Honda Accord Or Nissan Altima: Which One Does V-6 Better?
A decade ago, both the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima were offered in base four-cylinder versions... Read More
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STYLING | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The new-generation Cayenne looks far smaller than it did before, though this is mostly due to styling magic, notably a lower nose and a forward-raked C-pillar.
Edmunds' Inside Line
The all-new interior mirrors the elegant styling of the Panamera sedan – very upscale and meticulously finished from its beautiful wood and aluminum accents to the leather stitching on the dashboard.
Autoblog
The Panamera cues carry over inside, where the Cayenne bears a striking resemblance to Porsche's four-door gran turismo.
Motor Trend
Contrary to its slight size increase, the new model looks slightly smaller and tidier than its predecessor.
Car and Driver
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne has become a little more svelte in appearance and officially gets all-new sheetmetal, but unless you take a look at a 2010 and 2011 model side by side, the changes are rather subtle. The new version has a new air dam design, different detailing in front and in back, and more curves, with a lower stance being the most noticeable effect. Also, the Cayenne's side pillars have been blacked out, giving it a lower-set look, even if its overall dimensions are about the same, and the front end can readily be distinguished from its new air-dam design.
While the Cayenne might not look that much different from the outside, it's changed significantly inside. The look and feel of the Cayenne's interior has been improved throughout, with the new look borrowed directly from the Panamera. A curvy new instrument panel, with sculpted vertical vents and a screen-based nav system front and center, along with an upwardly sloping center console, together make it feel less drab and more upscale, and it's all accented in nice matte-metallic trim. About the only thing you'll recognize from the former Cayenne inside are the prominent grab handles alongside the center console.
Altogether it looks like a more sophisticated setup and is considerably more coupelike in feel than the former layout. The fit and finish, as well as the up-close look of the materials, now befit a proper luxury vehicle. Exterior cues for the Hybrid are limited to a couple of badges along the front fender, and it's likely only a gearhead would spot the hybrid motor system and clutch pack mounted just behind the engine.
Conclusion
It's hardly an all-new look on the outside, but the significant interior changes given to the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, some borrowed from the stylish new Panamera, make the Cayenne feel much more upscale.
