Porsche Cayenne facelift India review, test drive

But, as before, the highlight of the Cayenne remains its driving experience. While the 3.0-litre
V6 diesel has been tweaked, it doesn’t see a bump up in power (245bhp) or torque (56kgm). Not that it matters much, solely because of the remarkably linear and effortless manner with which the engine pulls the Cayenne forward. Performance is brisk while the quick-shifting eight-speed gearbox lets you make the most of the powerband. If anything, it’s the slightly gruff albeit muted soundtrack from the engine that will give you reason to complain.

Of course, like any Porsche sportscar, the Cayenne too is best experienced when attacking corners. With the Porsche Active Suspension Management (adaptive dampers, in plain English) set to their new Sport Plus setting, the Cayenne changes direction with uncanny precision and minimal body movement. The steering could do with some more weight, but it’s beautifully accurate nonetheless. Unfortunately, even with the dampers at their softest, the Cayenne rides with that ever-present hint of firmness we’re forced to accept from European cars. But it’s not a deal breaker in the least. All-wheel drive and six-step adjustable ride height also make the Cayenne fairly adept off road. Though, with only a space saver for a spare wheel, it’s best not to venture too far off.

Still, the Cayenne retains all that’s made it the massive success that it is. It’s fantastic to drive even in relatively humble Diesel form, beautifully built and now even more comfortable. The additional equipment it comes with now also offsets the price increment to some extent. To the average luxury SUV buyer willing to stomach the Cayenne’s substantial price, it remains a great SUV to buy.

But for driving enthusiasts, the smaller, lighter and generally more exciting Macan is still the Porsche SUV we’d recommend, limited rear seat space and poor value for money be damned.

Nikhil Bhatia