Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offers a range of powerful petrol engines, including advanced E-Hybrid powertrains, all paired with an astute 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

The base Cayenne is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, which produces 348 PS (340 bhp) and 500 Nm of torque. This engine allows the Cayenne to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in approximately 6.0-6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 245-248 kmph.

For those seeking more power, the Cayenne GTS features a more potent 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, delivering 500 PS (493 bhp) and 660 Nm of torque. This V8 offers breathtaking acceleration and a more aggressive exhaust note.

Porsche also offers E-Hybrid variants, which combine powerful petrol engines with electric motors and larger battery capacities (e.g., 25.9 kWh). These E-Hybrid models provide increased system output and significantly extended electric-only range, offering a blend of performance and enhanced fuel efficiency. For instance, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid (globally) combines a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 729 bhp and 950 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful ICE SUV from Porsche.

All engines are paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, known for its quick response times and sporty ratios. The standard all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction and stability across various terrains. Claimed mileage figures for the petrol variants are around 9-11 kmpl, while E-Hybrid models offer impressive combined fuel efficiency.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne is engineered to deliver an exceptional ride and handling experience, truly embodying the "sports car among SUVs" philosophy. This balance is achieved through sophisticated chassis technology and advanced suspension systems.

Adaptive dampers are now standard across the Cayenne lineup, and most trims will have additional performance options. The Cayenne typically features an adaptive air suspension system as standard, often referred to as Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). This system continuously adjusts damping forces to optimize ride comfort and dynamic performance across various driving conditions. Higher-end variants may offer Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), an active anti-roll bar system that virtually eliminates body roll for flatter cornering, and four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability at low speeds and enhanced stability at high speeds.

The electric power steering is precise and communicative, providing excellent feedback and making the Cayenne surprisingly agile for its size. This allows for confident cornering and effortless maneuvering in both urban environments and on winding roads. The ride quality is refined and remarkably supple, absorbing road imperfections with ease, ensuring a comfortable journey for all occupants, even with large wheel sizes. The various driving modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle's characteristics, from a relaxed cruising setup to a more aggressive, performance-oriented tune, stiffening the suspension and sharpening throttle response. The overall result is an SUV that feels incredibly composed and engaging to drive, regardless of the road conditions or the pace.

The interior of the 2025 Porsche Cayenne has been extensively updated, drawing significant inspiration from the Taycan EV sedan to create a more digital and luxurious cabin. It is meticulously designed to provide a sophisticated and driver-focused environment, with ample comfort for five occupants.

The dashboard features a new design with more digital real estate. A curved 12.6-inch fully digital instrument cluster replaces the traditional analog setup, providing customizable views and essential driving information. In the center, a 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen infotainment system is tweaked for better responsiveness and smoother operation. Uniquely, an optional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger is available, allowing them to stream video content or access infotainment functions, with a safety mechanism ensuring it's invisible to the driver.

The gear selector has been moved to the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console for additional storage and a more streamlined look. High-quality materials such as premium leather upholstery, wood, and aluminum finishes are used throughout the cabin, creating an opulent ambiance. Features like 4-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats with massage functions, ambient lighting, and high-quality sound systems (Bose or Burmester options) enhance comfort and entertainment. The seats are highly adjustable, ensuring optimal support for long journeys. Despite its sporty nature, the cabin offers generous space for five passengers, making it a versatile luxury SUV.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Porsche Cayenne has been significantly upgraded, featuring a multi-screen setup that enhances both driver and passenger experience. The central element is a responsive 12.3-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen display, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard.

This system offers intuitive control over navigation, media, and vehicle settings, with improved responsiveness and smoother operation. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for comprehensive smartphone integration. For the driver, a new 12.6-inch curved fully digital instrument cluster provides customizable information and a modern aesthetic, replacing the traditional analog gauges.

