Porsche Malaysia Archives

Review: New Porsche Taycan – Electrifyingly Good!

When Porsche first introduced its first all-electric model, the Taycan, it was met with mixed reactions. For some, it was a step into the future for the legendary brand with technology derived from its motorsport exploits, particularly the 24 hours of Le Mans. Afterall, Porsche has had tremendous success at the legendary endurance race for nearly a century.

For others, Porsche had lost the plot with the Taycan.

For some fans, the German sports car maker is known for its boxer engines, and also happens to build some of the best SUV’s in the industry, so it should continue building just that.

For hardcore fans Porsche is the 911, the Boxster, the Cayman, the Cayenne and the Macan. For them, Porsche has no business producing electric vehicles. Hybrids was as far as they should go since that is what the company used in motor racing as well.

But the naysayers had always put down Porsche’s future models. The antagonism was at its height when Porsche wanted to introduce the Boxster. Fans were up in arms against it, but the Boxster ended up saving the company from bankruptcy.

Porsche fans once again had their pitchforks and torches in the air when it introduced the Cayenne. And despite initial scepticism, the success of the Cayenne provided much needed funding for the company to continue racing.

But the most successful Porsche in terms of sales is the Macan. It is the best-selling Porsche model of all time, and yes it too was met with cynicism from the fanbase in its early years.

Then came the Taycan in 2019. Despite all the negativity levelled against it, the Taycan outsold the 911 in 2021. That was not a difficult milestone to achieve though because the 911, Porsche’s halo car, was already outsold first by the Cayenne and later by the Macan.

But for an all-electric model to outsell the car that arguably defines Porsche is quite shocking. But is it really?

China is Porsche’s biggest market by far, and the Chinese market is all about electric powertrains due to government legislations. So, it is quite natural for the Taycan to do well there.

Besides China, the United States too is a big fan of the Taycan as well and in 2022, Porsche sold a near equal number of Taycan’s in China and the United States.

According to Porsche’s own media site and an interview with the former CEO of Porsche China by CarNewsChina.com, Porsche sold 7,315 Taycan’s in China and 7,271 units in the United States.

Canada and Europe are the other big markets for the Taycan.

And then sales plummeted by a staggering 51% by early 2024, forcing Porsche back to the drawing board to rethink its strategies.

In 2022, Porsche set out a rather ambitious goal, the company said that it half of its cars sold in 2025 will either be plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEV). And that by 2030, a staggering 80% of Porsche cars sold will be BEV’s.

But with declining, Porsche announced in early 2024 that it will re-strategize its goals and will instead focus on hybrids and internal combustion engines once again since that is what its customers want.

But that does not mean that Porsche has abandoned the Taycan, in fact the company has introduced the latest version of it. Porsche does not like to use the term facelift, but rather calls it an evolution of the original, and we have driven it.

Porsche Malaysia organised a drive to Kuantan for select members of the Malaysian motoring media. The drive, called the Taycan E-xperience, involved putting the long-distance capability of the Taycan to test. The route was from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, to Genting Highlands and back to our starting point at Saujana Hotel.

What’s new and why is it a big deal?

The Taycan is a big deal because it is a Porsche and that means status. It is a big deal because there are few other brands that have the heritage and sporting pedigree of a Porsche. It is also a big deal because despite it being a heavy electric vehicle, it is capable of some ferocious performance very much expected of a Porsche.

The new Taycan builds on that and though it looks the same from the outside there are some minor updates, particularly the new front bumper that has lost the black tear that drips from the headlights to the side air vents.

The headlights too have been revised and now come with quad-projector matrix LED’s as an option. Also optional is the Porsche logo in the rear light strip that now features a three-dimensional, glass-look design that can also be illuminated.

Other than that, though, the key updates are under the skin. For example, the new Taycan is now lighter than before thanks to clever weight savings around the car.

But being a Porsche, you can customise your Taycan whichever way you want. And that is what makes Malaysian Taycan’s so unique because it already has an extensive list of standard equipment before any customisation.

