen unit and a haptic touchpad to replace all the buttons

Porsche is available to order now in Germany at €74,828 (Rs 56.98 lakh) for the standard Cayenne while the Cayenne S is priced at €91,964 (Rs 70.03 lakh). The new Porsche Cayenne is expected to be launched in India early in 2018.