It received a facelift in 2014 with minor external changes, and introduced a new plug-in E-Hybrid version with its public launch at the Paris Motor Show.

The original Porsche Cayenne entered into the global market to a mixed reception, but it proved itself to have excellent performance for an SUV and had comparably good handling as well as powerful engines.

[12] Introduced only for 2006 (as a pre-GTS concept), the Cayenne S Titanium Edition was a one-year exclusive, limited production SUV featuring a lightweight steel body, featuring an aluminium hood (lighter than the one equipped on the Cayenne S), titanium-painted accented body parts, side lower rocker body panels, Sport-Quad Tip Exhaust chrome tailpipes, 19" titanium painted alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, two-tone interior upholstery, Porsche PCM 2.0 w/ trip computer navigation, MP3 audio and Bose cabin surround sound.

Under the hood, improvements included sport-tuned suspension, an aerodynamic body package, low-range transfer case, locking differential and a 6-speed automatic Tiptronic S transmission.

In the updated 9PA chassis 957 Cayenne S introduced between 2008 and 2010, it featured a direct fuel injection (DFI) 4.8L V8 engine which produces 385 PS (283 kW; 380 hp) and 500 N⋅m (370 lb⋅ft) of torque.

Its sporty chassis had been specially developed only for this model variant and it was powered with a performance tuned 405 PS (298 kW; 399 hp) 4.8 L V8.

The Turbo S is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.5 L V8 that produces 521 PS (383 kW; 514 hp) and 720 N⋅m (530 lb⋅ft) of torque; Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 5.0 seconds and the top speed is 167 mph (269 km/h); It features a six-speed automatic Tiptronic S transmission.In 2008 an updated 9PA Turbo model, featuring a larger direct fuel injection 4.8-L V8 engine, was revealed at the Beijing Auto Show.

Sales began in January 2009, with a targeted production run of 600 road vehicles worldwide (285 for North America), but far fewer were actually built (102 for USA, 17 for Canada including 3 which were 6 speed manual).

Due to the concerns surrounding head room, boot space and rear design the idea was scrapped.

In preparation for the unveiling, the Cayenne production facility in Leipzig, Germany, closed in December 2009 to commence factory retooling for the new model, a process that took two to three months.

[citation needed] The 92A Porsche Cayenne was slightly larger than its predecessors, but featured a more slanted rear window, less upright windshield, a more sloping roofline, door-mounted mirrors, smaller windows at the rear of the vehicle, headlights inspired by the Carrera GT, taillights that extend onto the car's tailgate, LED daytime running lights and a vastly redesigned interior much like the Panamera.

[25] Despite its lower stance, the new vehicle's off-road capabilities have been retained without compromising the street performance-oriented layout and design.

[25] The Cayenne GTS added an optional rearview camera, keyless access and start, and memory system.

All vehicles will feature about 10% less weight than their predecessors, 70 kg worth of standard equipment in excess of that found on the current model and a more heavily contoured rear bench.

A 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery is placed under the boot floor, occupying the space normally used for a spare tire.

[34] The production version, called the 'S' Hybrid, was launched in 2010, with a 3.0-L petrol V6 linked with an electric motor to achieve CO2 emissions of 193 g/km.

The Cayenne also received a redesigned front end with larger air intakes, more prominent creases along the bonnet, and a lower roofline to align its styling with the Porsche 911.

[47] The wheelbase remains unchanged from the previous generation, but Porsche increased the Cayenne's overall length slightly by about 63 mm (2.5 in).

Aluminium is used extensively throughout the vehicle, including in the doors, roof, hood, rear hatch, as well as its body in white.

[46] All Cayenne models in this generation are equipped with an updated eight-speed "Tiptronic S" transmission that is claimed to provide quicker shifts than before.

Other innovations in this generation include staggered (different width) front and rear tires, and optional rear-axle steering to reduce the turning radius.

The Cayenne Coupé is extensively reworked from the standard model, featuring a shallower front windshield and narrower A-pillar.

The Cayenne S used the EA839 2.9 liter twin turbo V6 engine, with larger brake rotors and calipers compared with the base model.

Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Cayenne Turbo is powered with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 rated at 549 PS (404 kW; 541 hp) and 770 N⋅m (78.5 kg⋅m; 568 lb⋅ft) of torque.

Sharing the same plug-in hybrid system with the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, the variant uses a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox rated at 462 PS (340 kW; 456 hp) and 700 N⋅m (71.4 kg⋅m; 516 lb⋅ft) of torque.

Notable changes include a new dashboard layout, similar to that of the Taycan, a fully digital 12.6-inch gauge cluster, and minor exterior restyling modifications for the hood, headlights, bumpers, fenders, and trunk.

[58] The electric motor from the E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid variant was increased from 100 to 130 kW (134 to 174 hp), and the battery increased to 93 MJ (26 kWh), up from 64.5 MJ (17.9 kWh) previously, offering a pure electric driving range of up to 90 km on the WLTP test cycle.

[63] Early V8 Cayenne models came equipped with plastic coolant pipes that would crack and fail, possibly causing the engine to overheat.

Subsequent Cayenne S and Turbo engines were fitted with upgraded aluminum coolant pipes to rectify this issue.

In 2021, a Chinese manufacturer introduced the Changan Uni-K, which bears a striking resemblance to the Porsche Cayenne, especially from the rear and side profiles.