The list of standard items for the new Taycan include air suspension, ambient lighting, Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM), a redesigned cooling system for better battery thermal management, and electrically opening charging ports on the driver and front passenger side.

The list continues with 20-inch wheels offered as standard as well, and ParkAssist with Surround View.

Inside, the new Taycan comes with electrically folding exterior mirrors with mirror surround lighting, a cooled smartphone tray for wireless charging and Drive Mode Select Switch as standard.

Topping that off is the Advanced Climate Control functions, 14-way comfort seats with memory function for both driver and front passenger, and a BOSE surround sound system.

And in case you are wondering, you must pay for these in some markets. The fact that these are offered as standard equipment in Malaysia is impressive.

The real star of the show for the Malaysian Taycan though is the suspension system as it now comes with the latest generation Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as standard.

The latest version of this system comes with a two-chamber air suspension and two-valve damper technology. This works to ensure that the car always remains glued to the road, providing the driver with remarkable precision by responding to steering input without lag or delay. All of this while maintaining comfort for all passengers.

What about power and performance?

There’s a hike of course. The base Taycan now produces 408PS on overboost and does the sprint to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than its predecessor.

On the other end of the spectrum lays the Taycan Turbo S, and it makes a stunning 952PS while the Taycan Turbo GT makes an almost unbelievable 1034PS. Zero to hundred you ask? A ballistic 2.2 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars on the planet when it comes to acceleration.

Other than the trick new suspension, the Taycan sits low and wide. This makes it one of the best-handling EV’s in the industry, with an ability to carve through corners with incredible ease and near zero body roll. The Taycan can make mediocre drivers feel like heroes.

This is ultimately still a Porsche and that means performance. It switches directions on a dime. The sitting position for the driver is perfect, developed from decades of building race cars of course. The electronic steering rack is quick and surprisingly chatty. You feel everything the road throws up to the wheels through your palms. It may have four seats, but this is still a fun Porsche.

What about range and charging?

Improved as well. The Taycan is built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, which means that it can charge at fantastic speeds. DC charging capability has jumped from 270kW to 320kW, and it can sustain high power charging of 300kW for up to five minutes, which is quite significant.

This means that charging from 10% to 80% is now quicker, taking just 18 minutes despite the Taycan having a 12% bigger battery (a jump from 93kWh to 105kWh with the Performance Battery Plus).

Also significant is the improved regenerative braking, now 30% more powerful than before, and pulling 400kW of kinetic energy to provide better energy retardation and quicker battery charge when braking or decelerating.

As for range, the new Taycan has a WLTP range of up to 678 kilometres, which meant that we reached Kuantan with more than enough battery state of charge to spare.

But it can’t be all that great

As a Porsche and an electric sports car, the Taycan is undoubtedly fun to drive. It ticks all the boxes in the sports category, but Porsche also wants us to believe that it is a great family car, one that is good for long distance journeys with fast charging capabilities that makes it more convenient to live with an EV.

Though we agree that the Taycan is fun, fast and is convenient to recharge, but we found that the interior can be overly snug. There is enough space for four adults, but it can be tight. The backrests of the rear seats are too upright for this writer’s liking and there is no space under the front seats to tuck your feet into. Which means you sit almost upright in a knee in chest position, particularly if you are on the tall.

Boot space is just alright as well. Measuring in at just 407 litres, the boot was already packed to the brim with the bags of four adults who packed light for an overnight trip to Kuantan. Not exactly very compelling for a car Porsche wants us to believe is suitable for the family.

That aside, should you buy one?

When the Taycan was first introduced in 2019, it did not have a lot of competition, and it was well accepted. Partly because it is a Porsche, but also because it is very good at what it was built to do – go fast, go far, charge quick.

The automotive landscape has changed quite significantly in the five years since, and there are more competitors now which is partly why sales have slowed quite significantly for Porsche. Some reports say that sales of the Taycan have dropped by 51% in some markets.

Not in Malaysia though. We reached out to Porsche Malaysia to ask how well the Taycan is doing here, and a spokesperson described it as a “bread and butter model”.

