The Porsche Cayenne S combines even more of the typical Porsche performance with excellent everyday practicality. Its powerful turbo engines, eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, chassis systems and innovative display and control concept with total connectivity takes both sport and comfort to the next level. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the Cayenne S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in under five seconds.

The Cayenne is based heavily on the iconic 911 sports car: The third edition of the SUV, which has also been enhanced visually, now has mixed tires and rear-axle steering for the first time. In addition to these typical sports car features, the on-road capabilities are further improved by active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air suspension and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilization system.

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The appearance of the Cayenne has been enhanced using typical Porsche Design DNA. The enlarged front air intakes are clear indicators of the increased performance. The horizontal light edges mean that the SUV now appears wider and more athletic. With an exterior length increase, and a roof height reduction the elegant, streamlined impression of the Cayenne has been noticeably enhanced. The luggage compartment volume is increased by 100 litres.

The wheels are one inch larger in diameter, with wider tires on the rear axle for the first time, emphasizing the enhanced driving dynamics. The distinctive, three-dimensional Porsche logo spans the redesigned rear lights with three-dimensional light design and end-to-end narrow strip of LEDs.

The Cayenne S is driven by a 2.9-litre V6 engine with twin turbocharging. This engine, which has also been recently developed, delivers 324 kW (440 hp), achieving a torque of 550 Nm – 15 kW (20 hp) more than its predecessor. Accordingly, the vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds (with Sport Chrono Package: 4.9 seconds). The maximum speed is 265 km/h.

The Cayenne’s expanded performance range, improving both sportiness and comfort, is due in no small part to the eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. Shorter response times and sportier ratios in the lower gears enhance both on-road performance and off-road capability. At the other end of the expanded spread between comfort and sportiness, the long-transmission eighth gear ensures low torques, optimized fuel consumption and relaxed driving.

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Even on rough terrain, the Cayenne S provides straightforward driving pleasure. For power distribution, Porsche utilizes the active all-wheel drive in all Cayenne models.

The Cayenne S combines three chassis concepts in one design: sports car, off-roader and touring car. A typical sports car feature is the mixed tires, which are now on wheels of at least 19 inches. The mixed tires improve stability and driving dynamics on bends.

Electric rear-axle steering, tried and tested both in the 911 and the Panamera, improves agility on bends and stability when changing lanes at high speeds. The reduced turning circle also makes everyday handling of the SUV easier.

The optional adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology significantly increases the spread between a sporty, firm connection and the driving comfort expected of a touring car. Just as before, the system enables adjustments to the ground clearance on rough terrain. With the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilization, sporty drivers benefit by changing from a hydraulic to an electric system.

This switch is made possible by a powerful 48-volt vehicle electrical system. Shorter response times enable even more precision in the driving dynamics – and even more comfort on moderate drives.

With the innovative Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB), the sports car manufacturer is once again assuming a pioneering role in the development of high-performance brakes. This world first is available as an option for all Cayenne models and consists of a cast-iron disc with a tungsten-carbide coating.

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The Cayenne S offers even more potential when it comes to sporty performance. Porsche has redeveloped the Sport Chrono Package based on the model of the sports car. The Mode button on the steering wheel is one clear indicator of this approach. As well as the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, the driver can select an individually configurable mode.

Pressing the Sport Response button in the center activates the engine and transmission maps, which are calibrated for maximum performance. The Sport Chrono Package also includes a separate PSM Sport mode, in which the driver can utilize the Cayenne’s full driving dynamics.

Sports cars need a lightweight construction. Following the 911 and the Panamera, the body of the Cayenne also uses an intelligent combination of alloy and steel. The exterior is made entirely of aluminum. The floorpan assembly, front section and virtually all the chassis components are also manufactured from alloy. One particular technical highlight is the innovative lithium-ion polymer starter battery, which alone accounts for a weight saving of 10 kg over the predecessor model.

In total, the weight of the Cayenne when empty has been reduced from 2,040 to 1,985 kilograms – even in spite of the significantly extended standard equipment, which now includes LED main headlights, larger wheels, ParkAssist (front and rear), an LTE telephone module including a WiFi hotspot, Porsche Connect services and anticipatory pedestrian protection.

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The Porsche Advanced Cockpit is fully integrated into the sporty, luxurious atmosphere. At the heart of the display and control concept from Porsche is the 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen. A range of digital functions can be operated intuitively – including by voice control. The standard Porsche Connect Plus allows access to online services and the Internet. This includes the standard online navigation with real-time traffic information.

The analogue controls on the center console are focused on the main functions of the vehicle. Other buttons are harmoniously integrated into the smartphone-like, glass-look touch surface, giving acoustic and haptic feedback when operated. In typical Porsche style, the driver has a central analogue tachometer to view. This is flanked by two 7-inch full-HD displays, which display all other relevant driving data plus additional information selected using the multi-function steering wheel.

Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is one of the most important assistance systems, along with Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist including traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, ParkAssist including Surround View and Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control.

For more on Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, call 1870 870 or visit www.porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Instagram @PorscheCentreKuwait and Facebook: PorscheCentreKuwait.

Photography by Yousef Al Nasser, @Yousefcam on Instagram, for bazaar Studios.