Porsche Spied Preparing Cayenne For A Refresh

We’ve known for a while now that Porsche is preparing to unleash the next-generation Macan, which will be sold with an all-electric powertrain for the first time in the model’s history. But what about its bigger brother, the Porsche Cayenne? The current-generation model has only been on sale in the US since 2019, so it seems too early for a new model. Instead, to keep the SUV looking fresh, Porsche is giving the Cayenne a facelift, which has been spied undergoing prototype testing for the first time.

The prototype appears to be uncamouflaged and looks like the current model, but Porsche has strategically taped up the headlights to make them look like the current design.

Porsche isn’t fooling anyone, however, and it’s clear the updated model will sport significantly slimmer headlights, making the Cayenne look more contemporary. Porsche has applied a similar tactic to disguise the redesigned bumper. Elsewhere, the hood appears to be more sculpted.

At the back, prototype taillights suggest the rear lights will be redesigned and the license plate has been moved from the tailgate to the new rear bumper. These subtle styling changes should help keep the SUV looking fresh to fight the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE for a few more years before the all-new model arrives.

As for the cabin, the updated Cayenne is expected to get a new-look center console and shifter to match the design in the new 911.

As with many mid-cycle updates, the cabin could also be updated with a larger touchscreen. For reference, the current Cayenne is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard. Expect these updates to be applied across the Cayenne range, including the Cayenne Coupe.

We aren’t expecting any powertrain changes, however. Under the hood, the current Cayenne already has plenty of power, with the Cayenne Turbo model producing 541 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Adding an electric motor increases the output to 670 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque in the range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Judging from the prototype’s stage of development, the new Porsche Cayenne facelift could break cover later this year, but we’ll have to wait for an official announcement from Porsche.