2015 Porsche Cayenne pricing and specifications

Five Cayenne variants will be available from launch: Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Diesel, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, and the flagship Cayenne Turbo.

All Cayenne grades are extensively equipped, and Australian vehicles get extra standard kit compared with other international markets.

The range kicks off with the Porsche Cayenne Diesel that starts at $104,700, up $3600. This new entry model is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that produces 193kW and 580Nm. It claims to sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds and uses 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.

The Cayenne Diesel gets a host of standard features including 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, auto-dimming rear and side mirrors, and a tyre pressure monitor.

A step up to any S variant brings with it a step up in standard equipment, including 20-inch alloys, metallic paint, an electric sunroof, Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and heated front seats.

The entry-level petrol, the Porsche Cayenne S, starts at $139,900 (up $900). Powered by a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged V6, the Cayenne S makes 309kW and 550Nm. It sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds and uses 9.5L/100km.

First fitted under the bonnet of the new Macan, the engine outperforms the V8 it replaces in every key measure and brings with it better chassis balance due to its lighter weight and lower consumption and emissions.

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is priced from $139,200. Unlike the outgoing model (Cayenne S Hybrid), the new model is a plug-in hybrid – the first in the premium SUV segment. Porsche says engineering synergies between the new Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Panamera S E-Hybrid bring with them a significant price reduction of $10,700 over the old non plug-in hybrid Cayenne (not to mention half the price of the Panamera plug-in: $285,300).

The new E-Hybrid Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine that develops 245kW and 440Nm. Additionally, an electric motor churns out 75kW and 310Nm from a standstill. Porsche quotes the maximum power of the complete system as 306kW and 590Nm. These combined figures mean the E-Hybrid is no slouch and scampers from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds and uses only 3.4L/100km combined.

Next up is the Cayenne S Diesel, which is priced from $143,200 (previously $142,300) . The 4.2-litre twin-turbocharged V8 diesel engine makes 283kW and a whopping 850Nm. Its launches from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and uses 8.0L/100km combined.

The range topper from launch will be the Cayenne Turbo. Priced from $230,800 (previously $222,100), the Turbo is powered by 4.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. A special intake manifold with resonance induction helps generate 382kW and 750Nm, helping it race from 0-100km/h in 4.5-seconds and use 11.2L/100km. The Cayenne Turbo gains 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, integrated wheel arch extensions, LED headlights and PDLS as standard equipment.

Diesel Cayennes get a fuel protection system meaning you can’t accidentally fill the tank with petrol. All Cayennes are fitted with a 100-litre fuel tank, except the hybrid, which gets an 80-litre pressure tank.

The petrol engines all employ high-tech direct injection, while the diesel models are fitted with efficient common rail injection. All Cayenne engines are backed by an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with auto stop/start.

Extensive development has gone into the engines to improve overall efficiency with factors such as thermal efficiency and parasitic drag reduced across the range. The extended stop/start system shuts the engine down as soon as the vehicle reaches a slow walking pace, rather than a complete stop. This function can be deactivated via a console-mounted switch, and it’s automatically deactivated in Sport and Sport Plus modes.

All Cayennes also now have the coasting function available on other Porsche vehicles. When the accelerator pedal is released, the Tiptronic S automatically decouples the engaged gear and the vehicle coasts. Press the pedal again, and the correct gear is seamlessly engaged.

The Cayenne S, S Diesel and Turbo models get Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with active all-wheel drive, an automatic brake differential (ABD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR). The Cayenne Diesel and S E-Hybrid shape up as the most capable off road, thanks to their standard system comprising PTM, permanent all-wheel drive, self-locking centre diff, ABD, ASR and variable torque distribution at the rear axle. This clever system selectively brakes the inside wheel through bends to keep the nose pointing exactly where you want it.

Only the entry level Diesel is fitted with steel springs – all other models get air suspension with self levelling and height adjustment as standard. All get the same suite of stability management including Trailer Stability Management. Cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a reverse-view camera are also standard across the range. A 3500kg tow rating is range wide, giving the Cayenne serious potential for towing caravans, car trailers and boats.

Radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning are all optional across the range.

The multi-function sports steering wheel is fitted with paddle shifters and is trimmed in smooth leather, with all models except Diesel also getting a heated rim. Porsche Communication Management is standard with a hard drive navigation module. The base Diesel misses out on the 585-watt Bose Surround Sound System with 14 speakers that all other Cayennes get, but will be optional for the price leader.

As you’d expect of a large SUV, the Cayenne has plenty of luggage space, with 580 litres available with the second row in the upright position. Lay the second row seats down and that expands to 1690L. Australian Cayennes get rear privacy glass standard.

A three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty is also standard across the range.

The 2015 Porsche Cayenne will go on sale in Australia in the second week of November. Stay tuned over the coming days for our international launch drive review from Spain.

2015 Porsche Cayenne pricing (plus on-road costs):

Porsche Cayenne Diesel - $104,700
Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid - $139,200
Porsche Cayenne S - $139,900
Porsche Cayenne S Diesel - $143,200
Porsche Cayenne Turbo - $230,800