Petrol Cayenne undergoes refresh ahead of EV launch

Porsche is making minor changes to its Cayenne just a year after its most recent update. That’s because it will sell alongside the upcoming EV version of its popular family-sized luxury SUV.

A prototype was snapped sporting a new front grille that resembles that fitted to the latest Porsche 911. 

The preproduction unit also featured protruding foglights, although they are unlikely to adorn the vehicle once it is greenlighted for manufacture.

It’s likely, according to Autocar UK, that this minor update brings styling into line with that of its upcoming stablemates. Porsche has said that the petrol Cayenne will sell alongside its electric sib into the next decade.

Read our review of the Cayenne GTS

The prototype may also be testing engines revised to meet the Euro 7 emissions regulations. These come into effect from 1 July this year. That includes the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8.

To keep up with the new Macan Electric, Porsche gave the Cayenne the option of a three-screen layout in 2024 (a passenger 10.9-inch display). This is set to continue with the updated model. 

The existing powertrains will also likely carry over in the updated Cayenne. These include the 260kW 3.0 turbocharged V6, the 346kW E-Hybrid with 64km of EVing possible, and the Cayenne S with its 387kW twin-turbo 4.0 V8. The most potent variant is the E-Hybrid with 543kW.  

Cayenne was Porsche’s best seller in 2024 so it’s no surprise that petrol and electric variants will sell alongside one another in the foreseeable future.