That is not all that surprising considering the sheer number of Taycan’s on our roads. It is not surprising either because it is one of the best EV’s you can buy.

There might be others that offer more interior room, bigger boot’s, bigger infotainment screens and more comfort. But they lag far behind in two key areas – sheer driving pleasure and pure performance. And that is the essence of a Porsche, and for that reason alone, the new Taycan is worth every Ringgit.

Specifications (Porsche Taycan RWD)
Motor: Single, Rear-Mounted, Electric Motor
Transmission: Two-speed
Power: 408PS
Torque: 410Nm
Acceleration (0-100kmh): 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 230km/h
Range (WLTP): 678km
Base price (As tested): RM575,000

We like: Power, Handling, Good looks
We don’t like: Feels small for taller drivers

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe Dilancarkan di Malaysia – Harga Dari RM728,000

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), wakil rasmi Porsche di Malaysia, telah memperkenalkan Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe, menambah variasi terkini dalam barisan model SUV mewah jenama tersebut. Model ini bukan sahaja menjadi SUV kedua yang dipasang secara tempatan tetapi juga yang pertama disediakan untuk eksport serantau, menandakan kejayaan penting untuk Porsche di Malaysia.

Pencapaian dan Permintaan yang Berkembang

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SDAP, Christopher Hunter, menekankan kejayaan operasi pemasangan tempatan Porsche sejak 2022, di mana lebih 1,000 unit Cayenne telah dihantar kepada pelanggan dalam tempoh satu tahun. Pada tahun 2024, Porsche telah memperluas jejak serantaunya dengan melancarkan Cayenne pemasangan tempatan pertama untuk pasaran Thailand, mengukuhkan peranannya sebagai rakan perhimpunan utama di Asia Tenggara.

Reka Bentuk dan Ciri Premium

Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe tampil dengan reka bentuk atletik yang anggun dan ciri premium, termasuk:

Pilihan warna menarik: Carrara White Metallic, Chromite Black Metallic, dan Dolomite Silver Metallic tanpa kos tambahan.
Roda Reka Bentuk Cayenne S 20-inci dalam warna Vesuvius Grey.
Lampu hadapan LED HD Matrix dengan lebih 32,000 piksel setiap lampu untuk pencahayaan optimum.

Kabin menawarkan kemewahan mutlak dengan:

Stereng GT Sports dan pakej Sport Chrono.
Jam Reka Bentuk Porsche sebagai elemen standard.
Sistem bunyi BOSE Surround dan upholsteri kulit premium dalam warna Hitam atau Bordeaux Red.
Ciri kemudahan: Sistem kawalan iklim empat zon, pelindung matahari elektrik, dan tempat duduk boleh laras 14 hala.

Prestasi dan Kecekapan Cemerlang

Dilengkapi dengan enjin turbo V6 3.0 liter dan motor elektrik yang dinaik taraf, Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe memberikan gabungan sempurna antara prestasi dan kecekapan:

Kuasa keseluruhan 519PS, dengan pecutan 0-100km/j dalam hanya 4.7 saat.
Kelajuan maksimum 263km/j.
Jarak elektrik sahaja sehingga 90km, sesuai untuk perjalanan harian dalam bandar.

Suspensi Termaju untuk Keselesaan dan Dinamik

SUV ini dilengkapi sistem suspensi udara adaptif baharu dengan Pengurusan Suspensi Aktif Porsche (PASM), yang memastikan:

Julat kadar spring yang luas, memberikan keseimbangan antara pemanduan selesa dan berprestasi tinggi.
Pengendalian dan kestabilan yang luar biasa dalam semua keadaan jalan raya.

Harga dan Tempahan

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe kini tersedia di Malaysia pada harga bermula RM728,000. Pelanggan yang berminat boleh mengunjungi Pusat Porsche terdekat atau melayari laman web Porsche Malaysia untuk maklumat lanjut dan membuat tempahan.

