April 3rd 2023
As the automotive world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Porsche Cayenne’s debut at the upcoming Shanghai auto show, Porsche aficionados and critics alike are abuzz with the myriad of changes expected as part of a mid-cycle refresh. Yet, as the full reveal on April 18 inches ever closer, Porsche tantalizes enthusiasts with a sneak peek at the Cayenne’s ingeniously reimagined interior, inspired by the technologically-advanced screen-laden scene of the Taycan EV.
Upon entering the updated Cayenne, the driver is confronted with a mesmerizing 12.6-inch curved display that serves as the gauge cluster, marking a significant departure from the now-obsolete large centrally mounted tachometer. Porsche is quick to assert that the decision to go fully digital was not made without careful deliberation, emphasizing the newfound flexibility this setup provides for the future while maintaining its time-honored heritage, albeit with a digital twist. The latter is alluded to by the incorporation of a classic view that transforms the screen into Porsche’s iconic five-tube instrument panel, lending a sense of familiarity to an otherwise boldly innovative redesign.
Renowned for its steadfast adherence to tradition, Porsche remains firmly rooted in its heritage, exemplified by its unswerving commitment to positioning the ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel. However, in a nod to modernity, the brand has introduced a new, 911-inspired steering wheel, replete with a cutting-edge drive-mode selector that has become the de facto standard. While the purists might be somewhat disenchanted to learn of the Cayenne’s traditional transmission shift lever being supplanted by a diminutive mechanism situated on the dashboard’s right-hand side, Porsche contends that its customers will appreciate the considerable space savings it offers, regardless of the aesthetic implications.
In spite of its abandonment of certain conventional elements, the updated interior of the Cayenne still incorporates a volume knob, as well as a selection of physical controls for the HVAC system, a testament to Porsche’s enduring reverence for the past. A cluster of switches and touch-sensitive buttons endowed with haptic feedback can be found on the center console. These controls allow drivers to manipulate climate settings, which are communicated via a series of reimagined air vents, notable for their unprecedented lack of louvers.
The Porsche Cayenne’s latest iteration boasts a new and improved dashboard, the centerpiece of which is a titanic 12.3-inch touchscreen, functioning as the nucleus of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system. This latest rendition of the PCM infotainment system incorporates all of its predecessor’s bells and whistles, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that drivers have access to the latest technology at their fingertips.
In addition to the central screen, Porsche has added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen, a novel addition situated on the passenger side of the front compartment, which cannot be viewed by the driver owing to safety concerns. In-dash displays, according to Porsche, now have the ability to stream movies, albeit when the vehicle is not in motion, strictly abiding by safety regulations.
The 2024 Cayenne’s interior has undergone a variety of additional changes, such as a cooled smartphone storage bin with wireless charging and the inclusion of an extensive range of recognizable voice commands, making the driver’s experience that much more pleasant. Additionally, several newly added USB-C ports enable drivers to remain connected to the digital world as they navigate the roads in style.
Source and Images: Car&Driver