In this article
The Porsche Cayenne, unveiled in 2002, was Porsche’s first SUV — and one of the most controversial and successful decisions in the company’s history. Purists were horrified that the maker of the 911 would build a heavy family vehicle, but the Cayenne sold in huge numbers, transformed Porsche’s finances and funded the development of its sports cars. Now in its third generation with hybrid versions, it is being joined by a fully electric Cayenne.
At a glance
| Generation | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First (955/957) | 2002–2010 | Developed with the VW Touareg |
| Second (958) | 2010–2017 | Lighter, first Cayenne hybrid |
| Third (9Y0) | 2017–today | Coupé version; E-Hybrid performance models |
| Electric | Mid-2020s | New dedicated electric Cayenne |
A company in need
In the early 1990s, Porsche was in financial trouble, dependent on sports cars whose sales rose and fell with the economy. The Boxster (1996) helped, but management saw that SUVs were the fastest-growing luxury segment, especially in the U.S.
Built with Volkswagen
Porsche developed the Cayenne jointly with Volkswagen, which used the same basic platform for the Touareg (and later Audi used it for the Q7). Bodies were produced by VW in Bratislava, Slovakia, and final assembly with Porsche engines took place at a new Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany.
Performance SUV
The Cayenne Turbo’s twin-turbo V8 made it one of the fastest SUVs of its time, and it could genuinely drive off-road with a low-range transfer case in its first generation. The Cayenne proved that an SUV could handle like a sports sedan.
Generations
The second-generation Cayenne (2010) was lighter and more efficient and added Porsche’s first hybrid SUV. The third generation (2017) introduced the Cayenne Coupé and powerful plug-in E-Hybrid models.
The electric Cayenne
Porsche has developed a new all-electric Cayenne on a dedicated platform, sold alongside combustion and hybrid versions, following the electric Macan.
Legacy
Today SUVs make up the majority of Porsche’s sales. Without the Cayenne, the modern Porsche — including the Panamera and Taycan — might not exist. Read the Porsche history and the Porsche Taycan.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
When did the Porsche Cayenne come out?
It was unveiled in 2002 and went on sale as a 2003 model.
Is the Cayenne the same as a VW Touareg?
They were developed together and share a platform, but have different bodies, engines, tuning and interiors.
Did the Cayenne save Porsche?
Its strong sales transformed Porsche’s finances in the 2000s and funded the development of its sports cars.