Dengan gabungan kemewahan, prestasi luar biasa, dan kecekapan teknologi hibrid, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe mengukuhkan kedudukan Porsche dalam segmen SUV premium. Langkah ini juga membuktikan komitmen Porsche untuk memenuhi permintaan kenderaan hibrid yang semakin meningkat di Malaysia, sambil menetapkan penanda aras baharu untuk industri automotif serantau.

Porsche Malaysia Unveils Locally Assembled Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe – From RM728k

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official representative of Porsche in Malaysia, has announced the introduction of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe, a highly anticipated addition to Porsche’s lineup in the country. As the second Porsche model to be locally assembled and the first to be assembled for regional export, this sporty SUV aims to set a new standard in luxury and performance.

Milestone Achievements and Growing Demand

Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, highlighted Porsche’s growing success in Malaysia since establishing local assembly operations in 2022. Over 1,000 units of the locally assembled Cayenne were delivered to customers in just one year. In 2024, Porsche expanded its regional presence by launching the first regionally assembled Cayenne for Thailand, solidifying its role as a key assembly partner in Southeast Asia.

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Sime Darby Berhad Dan Porsche Meluaskan Kemudahan Pemasangan Tempatan Di Malaysia

Sime Darby Berhad dan Porsche bersama-sama mengumumkan peluasan kemudahan pemasangan Porsche di Inokom, yang merupakan sebahagian daripada kilang pengeluaran dan pemasangan kenderaan Sime Darby Motor, untuk mengukuhkan lagi kerjasama antara kedua-dua syarikat.

Kilang pemasangan tempatan yang terletak di Kulim, Kedah, telah diperbesar dan kini seluas 11,000 meter persegi untuk memenuhi peningkatan kapasiti dan menempatkan barisan pengeluaran baharu bagi model keduanya, iaitu kereta plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne S E-Hibrid Coupé. Model versi baharu ini merupakan kenderaan Porsche pertama yang dipasang di dalam negara untuk dieksport ke pasaran Thailand.

Kerjasama strategik antara Sime Darby dan Porsche untuk menjana pertumbuhan dan perkembangan di rantau ASEAN merupakan pakatan jangka panjang kukuh yang dibina selama lebih sedekad. Usaha ini membuktikan kepakaran Sime Darby untuk mengasah bakat tempatan dan menghasilkan kualiti produk yang cemerlang di kemudahan kilangnya.

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Sime Darby Berhad and Porsche Expand Local Assembly Facility in Malaysia

Sime Darby Berhad and Porsche have announced a significant expansion of Porsche’s assembly facility at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah. This expansion marks a milestone in their longstanding partnership and aims to drive growth in the ASEAN region. Here are the key highlights of this development:

Expansion Details:

Facility Size: The assembly facility has been expanded to 11,000 square meters.
New Assembly Line: The expansion includes the introduction of a new assembly line for the plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe.
Export Milestone: The Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be the first locally assembled Porsche model to be exported to Thailand, highlighting the facility’s growing capabilities.

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Porsche Macan EV Baharu: 639PS, 1,130Nm – Dibuka Untuk Tempahan

Porsche Malaysia memberi kami sedikit gambaran tentang Macan EV serba baharu di Porsche World Roadshow semalam dan kini boleh ditempah. Porsche ingin memberikan kepada orang sebuah SUV yang kelihatan hebat, memandu dengan cepat, dan dapat pergi jauh dengan satu caj. Terdapat dua varian yang akan dilancarkan, iaitu Macan 4 dan Macan Turbo.

Yang istimewa tentang SUV ini adalah mereka menggunakan motor elektrik bertenaga di kedua-dua roda hadapan dan belakang. Ini menjadikan kereta sangat cekap dan memberikan kuasa yang kuat. Macan 4 boleh memberikan anda sehingga 408PS, dan Macan Turbo lebih berkuasa, dengan 639PS. Macan 4 boleh memecut dari 0 hingga 100km/j dalam masa 5.2 saat, manakala Macan Turbo mencapai prestasi ini dalam hanya 3.3 saat, dengan kelajuan tertinggi masing-masing 220km/j dan 260km/j.

