CAYENNE COUPE INCOMING
Sleeker, sportier version of Porsche’s big SUV
Remember when BMW’S X6 was the subject of widespread derision among the petrol-sniffing congenscenti? How quickly things change. In fact, if anything Porsche is late to the party with a socalled Coupe version of the Cayenne, what with the X6 first having gone on sale in 2008 and the likes of Mercedes also offering the GLE Coupe since 2015. Arguably, the Jaguar F-pace is also a member of this category, rather than operating in the conventional SUV segment.
Expected to go on sale later this year, the Cayenne model retains a five-door configuration, but does so courtesy of a lower rear roof line for a sportier, sleeker look. However, from the B-pillars forward, the Cayenne coupe will share its panels and doors with the existing third-generation Cayenne, albeit with a bespoke front bumper cover which will help to give the new car its own distinctive style.
It’s also thought the new model will get active aero in the form of a multi-stage rear spoiler. Prototypes hammering round the ’Ring in Germany have been spotted with a pop-up item located on the very rear of the tailgate. However, it looks to be a single piece affair rather than the delightful Autobot-style contraption seen in the latest Panamera Turbo.
Inevitably, the new body style will come at the cost of some interior space. The standard Cayenne offers 770 litres of luggage space and that number will take something of a hit. In all other areas, however, expect the Cayenne coupe to be at least the equal of its conventional SUV sibling. That includes the latest Cayenne upmarket dash, high definition screens and high quality materials.
As a sportier alternative, the coupe is a dead cert to get the 550hp motor from the monstrous Cayenne Turbo, ditto the 440hp Cayenne S. Given Porsche’s recent pivot towards electrification, you can also safely assume that the plug-in clobber from the Cayenne E-hybrid will also make the jump to the coupe. Less certain is the mere 340hp standard Cayenne powertrain, at least at launch.
Pencil the Cayenne Coupe in for availability from this autumn. As for pricing, it won’t be cheap. Positioned slightly above the standard Cayenne, that will mean a base price above £100,000 for the Cayenne Coupe Turbo. Ouch. The Cayenne S, meanwhile, currently clocks in around £67,000. So at launch the new Coupe model may command £70,000 at minimum.