The Porsche Cayenne->ke212 crossed the Pond to the United States for the 2003 model year, right after the first-generation model was introduced in Europe. The S and the Turbo were the first versions to arrive in North American dealerships. The base V-6 model and the range-topping Turbo S followed up by 2006, when the entire Cayenne lineup became available to U.S. buyers. The second-generation SUV->ke145 came to replace the first Cayenne in 2010, and brought to brand new models along with it. The lineup expanded to receive a hybrid->ke147 model in 2011 and a diesel version in 2013, further increasing the SUVs popularity worldwide.

Going into 2015, the second-gen Cayenne is getting an extensive mid-cycle facelift that includes a lengthy list of visual changes, interior upgrades, and updated powertrains. Slightly more aggressive by design, the facelifted Cayenne is not only about added power. The German SUV also returns improved fuel economy, better performance, and its interior sports more luxury features than ever before. Find out more about it in our full review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Porsche Cayenne.

2015 Porsche Cayenne

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2015 Porsche Cayenne
• Engine/Motor: V6
• Horsepower: 240
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

Although most facelifts bring only minor visual improvements, the 2015 Cayenne is a whole different story. Porsche->ke1 put a lot of effort in revising the second-generation SUV and the result is worthy of a brand-new model. A quick glimpse at the front end reveals a completely redesigned bumper. The grille is now larger and carries a rectangular shape -- the pre-facelift model has a trapezoidal piece -- while the intakes flaking it have also grown in size and have received reshaped air blades. The headlamps are new, as well, and showcase a four-point LED daytime running light configuration and a sportier shape. Down below, a set of revised fog lamps mounted in the redesigned lower apron enhance the Cayenne's new aggressive appearance even more.

The rear end has been subjected to extensive modifications as well. Just like the headlamps, the taillights are brand-new and make use of a three-dimensional effect. The inner halves mounted on the tailgate are much thinner and slightly longer, improving on the Cayenne's already dynamic looks. The license plate recess has been elongated as well, while the horizontal creases in the bumper are more defined for a sportier, yet elegant touch. Rounding off the rear fascia are the newly designed exhaust pipes. Larger than the units seen on the pre-facelift model, the new tailpipes are now integrated in the rear diffuser.

2015 Cayenne Diesel - Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Interior updates are less impressive, but the 2015 Cayenne does come with a couple of new features. The most important addition is the brand-new, multifunction steering wheel. Based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder supercar, it comes with standard shift paddles, additional functions and a sportier design to go with the new exterior. Upgrades continue in the rear compartment with revised seating for better comfort and optional ventilation.

Everything else remains basically unchanged, but that's far from being an issue, as the Cayenne's current cabin is nothing to sneeze at. Customers will get to enjoy the same outstanding level of luxury consisting of high-quality leather, Alcantara-covered surfaces, carbon-fiber and a bevy of convenience features and gadgets.

Drivetrain

There's even bigger news under the Cayenne's hood, where Porsche focused on increasing both performance and fuel efficiency.

The biggest change is the S E-Hybrid model, which comes to replace the S Hybrid. The most efficient SUV of the lineup now benefits from a more powerful electric motor -- output is up from 47 to 95 horsepower -- and Porsche's proven, supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 that's rated at 333 ponies. The combo cranks out 416 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 435 pound-feet of twist from 1,250 rpm, a 36-horsepower and 7-pound-feet improvement over the outgoing model. The oomph enables the hybrid to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 151 mph. When driven in electric-only mode, the plug-in hybrid can travel up to 22 miles and reach a top speed of 77 mph.

Moving over to the Cayenne S, Porsche has increased both performance and fuel efficiency by replacing the 4.8-liter V-8 with a smaller, 3.6-liter V-6. The twin-turbo unit generates 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of twist, a gain of 20 ponies and 37 pound-feet when compared to the V-8. When paired to the standard eight-speed, Tiptronic S transmission, the Cayenne S needs just 5.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, making it nearly half a second faster than the previous Cayenne S. With the optional Sport Chrono package, the 0-to-60 mph sprint drops to 5.1 seconds.