Untuk membuat kereta elektrik ini berfungsi dengan baik, mereka mempunyai bateri besar di dalamnya. Porsche membuat platform baru, Premium Platform Electric, untuk kereta ini, dan bateri boleh dicaj dengan sangat cepat – dalam masa kira-kira 21 minit untuk 80% penuh. Kereta ini juga mempunyai banyak teknologi pintar di dalamnya untuk menjadikannya mudah dan menyeronokkan untuk dipandu.

Porsche menjadikannya lebih panjang, berbanding generasi sebelumnya, dan meletakkan roda 22-inci padanya, menjadikannya kelihatan sporty. Lampu di bahagian depan dibahagikan kepada dua bahagian, dan pintu tidak mempunyai bingkai, menjadikan kereta kelihatan licin dan moden.

Kereta ini mempunyai spoiler khas yang bergerak untuk membantu ia bergerak lebih cepat atau melambat ketika diperlukan. Semua ini membantu Macan pergi jauh dengan satu caj.

Di dalam, Macan menampilkan konsep paparan dan pengendalian generasi terkini dengan sehingga tiga skrin, termasuk kluster instrumen yang direka bentuk melengkung 12.6-inci dan paparan pusat 10.9-inci. Untuk kali pertama, Porsche Driver Experience juga termasuk head-up display dengan teknologi realiti tambahan.

Komitmen Porsche terhadap pemanduan dinamik adalah jelas dengan sistem empat roda penggerak Macan, Porsche Traction Management yang dikawal secara elektronik, dan Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. Pengundur roda pilihan, pertama kali untuk Macan, menyumbang kepada lingkaran pusing yang padat dalam trafik bandar dan kestabilan yang luar biasa pada kelajuan lebih tinggi.

Harga akan didedahkan semasa tarikh pelancaran rasmi.

New Porsche Macan EV Previewed: All-Electric SUV – 639PS, 1,130Nm

Porsche Malaysia gave us a sneak peek at the all-new Macan EV at the Porsche World Roadshow yesterday and is now available for booking. The latest Macan 4 and Macan Turbo models aim to meet the diverse needs of Porsche enthusiasts seeking an SUV, combining progressive design, iconic Porsche performance, extended range and heightened everyday practicality.

Porsche’s dedication to cutting-edge technology shines in the latest iteration of the Macan, now fully electrified and featuring the newest generation of permanently-excited PSM electric motors on both the front and rear axles. This setup not only guarantees remarkable efficiency but also ensures precise power output reproducibility, elevating the driving experience to new heights.

Impressive Performance

Macan 4:
- Power: 408PS with Launch Control
- Torque: 650Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 220km/h
Macan Turbo:
- Power: 639PS
- Torque: 1,130Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 3.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 260km/h

These figures underscore Porsche’s prowess in electric performance, offering exceptional acceleration and top speed for both variants.

Advanced Battery Technology

Central to the Macan’s electric capabilities is a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, built on Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with an 800-volt architecture. This setup allows for rapid charging capabilities, with a DC charging output of up to 270 kW, enabling the battery to reach 80% charge in approximately 21 minutes. The Integrated Power Box (IPB) further enhances efficiency, reduces weight, and optimises space.

Aerodynamic Excellence and Design

The Macan’s design is a testament to Porsche’s attention to aesthetics and functionality:

Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2,893 mm (86 mm longer than the previous model)
- Wheels: Up to 22 inches
Design Elements:
- Headlights: Distinctive two-part design
- Doors: Frameless
Aerodynamics:
- Drag Coefficient: 0.25
- Features: Adaptive rear spoiler, active cooling flaps

These elements contribute to the Macan’s sleek, sporty appearance and improved aerodynamic efficiency, positively impacting range and power consumption.

Practicality and Space

Electrification has enhanced the Macan’s practicality:

Rear Seat Bench Cargo Mode: 540 litres
Frunk (Front Luggage Compartment): 84 litres
Expanded Rear Luggage Compartment: 1,348 litres with rear seats folded
Towing Capacity: 2,000kg

These features ensure ample storage space and versatility, making the Macan suitable for a wide range of activities.

