Porsche will unveil the revolutionary new Cayenne with a groundbreaking display and control concept at the Shanghai Motor Show on the 18th. The ‘Porsche Driver Experience’ signifies a fully digital display, enhanced personalization, and intuitive operation. The core of the functionality is driver-centric, with key control functions grouped around the steering wheel, providing a fresh and driver-focused driving experience.
The deluxe cockpit, borrowing elements from the electric sports car Taycan, is applied for the first time in the new Cayenne among Porsche’s internal combustion engine vehicles. It includes a so-called curved and standalone design of the digital instrument cluster with variable display options, a redesigned center console, and the latest generation steering wheel.
The automatic gear selector is positioned to the right of the steering wheel, creating space in the center console for a large air conditioning controller with an elegant black panel design.
Both drivers and passengers will experience a completely revamped cockpit in the new Cayenne. The enhanced driver-centric concept combines new interactive elements to provide a novel driving experience for passengers as well.
Passengers can experience a completely new interaction with the vehicle and the driver through an optional passenger display. Optimized connectivity features complete the new interior concept.
The instrument cluster boasts a modern and slim design with a 12.6-inch curved digital display that lacks a hood cover. Depending on the equipment level, drivers can choose from up to seven views on the display. Features such as the tachometer, online navigation, night vision assist, or 3D driving support can all be prominently displayed. Reduced views and a classic mode are also available, with the classic mode digitally embodying Porsche’s traditional five circular instrument design.
The essence of the new Porsche Driver Experience is a perfect balance between digital and analog. All control functions that are crucial to the driving experience are grouped around the steering wheel. Just like other Porsche vehicles, the engine start button is located to the left of the steering wheel. In the new Cayenne, the gear selector is positioned between the display cluster and the center display, on the right of the steering wheel, freeing up space for analog controls in the center console and the new large air conditioning control panel. Additionally, a completely redesigned control lever for the driver assistance system is included in the new Cayenne’s steering wheel.
The new multifunctional sports steering wheel is derived from the steering wheel used in the Porsche 911, boasting a more luxurious, modern, and sporty design that has been newly updated compared to previous models. A driving mode switch allowing immediate selection of Normal, Offroad, Sport, and Sport Plus modes is provided as standard. New toggle buttons on the steering wheel allow selection of dashboard features and designs, and an optional head-up display can also be operated through the steering wheel.
The air conditioning control panel on the center console features a glass surface with a black panel design, providing a luxurious feel. Intuitive operation buttons allow fast and easy control of the air conditioning settings. The combination of touch recognition and haptic feedback from mechanical switches, along with a physically operable volume controller, satisfies both tactile and aesthetic preferences.
The high-resolution 12.3-inch central display serves as the control center for Porsche Communication Management (PCM). As before, drivers can operate various driving and convenience features, as well as the standard-equipped online navigation and multimedia functions via PCM. A newly available 10.9-inch passenger-integrated display allows passengers to manage navigation or select media services, lightening the driver’s burden. Special film applied to the passenger display prevents distraction to the driver by blocking video playback that is visible only to passengers.
The Porsche Cayenne stands out as the sportiest model in its segment, with its interior reflecting this characteristic. The sporty atmosphere harmonizes dynamic functionality, luxurious comfort, and characteristic Cayenne design elements. Porsche introduces the new control method for the new Cayenne through a clearly defined design emphasizing width. The dashboard, center console, and even the inside upper part of the doors are completely revamped. The horizontal alignment of the dashboard is further accentuated, making the interior appear more spacious, while elegantly designed vents are aligned vertically in typical Cayenne style. Additionally, for the first time, Porsche has eliminated louvers from all air outlets in the cockpit.
The connectivity features of the new Cayenne have been further enhanced. A wireless charging and cooling smartphone holder comes as standard, capable of charging up to 15 watts through cooling. Expanded integration of online services provides new interactions such as operating functions via Siri voice assistant. Additionally, the front storage compartment has been updated with two USB-C ports, and two USB-C ports have been added to the rear of the center console.
All USB ports support fast charging, and the front ports allow connection to smartphones and Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Smartphone pairing can be accomplished by scanning the QR code displayed on the PCM. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integration apps like Spotify and Apple Music are available.
Through the new in-car video functionality, streaming platform ScreenHit TV content can be directly viewed on the PCM. Videos can be watched on the central display while the car is stationary and on the passenger display while driving.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr