2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0L V8 8AT AWD (474 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Porsche refreshed the third generation of its flagship SUV, the Cayenne, in 2013, five years after the model’s introduction at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The German automaker introduced the first generation of the Cayenne in 2002, and it instantly polarized the market. While the brand’s hard-core fans were enraged, the company enjoyed huge sales. Soon, it became the best-selling Porsche vehicle. Fast forward more than two decades, and the third’s generation facelift appeared on the market. But it wasn’t just a slight update, especially for the base version known as the Cayenne S.

One of the most significant upgrades seen on the 2023 model was at the front fascia that sported standard Matrix LED headlights, which were previously offered as an option. In addition, the automaker offered an HD Matrix LED version for those. From its profile, the standard wheels grew in size from 19″ to 20 inches. Finally, at the back, the automaker installed redesigned taillights. A distinctive feature of the vehicle compared to higher-powered Cayenne models was noticed under the bumper, where the carmaker installed rectangular chromed tips for the exhaust system.

Inside, the most significant upgrade was on the dashboard, which sported a completely digital instrument panel complemented by a touchscreen for the infotainment system atop the center stack. Furthermore, the side passenger could access music and other info on a third screen with touch capabilities mounted in front of them. Like its predecessors, the 2023 Cayenne S featured a luxurious interior with bolstered front seats and a split-folding bench seat in the back.

But the most crucial upgrade for the Cayenne S was under the hood. Porsche ditched the formerly used 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and installed a larger turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that produced 34 more PS (33.5 hp). At the same time, torque was raised by 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) for a total of 600 Nm (443 lb-ft). Thus, the 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) time was reduced by 0.2 seconds.