Innovative Interior and Technology

The Macan’s interior blends luxury with advanced technology:

Displays:
- 12.6-inch curved-design instrument cluster
- 10.9-inch central display
- Head-up display with augmented reality technology
Porsche Driver Experience:
- Augmented reality integration for navigation and other elements

These features enhance the driver’s experience, providing clear and intuitive access to essential information.

Driving Dynamics and Control

Porsche ensures superior driving dynamics through advanced systems:

All-Wheel-Drive: Electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus: Enhances handling and stability
Optional Rear-Axle Steering: Improves maneuverability in urban settings and stability at high speeds

These systems work together to deliver the exceptional handling and performance Porsche is known for.

The new electric Porsche Macan sets a benchmark in the SUV segment, combining powerful performance, advanced technology, and practical features. Its impressive specs, innovative design, and commitment to excellence ensure it stands out in the growing electric vehicle market, continuing Porsche’s legacy of delivering thrilling driving experiences.

Pricing will be revealed during the official launch date.

Porsche Panamera Baharu Boleh Ditempah Sekarang – Bermula daripada RM1.3 Juta

Porsche Panamera baharu, kini dalam generasi ketiganya, menggabungkan kemewahan dan kelihatan sporty dengan peningkatan dalam reka bentuk, prestasi dan teknologi.

Sistem suspensi Porsche Active Ride menawarkan tunggangan yang lancar tanpa mengorbankan prestasi, terutamanya apabila dipasangkan dengan stereng gandar belakang pilihan untuk pengendalian yang lebih baik.

Di bawah hud, enjin turbo V6 2.9 liter telah dipertingkatkan untuk menghasilkan 353PS dan tork 500Nm, meningkatkan pecutan dan kelajuan tertinggi. Dengan Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) 8-kelajuan, ia boleh pergi dari 0 hingga 100km/j dalam hanya 5.1 saat.

Di luar, reka bentuk mendapat kemas kini moden untuk penampilan yang lebih mewah dan aerodinamik yang lebih baik. Di dalam, konsep kawalan berpusatkan pemandu memastikan akses mudah kepada fungsi pemanduan, dan terdapat paparan penumpang pilihan untuk kemudahan tambahan.

Pengalaman digital Panamera baharu dipertingkatkan dengan ciri seperti Pengurusan Komunikasi Porsche (PCM) untuk ketersambungan yang lebih baik, bersama-sama dengan sistem keselamatan canggih seperti lampu hadapan LED Matrix dan pengecaman tanda trafik.

Dengan ciri standard dan peningkatan pilihan, Panamera baharu bermula pada RM1,300,000, menawarkan kemewahan, prestasi dan teknologi dalam satu pakej.

The New Porsche Panamera is Available to Order Now – Starting from RM1.3 Million

The third-generation Porsche Panamera embodies the fusion of luxury and sportiness, with significant enhancements across design, performance, and technology.

One of the standout features is the Porsche Active Ride suspension system, which strikes a balance between comfort and performance, ensuring a smooth ride while maintaining the car’s dynamic driving characteristics. Coupled with the optional rear-axle steering, the Panamera offers superior handling and agility on the road.

Under the hood, the 2.9-litre V6 turbo engine has been revamped to deliver 353PS and 500Nm of torque – an increase of 23PS and 50Nm compared to its predecessor. This results in improved acceleration and top speed. Combined with the 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the Panamera achieves impressive performance metrics, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

The exterior design reflects the Panamera’s sporting character, with modern updates that enhance its visual appeal and aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the driver-centred control concept ensures intuitive access to essential driving functions, while the optional passenger display integrates the co-pilot into the driving experience seamlessly.

The latest driver-centred control concept is also featured in the new Panamera. An ideal balance between digital and analogue control elements, the Porsche Driver Experience control concept positions the input and output elements essential for driving along the driver’s axis. The gear selector lever is located at the left of the steering wheel. The mode switch for the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving programmes and the assistance control stalks are also directly accessible to the driver. This means that they don’t need to take their eyes off the road in order to adjust the drive programmes and assistance systems.

