Believe it or not, the Porsche Cayenne is nearly two decades old. It does not seem like that long ago that Porsche enthusiasts were alarmed by the marque’s introduction of an SUV – a bulky family-sized vehicle that was diluting the hallowed 911 bloodline. But that was all the way back in 2003 when it was a forerunner of the performance SUV segment, and since then the Porsche Cayenne has proven itself time and time again. Not only has it done so in a consolidation of Porsche’s motor sports chops, it has also become a darling for its over one million owners – its millionth unit rolled off the production line in December last year. Its fabled capacity enables families to easily carry out day-to-day tasks, while those on recreation can onload all manner of golf bags, bicycles and gear for their leisure pursuits.
Its been three generations since, but the Porsche Cayenne is still the same at its core – albeit with the many incremental improvements that the marque typically applies to its products. The Cayenne is a five-seater with enough room to stretch out and a seating height still high enough for a commanding sightline. It has a willing and efficient 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged V6, capable of 335bhp. The maximum torque of 450Nm is hit as early as 1,340rpm, making it even-tempered and responsive, which is always welcome for drivers who like to be in control.
With the current SST exemption which runs till 31 December 2021, the base Cayenne is attractively priced at RM665,000 and includes an additional Premium Package with over RM83,655 worth of options at no extra cost.
The aforementioned Premium Package includes additional comfort and performance upgrades, including surround-view camera, Bose surround sound system, 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, and self-levelling, adaptive air suspension that will adjust the ride height at the touch of a switch – not to mention four years of warranty and free service. It also includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), an electronic damping control system that adjusts the damping force on each wheel according to driving style and road conditions to increase stability and comfort. Optional performance upgrades include rear-wheel steering, and an active anti-roll system in Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).
Despite all the available technology between driver and road, the Porsche Cayenne maintains the organic poise that the marque is so famous for. It is no 911 – the weight and height dictate that – but its heritage comes through with every balanced, well-handled corner, and a road connection not far removed from a sports car. This all means that the Porsche Cayenne is that it is more fun than an SUV has any right to be.
ENGINE 3.0-litre, V6, turbocharged
POWER 340hp at 5,300 – 6,400rpm
TORQUE 450Nm between 1,340 and 5,300 rpm
0-100KM/HR 6.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 245km/h
TRANSMISSION 8-speed Tiptronic S
BOOT SPACE: 770 litres (1,710 litres with rear bench seats down)
PRICE RM665,000 (base model) – with the SST exemption until 31 Dec 2021.
A new enhanced Cayenne Premium Package, announced in October 2020, includes RM83,655 worth of options (at no extra cost to the purchase price) comprising;
- ParkAssist with reverse camera and Surround View
- 14-way electric front seats with memory package
- Ambient lighting package
- LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
- Adaptive air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
- BOSE Surround Sound System
- 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels
Schedule a test drive at your nearest Porsche Centre.
Video: Eugene Low / UG Pictures