A notable optional feature is the 10.9-inch passenger display, which allows the front passenger to access infotainment functions or stream video content independently. Porsche has implemented a safety mechanism to ensure this screen is invisible from the driver's vantage point, preventing distraction. The Cayenne also includes a cooled storage compartment for smartphones with wireless charging (up to 15W), front and rear USB-C ports, and Porsche Communication Management connected car technology. High-quality audio is delivered through optional Bose or Burmester sound systems.

The exterior design of the 2025 Porsche Cayenne undergoes a subtle yet impactful refresh, maintaining its athletic and recognizable SUV silhouette while incorporating modern design cues. The goal is to enhance its presence and align it more closely with Porsche's latest design language.

Key exterior changes include a redesigned front fascia with new, sharper Matrix LED headlights that integrate the DRLs, giving it a more contemporary look. The bonnet design is revised, and the front and rear bumpers are tweaked for better aerodynamics. At the rear, the bulbous taillights are replaced by a new sleek LED taillight design that runs across the width of the tailgate, similar to other modern Porsche models. Customers can also opt for a range of new alloy wheels, typically ranging from 20-inch to 22-inch, which further enhance its sporty stance. The Cayenne's length measures around 4918-4930 mm, width around 1983 mm, and height around 1696-1698 mm, with a wheelbase of 2895 mm. Its ground clearance is approximately 190-215 mm, and boot space ranges from 625 to 770 litres, making it a practical luxury SUV.

Safety in the 2025 Porsche Cayenne is comprehensive, with the vehicle boasting a 5-star NCAP safety rating, underscoring its robust protective capabilities. It is equipped with a wide array of active and passive safety features designed to ensure occupant protection and enhance driving confidence.

The Cayenne typically comes with 9 or 10 airbags, strategically placed to protect occupants in various collision scenarios, including driver, passenger, side, curtain, and knee airbags. Standard safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The Cayenne also features a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include Adaptive Cruise Control with a lane-centering feature, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and assists in keeping the car centered in its lane. Available ADAS features also include Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to warn of vehicles in blind spots or approaching from the side when reversing. Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist further aid in preventing unintentional lane departures. Other notable safety features include ParkAssist (front and rear) with a reversing camera or Surround View for enhanced parking and maneuvering, and Night Vision Assist with an optional infrared camera for improved visibility in low-light conditions. Features like Speed Alert, Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and Pretensioners & Force Limiter Seatbelts are also incorporated for added security.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne operates in the highly competitive luxury SUV segment in India, facing off against a strong lineup of premium vehicles that offer a blend of luxury, performance, and utility. Its primary competitors include:

The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are strong rivals, offering a balance of luxury, comfort, and dynamic performance, with a range of powerful engine options. The Audi Q7 competes with its sophisticated interior, advanced technology, and comfortable ride.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is another significant competitor, known for its blend of British luxury, impressive off-road capabilities, and dynamic on-road performance. Other luxury SUVs like the Maserati Levante also contend in this segment, offering distinctive styling and performance.

Emerging electric rivals such as the Porsche Macan EV (from its own stable) and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV are also entering the market, offering similar luxury and performance in an all-electric package. The Porsche Cayenne differentiates itself with its unwavering commitment to sports car-like driving dynamics, its highly customizable options, and a reputation for being one of the most engaging SUVs to drive. Its range of powerful petrol and E-Hybrid powertrains also sets it apart, offering a compelling balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne continues to solidify its position as a segment leader, perfectly embodying the concept of a high-performance luxury SUV. It successfully blends the exhilarating driving dynamics and precision engineering synonymous with Porsche with the practicality, comfort, and versatility expected of a premium SUV.

For Indian buyers who demand a vehicle that can effortlessly transition between spirited driving, comfortable family transport, and even light off-road adventures, the 2025 Cayenne is an outstanding choice. Its refreshed design, technologically advanced interior, and enhanced powertrain options, including the potent E-Hybrid variants, make it an even more attractive and future-proof proposition. The Cayenne remains a highly desirable and capable SUV, consistently delivering on Porsche's promise of an engaging driving experience.