Porsche is set to redefine in-car experience with the unveiling of the new Cayenne at the Auto Shanghai show on April 18th. This latest iteration of the Cayenne Porsche introduces a groundbreaking display and control concept known as the Porsche Driver Experience, promising a fully digital interface, extensive personalization, and intuitive operation. The design philosophy centers around the driver, placing all essential controls strategically around the steering wheel for a more engaging and intensive driving sensation.
Drawing inspiration from the all-electric Taycan, this luxury cockpit marks the debut of similar digital elements in a combustion engine Porsche. Key highlights include a free-standing, curved digital instrument cluster offering diverse display options, a redesigned center console, and a state-of-the-art steering wheel. The gear selector has been relocated to the right of the steering wheel, freeing up space on the center console for a sleek, black panel design air conditioning controller. An optional passenger display elevates in-car interaction, while enhanced connectivity features complete this innovative interior design.
Driver-Centric and Interactive: The New Cayenne Porsche Cockpit Experience
Both drivers and passengers will be immersed in the completely redesigned cockpit of the new Cayenne Porsche. It masterfully blends an intensified focus on the driver with interactive elements that bring the passenger into the heart of the driving experience. The instrument cluster is now a fully digital, free-standing 12.6-inch curved display, eliminating the need for a traditional hood and lending a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Drivers can personalize their display with up to seven different views, depending on the vehicle’s configuration.
Options range from prioritizing the rev counter and online navigation to displaying Night Vision Assist or the 3D driving assistance system. For those who prefer a minimalist approach, a reduced view and a classic mode are also available, the latter reimagining Porsche’s iconic five-tube instrument cluster design for the digital era.
A defining characteristic of the new Porsche Driver Experience in the Cayenne Porsche is the careful balance between digital innovation and tactile, analogue controls. All controls crucial for driving dynamics are strategically positioned around the steering wheel. Staying true to Porsche heritage, the engine start button remains to the left of the steering wheel. The gear selector’s new position to the right of the steering wheel, between the instrument cluster and central display, allows for a redesigned center console. This now features a large air conditioning control panel with physical controls and increased storage capacity. Porsche has also integrated the control lever for driver assistance systems directly onto the steering wheel in this new Cayenne Porsche.
The multifunction sports steering wheel, inherited from the 911, has been thoroughly refined, boasting a high-quality, contemporary, and sporty design. A standard feature is the driving mode switch on the steering wheel, enabling quick selection of Normal, Offroad, Sport, and Sport Plus modes. The steering wheel also houses the new toggle button for navigating instrument cluster functions and designs, as well as controls for the optional head-up display.
The center console of the Cayenne Porsche showcases a new air conditioning control panel with a sophisticated black panel design and glass surface, enhancing the interior’s premium feel. The clearly organized control surface ensures quick and intuitive adjustments to air conditioning settings. The system combines touch recognition and haptic feedback with mechanical air conditioning switches and a physical volume controller, offering both tactile satisfaction and aesthetic appeal.
The high-resolution 12.3-inch central display serves as the command center for Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Drivers can access a wide array of driving and comfort functions, along with standard online navigation and multimedia features, just as before. A novel addition to the Cayenne Porsche is the optional 10.9-inch passenger display. This extra touchscreen empowers the front passenger to assist the driver, for instance, by managing navigation or selecting media. A specialized film ensures the driver’s view remains unobstructed, allowing video streaming on the passenger display without causing distraction.
A Synthesis of Luxury and Sportiness in the Cayenne Porsche Interior
The Porsche Cayenne firmly holds its position as the sportiest vehicle in its class, a characteristic clearly reflected in its interior design. The cabin atmosphere masterfully blends sporty dynamism, functional design, luxurious comfort, and signature Cayenne Porsche styling cues. Porsche introduces the new control concept within the new Cayenne Porsche in a clean, expansive design language that emphasizes width. The entire instrument panel, center console, and upper door interiors have been completely reimagined. The dashboard’s enhanced horizontal orientation visually broadens the interior space. Elegant, vertically aligned air vents maintain the classic Cayenne aesthetic. Notably, Porsche has innovated by designing all cockpit air outlets without louvres for the first time.
Enhanced Connectivity Features in the Cayenne Porsche
Porsche has significantly elevated the connectivity features in the new Cayenne Porsche. A cooled smartphone storage compartment with inductive charging now comes as standard. The cooling system enables optimized charging at up to 15 watts. Expanded online service integration unlocks new levels of interaction, including using the Siri voice assistant to control vehicle functions.
Further enhancing connectivity are two USB-C ports in the front storage compartment and an additional two USB-C ports in the rear center console area. All USB ports support fast charging, with the front ports also enabling smartphone connection to Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Pairing a smartphone is streamlined by simply scanning a QR code displayed in the PCM. This unlocks a wealth of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, as well as integrated apps like Spotify® and Apple Music®.
The new In-Car Video function allows video streaming directly through the PCM via Screenhits TV®, viewable on the central display when stationary and on the passenger display while driving, offering a complete entertainment experience within the Cayenne Porsche.