An optional passenger display closely integrates the passenger into the driving experience. The 10.9-inch screen displays vehicle performance data on request. It also allows operation of the infotainment system and supports video streaming while the car is in motion. In order to avoid distracting whomever is behind the wheel, the passenger display cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.

The digital experience is further enriched by the integration of the driver’s personal ecosystem through the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), offering enhanced connectivity and usability. Advanced assistance systems, including standard Matrix LED headlights and traffic sign recognition, elevate safety and convenience for the driver.

With its comprehensive standard equipment and extended range of features, the new Porsche Panamera sets a new benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. Available for order starting from RM1,300,000, it represents a compelling choice for discerning drivers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

Review: Malaysian Made Porsche Cayenne Is A Sports Car For The Family

The automotive world stood still when Porsche took the covers off the first Cayenne at the Geneva Motor Show in 2002. Mouths agape, the world’s automotive media would later go into a frenzy calling it everything from ugly to outright blasphemous.

Porsche would lose many of its loyal fans who thought the company had lost its direction with the Cayenne. Most of them would later return when the Cayenne turned out to be Porsche’s savior.

The Cayenne would go on to be Porsche’s best-selling model for many years, until the Macan arrived but that’s a different story. A lot has been written about the Cayenne since then, but crucially the success of the Cayenne provided much needed cash flow for Porsche to continue building cars it was well known for, like the Turbo, the GT3 and the GT2. Not to mention all the RS variants that have since come along.

“I first saw the first-generation Cayenne testing around the streets of Stuttgart before the launch as I was there for a meeting,” said a former dealer recently in an exclusive but private interview.

“Just like everyone else, I didn’t think much of the design, but then I drove the car and was blown away. I have had the good fortune to own several Porsches and even race them, and the Cayenne is still very much a Porsche at heart. And I have owned every generation since the launch and still drive a Cayenne today,” said the person who we must keep anonymous due to a watertight non-disclosure agreement.

And therein lies the appeal of the Cayenne. Despite its size, its clumsy looks and weight, it is still very much a Porsche underneath. Call it a wolf in sheep’s clothing but the Cayenne probably single-handedly put the word Sport in Sport Utility Vehicle. And almost every automaker who builds a high-performance SUV must thank Porsche for the major risk it took when introducing the Cayenne.

We can go on and on about how successful the Cayenne is and how it has won several races and even explored roads where a SUV is not meant to go. But there is so much out there already that all it takes is a simple Google search.

We are here though to talk about how proud Malaysians should be for the fact that Malaysia is the only country outside of Europe where a Cayenne is built.

Since 2019, the Cayenne has been assembled in Kulim, Kedah through a joint venture between Sime Darby and Porsche AG. This has not only made the Cayenne more accessible to more Malaysians but it has also created high-skill jobs for Malaysians.

Not only that, Porsche has ensured that the Cayenne looks and feels exactly the same as its European made siblings. Step inside a locally-made Cayenne and it does not only look and feel the same but it also smells the same. It makes one wonder, if Audi has its legendary nose team that ensures all Audis smell the same, does Porsche have its own nose team as well? That is a question for a separate interview.

Now in its third-generation, the Cayenne is as popular as ever with Porsche selling 100,000 units worldwide in 2022 alone. With 2023 coming to a close soon, we are expecting the Cayenne to have found even more homes. Why? Because Porsche introduced the facelifted version of the third-generation Cayenne earlier this year, and it builds on the strengths of the already very capable model it is based upon.

Porsche Malaysia introduced the facelifted Cayenne for the Malaysian market in early October of this year, becoming the second locally assembled Cayenne. And just like the first one, it too looks and feels like it was made in Europe. And Porsche deserves credit for that since consistency in the automotive business is always difficult to emulate.