Like the hybrid and the S model, the Cayenne Turbo gained a few ponies. The twin-turbo, V-8-powered SUV now benefits from 520 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, which accounts for a 20-horsepower gain and 37-pound-feet gain in twist as the current model. Additionally, the Cayenne Turbo is an insanely-fast SUV as it can accelerate from naught to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds in standard guise and in 4.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. These mind-boggling numbers come with a top speed of 173 mph.

Moving over to the Turbo S model, its uprated 4.8-liter V-8 cranks out an amazing 570 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Charging from 0 to 60 mph takes only 3.8 seconds, while top speed is rated at 176, figures that make the Turbo S significantly quicker than the Porsche Cayman.

Lastly, the Cayenne Diesel and its turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine come with 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet on tap, which translates into a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph.

2015 Cayenne Diesel - Drivetrain/Specifications

Prices

As expected, this extensive facelift adds a few thousand dollars to the Cayenne's sticker. The Diesel SUV starts from $61,700, up $5,100 compared to the model it replaces, while the Cayenne S retails from $74,100 -- a $7,300 increase. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid can be had for at least $76,400, making it $5,500 more expensive than the S Hybrid, while the Cayenne Turbo fetches from $113,600, up $3,200 when compared to the 2014 model.

U.S. sales of the 2015 Porsche Cayenne commence on November 1st, 2014.

2015 Cayenne - Prices

Competition

BMW X5

The facelifted Cayenne has a still-new BMW X5 to go against once it hits dealerships. Completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, the current X5 boasts the same bold styling, but numerous details upgrade it to BMW's present design language. Higher-quality materials, a general improvement of the comfort level, and updated technology are the main feats highlighting the revised interior.

Engine-wise, U.S. customers now have a choice of three powertrains. The range begins with the sDrive35i and xDrive35i models, which are motivated by a 3.0-liter, inline-six rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line version, the xDrive50i, delivers an impressive 445 horses and 480 pound-feet of torque through its 4.4-liter, V-8 unit. Customers concerned about saving a few bucks at the pump can opt for the xDrive35d, a diesel SUV coming with a 3.0-liter turbo that 255 ponies and 413 pound-feet of twist to the wheels.

The BMW X5 retails from $52,800 and promises to return up to 31 mpg on the highway in diesel guise.

Read our full review on the BMW X5 here.

Mercedes M-Class

The current generation M-Class is also in for a facelift, which is scheduled to arrive for the 2015 model year, just in time to take on the revised Porsche Cayenne. Unlike its German competitor though, the M-Class won't break cover with a major makeover, as Mercedes is only planning minor updates inside and out. While the exterior will only receive slightly updated front and rear fascia, the interior is set to gain the new COMAND infotainment controller and a brand-new steering wheel.

Under the hood, the M-Class will continue with the same engines, although a hybrid version is reportedly in the works. The ML350 will carry on with its 3.5-liter V-6 now rated at 302 horsepower, while the BlueTEC and its 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 will deliver 240 ponies and return up to 28 mpg on the highway. More oomph will come from the ML550, which squeezes 402 horsepower from its 4.6-liter, twin-turbo V-8. Lastly, the ML63 AMG will sit at the top of the lineup with an updated biturbo V-8 and more than 500 horses.

Read our full review on the Mercedes M-Class here.

Conclusion

Already regarded as a sports car among SUVs, the Porsche Cayenne has just become more aggressive and powerful, yet more fuel efficient, by means of this extensive facelift. It's not often we see such a thorough update applied only four years into a model's lifecycle, but the Germans did it to a spectacular extent. Not only has the 2015 Cayenne received a significant visual update, but the engines have been upgraded too, while the Cayenne S gained a new engine altogether. The S E-Hybrid is indeed the most important addition to the lineup, but the output and fuel economy improvements introduced across the lineup will enable the current Cayenne to remain fresh and competitive against its potent rivals.

Spy shots

June 4, 2014 - Revised Porsche Cayenne Caught Testing Again

March 14, 2014 - Porsche Cayenne reveals its new face

January 2, 2014 - Caught in the Cold

The revised version of the current-generation Porsche Cayenne was caught during cold-weather testing. These shots don't show much more than we already know about the upcoming model, but we do get a clearer look at the taillights as they shine through the stickers.