Porsche is redefining in-car technology and driver engagement with the unveiling of the new Cayenne interior for the 2023 model year. Set to debut at the Auto Shanghai show on April 18th, the 2023 Porsche Cayenne introduces the Porsche Driver Experience – a cutting-edge display and control concept centered around full digitization, extensive personalization, and user-friendly operation. The design philosophy prioritizes the driver, clustering essential controls directly around the steering wheel for a more immersive and intuitive driving encounter.
Drawing inspiration from the all-electric Taycan, this luxurious cockpit design marks the first time these advanced elements have been incorporated into a combustion engine Porsche. Key highlights include a free-standing, curved digital instrument cluster offering customizable display options, a redesigned center console, and a state-of-the-art steering wheel. Relocating the automatic gear selector to the right of the steering wheel frees up space on the center console, now occupied by a sleek black panel housing the air conditioning controls. Furthermore, passengers are treated to a new level of interaction with the vehicle through an optional passenger display, complemented by enhanced connectivity features that complete this innovative interior design.
Driver-Oriented and Interactive: Inside the 2023 Cayenne Cockpit
Both drivers and passengers will be immersed in a completely redesigned cockpit within the new 2023 Porsche Cayenne. This space blends a heightened focus on the driver with interactive elements that bring the driving experience to life for everyone on board. The instrument cluster is now a fully digital, 12.6-inch curved display, elegantly free-standing and eliminating the need for a traditional hood. This design choice lends a modern and streamlined aesthetic. Drivers can personalize their display from up to seven different views, depending on the vehicle’s equipment level.
Information such as the rev counter, online navigation, Night Vision Assist, or the 3D driving assistance system can be brought to the forefront, ensuring crucial data is always readily accessible. For those preferring a minimalist approach, a reduced view is available, alongside a ‘classic mode’ that digitally reimagines Porsche’s iconic five-tube instrument cluster design for the modern era.
The Porsche Driver Experience in the 2023 Porsche Cayenne masterfully balances digital innovation with tactile, analogue controls. All driving-essential controls are thoughtfully positioned around the steering wheel. Staying true to Porsche tradition, the engine start button remains to the left of the steering wheel. The gear selector’s new position to the right, nestled between the instrument cluster and central display, optimizes space in the center console. This area now features a redesigned, larger air conditioning control panel with physical controls and increased storage capacity. Porsche has also integrated the control lever for driver assistance systems directly onto the steering wheel in this new Cayenne iteration.
The multifunction sports steering wheel, borrowed from the 911 and significantly refined from previous Cayenne models, boasts a high-quality, contemporary, and sporty design. The driving mode switch, allowing drivers to select Normal, Offroad, Sport, and Sport Plus modes, is now a standard feature on the steering wheel. Similarly, a new toggle button for navigating instrument cluster functions and designs, along with controls for the optional head-up display, are conveniently located on the steering wheel.
The center console of the 2023 Porsche Cayenne showcases a new air conditioning control panel, distinguished by its black panel design and glass surface, lending a premium aesthetic. The clearly organized control surface allows for swift and intuitive adjustments to air conditioning settings. The combination of touch recognition, haptic feedback, mechanical air conditioning switches, and a physical volume controller ensures a user experience that is both tactilely satisfying and visually appealing.
The high-resolution 12.3-inch central display serves as the command center for Porsche Communication Management (PCM). As before, drivers can manage a wide array of driving and comfort functions, including standard online navigation and multimedia features. A groundbreaking addition to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne is the optional 10.9-inch passenger display. This extra touchscreen empowers the front passenger to assist the driver, managing navigation or media selection. A specialized foil ensures the driver’s view remains unobstructed, allowing for video streaming on the passenger display without causing distractions.
A Synthesis of Luxury and Sporty Sensations
The Porsche Cayenne holds its position as the sportiest vehicle in its class, and the interior of the 2023 Porsche Cayenne unequivocally reflects this. A sporty ambiance is seamlessly interwoven with dynamic functionality, luxurious comfort, and signature Cayenne design elements. Porsche presents the new control concept within a clean design language that emphasizes spaciousness. The entire instrument panel, center console, and upper door interiors have been completely reimagined. The dashboard’s enhanced horizontal emphasis visually broadens the interior. Elegantly designed air vents, arranged vertically in classic Cayenne style, and for the first time, all cockpit air outlets are designed without louvres.
Enhanced Connectivity for the Modern Driver
Porsche has significantly boosted connectivity in the 2023 Porsche Cayenne. A cooled smartphone storage compartment with inductive charging is now standard, with cooling optimizing charging power up to 15 watts. Expanded online service integration provides new interactive capabilities, including Siri voice assistant integration for controlling vehicle functions.
The 2023 Porsche Cayenne also features new dual USB-C ports in the front storage compartment and an additional pair in the rear center console. All USB ports support fast charging, with the front ports also facilitating smartphone connection to Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Pairing a smartphone is streamlined by simply scanning a QR code displayed in the PCM. This unlocks a suite of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, and integrated apps like Spotify® and Apple Music®.
The new In-Car Video function allows for video streaming directly through PCM via Screenhits TV®, viewable on the central display when stationary and on the passenger display while in motion. The 2023 Porsche Cayenne interior is not just an upgrade; it’s a complete transformation, setting a new benchmark for in-car technology and driver-focused design in the luxury SUV segment.
