2019 Porsche Cayenne: Progressive Style and Technological Innovation
German designers rarely make radical changes, favouring constant evolution over revolution. Case in point: the new Porsche Cayenne. For further proof, look no further than BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen!
The 2019 Cayenne is brand new, although it doesn’t appear to be at first glance. Upon closer examination, however, you’ll notice significant differences. The headlights now feature the same technology used in the recent Panamera sedan. The most noticeable difference with the latest Cayenne is the tail end, which now features the same signature strip connecting the two lights seen in the Panamera and 718.
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High-end version for a high-end vehicle
The Turbo version sits at the top of the food chain, at least for now, until the Turbo S comes along. It sets itself apart from the two other variants with larger air intakes. Some prefer the restraint (perhaps restraint isn’t the right term) of the Cayenne and Cayenne S, but choosing the Turbo is a matter of personal preference?not to mention budget. The enormous wheels, even in the basic versions, add to its visual impact.
Whereas they didn’t increase the wheelbase compared to the previous generation, this time the Cayenne is a little longer, going from 4855 mm to 4918 mm. The trunk is 100 litres bigger when the seatbacks are in place, increasing from 670 to 770 litres. However, Porsche neglected to mention that once the seatbacks are lowered, it loses 70 litres (1780 for the 2018 version and 1710 for the 2019).
The Panamera’s influence
The most significant changes were made to the passenger compartment. For example, the console is brand new. Borrowed from the most recent Panamera, it is Porsche’s response to criticism leveled by owners who liked neither its width nor the indecent amount of buttons on it. Thus, the designers created flush, touch-sensitive buttons that react to a simple graze. The result is very nice. These controls are easy to use, though they do require you to take your eyes off the road every time. The handles on either side of the console are back and are still exclusive to the Cayenne.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen overhangs this console with very clear graphics. Moreover, the 2019 Porsche Cayenne is more connected than ever and is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes various apps, such as Amazon Music, Smart Home, Nest and Radio Plus. All these technologies, as well as the Wi-Fi terminal and other modern gadgets are found under Porsche Connect.
It was easier when it was less complicated
Porsche tradition calls for an immense tachometer positioned right in front of the driver. On each side, there’s now a seven-inch high-definition screen that displays a whole lot of information and, if the navigation system is in use, fills in for the 12.3-inch screen. These screens accept several individual profiles and you must absolutely familiarize yourself with all the menus, sub-menus and sub-sub-menus for the multiple functions before hitting the road. You can spend several seconds with your eyes fixed on one of the three screens or one of the numerous buttons precious seconds that would be better spent concentrating on your safety and the safety of others.
Not driving a Cayenne
As you’d expect from a high-end modern vehicle, the 2019 Cayenne is loaded with driving aids. With the simple high-definition back-up camera with optional adaptive cruise control (by the way, automatic distance regulation is available between 30 km/h and a whopping 210 km/h), it is equipped with everything you need for level 3 autonomous driving. Thanks to the navigation data and the Cayenne’s radar sensors and video, Porsche InnoDrive calculates the optimal acceleration and deceleration values for the next three kilometres. That means that if the upcoming curve is too sharp for the vehicle’s current speed, it automatically slows the vehicle down and takes the curve at the correct speed without driver intervention.
Good news for pedestrians and cyclists. Depending on the information received by the front camera and the various sensors, the 2019 Cayenne emits visual and sound warnings for people in vicinity. If the vehicle decides that the distance between it and the pedestrian or cyclist becomes dangerously close, it will brake or even come to a complete stop.
We could fill several more pages listing all the new, sometimes factory-standard, often optional features, technology and changes to the 2019 Cayenne. Lane Keep Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Change Assist, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, LED adaptive matrix headlights (Turbo). Basically, they’ve included everything to make your Cayenne safe - and expensive.
One important question remains: Why would you buy a Cayenne that’s so much fun to drive only to let the vehicle make all the decisions?