While the underpinnings may be the same, the face-lifted Cayenne is distinguished by an updated design. The front features arches at the side of the new bonnet that is also taller by a few millimeters, giving the new Cayenne a more commanding presence.

The front is also distinguished by new Matrix LED headlights that now only look great but are also quite smart. The headlights determine illumination levels by analysing data from the SUV’s speed, camera and navigation systems to ensure the driver has maximum visibility in low light conditions.

The side of the Cayenne is largely the same but the rear gets a new three-dimension taillights as well as a new light strip that runs across the width of the car and connects both the taillights. It gives the rear of the car a cleaner design.

Porsche Malaysia also provides customisation options for those who want their Cayenne to stand out. Take the wheels for example, the standard wheels measure in at 20-inches and feature quite a lot of rubber that is great to maximise comfort but look somewhat boring. For the adventurous (and with deep pockets), there’s also the choice of 21-inch wheels that look great but will set you back RM45,000. Or if that is still too small for you, there are 22-inch wheels that look amazing and cost an eye-watering RM49,000.

Powering the Cayenne is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine found in the previous model. However, power has been hiked by 13PS and 50Nm for a total of 353PS and 500Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox while top speed is rated at 248km/h. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h on the other hand is marked at impressive 5.7-seconds.

The interior of the Cayenne is where the new truly distinguishes itself from the old. The new Cayenne receives a full digital instrumentation cluster, which is a first for the Cayenne. This revolves around the new digital instrument cluster that measures in at 12.6-inches. In true Porsche fashion, an RPM dial still dominates the centre of the panel, just like it always has since the first Porsche back in 1949.

The centre of the dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that offers Spotify and Apple Music as native apps. That means you do not need to plug in your phone to listen to either applications, but there is also Apple Carplay and Android Auto for those who need more.

The overall design of the interior is cleaner than before with fewer buttons and discreet air-conditioning vents that look like they have been merged into the dashboard. Even the traditional gear lever that used to be at the centre console has been repositioned to the left side of the steering wheel and is now a toggle-like switch rather than a lever, which we first saw in the Taycan.

However, Porsche didn’t go full Tesla with the digitalization of the interior. There still are some buttons and knobs such as the volume dial and tactile buttons for the climate control system.

And Porsche has also retained the grip handles located on the centre console, just as they always have been since the first-generation Cayenne. Most importantly, unlike a Volvo XC90 nothing rattles or buzzes when in motion.

The overall size of the interior remains the same with enough room for five people to get more than comfortable. And in case the rear passengers need to be entertained, you can opt for the Porsche Tequipment option that gives you two 10.1-inch touchscreen displays placed at the back of the front seats. This gives access to a variety of options such as Youtube and Netflix.

From behind the driver’s seat, the new Cayenne is still very much a Porsche at heart, just like it always has. The air-suspension does a brilliant job at isolating the cabin from the rumble and tumble of the road underneath. But when you want to have some fun, the suspension stiffens and gives you maximum control of the two-ton SUV.

The best part of the new Cayenne is its jekyll and hyde like character – soft and supple for maximum comfort at one moment, and it all changes at the press of the steering mounted button. Select Sport and the powertrain immediately comes alive and responds to every twitch of the accelerator pedal. The suspension stiffens to reduce body roll, but not to the point of being trashy. The passengers may not even feel the suspension stiffening if you do not mention it, such is its compliance.

At RM599,999 (RM662,499 with all the options), there really is little doubt why the new Porsche Cayenne is as popular as it is. While its competitors like the Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE focus on being efficient and comfortable, the Cayenne takes a different approach.

The Cayenne focuses on driving pleasure without compromising on comfort. It is still very much a Porsche at heart, and that can only mean one thing – uncompromised performance. Except in the Cayenne, you can share the joy of driving with five other people.

Specifications:
Engine: 3.0-litre, Turbocharged, V6
Power: 353PS @ 5,300rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,340rpm
Transmission, 8-speed Tiptronic S
Top speed: 248km/h
Acceleration (0-100kmh): 5.7 seconds

We like: Performance, Comfort
We don’t like: We prefer the previous design