Gear shift: the new Porsche Cayenne Coupe fills a void in a fast-growing market


  • English
  • Arabic

Imagine if Porsche decided to make a 911 Sports SUV. Well, if you squint really hard at the new Cayenne Coupe, you could almost pretend they did. While it's not a 911, it does play with plenty of the same visual clues around the nose and at the rear, with its tapered tail and drooping side profile.

Look through the photo gallery above to see more of the car.

As the name suggests, Porsche's latest answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE is based on the third generation of Cayenne SUV, and therefore offers up the same V6 and V8 twin-turbo engine options.

The Coupe is slightly more expensive than the Cayenne

Features such as speed-sensitive Power Steering Plus; 20-inch alloy wheels; park assist at the front and rear, including reversing camera; Porsche Active Suspension Management; and the Sport Chrono Package are included as standard, and go beyond the regular Cayenne's features list.

"The Coupe is slightly more expensive than the Cayenne," says Detlev von Platen, a member of the executive board for sales and marketing at Porsche. "We're starting with the six-cylinder and then the V8, afterwards we will continue with other versions that are very important, such as plug-in hybrids.

So we will be able to address a very large audience with this car."

Electric vehicle development at Porsche

While the big horsepower petrol engines will launch the model, Porsche will spend about €6 billion (Dh24.95bn) on electric vehicle development over the next five years. The marque considers the UAE to be one of the world's early adopters of this technology. "If you ask the layman in the street, they might say the Middle East is the last to come online for EVs because it is an oil producer, but from what I have experienced, the Middle East is very active in the development of EV technologies," von Platen says. "I believe they won't be the last but quite the opposite. I think the region – and the UAE, in particular – will move very quickly in this direction."

The next Porsche Macan will be fully electric, selling alongside the existing model with its regular petrol engines, as Porsche continues plans to migrate to a 50:50 ratio of electric and petrol cars by 2025.

Sports SUV

For now, the Cayenne Coupe fills a void in one of the fastest-­growing segments in the automotive realm: the sports SUV. Last year, Porsche sold 86,031 Macans and 71,458 Cayennes, as opposed to a total of 35,573 sports cars. And there's no sign that this love for SUVs will shift gears any time soon.

The car addresses a fast-growing segment in the automobile market: the sports SUV. Courtesy Porsche AG
The car addresses a fast-growing segment in the automobile market: the sports SUV. Courtesy Porsche AG

"We introduced Cayenne in 2002 and have produced more than 850,000 units, averaging 53,000 a year, but last year was well above that," von Platen says. "This car addresses a very successful sector for us with a tempting offer, because I believe that with Porsche's sports car history, we can cater for this market better than anyone else.

"We carry some 911 DNA in every car we make, but it is stronger in this model than any other car we produce. With a few minor modifications, like lowering it by 20 millimetres and making it 18 millimetres wider, it gives it very muscular proportions without losing the elegance of Porsche, which will characterise this car compared to its competition."

More features

To cater for the tapered roof, the Coupe's rear seats have been lowered by 30 millimetres, while a 2.16 square metre panoramic fixed-glass roof is standard and will no doubt reduce any claustrophobic sensation in the rear. Models released in this region will also include an integrated roller blind, as well as a more permanent solution in a full-length carbon-fibre roof as an extra cost option, if you're not into that much sun.

The carbon roof is available in one of three lightweight sports packages, which also includes Porsche's Sport Design features, as well as new, lightweight 22-inch GT Design wheels, seat centres in the classic Porsche checked fabric trim from the early 1970s, plus carbon and Alcantara accents throughout the interior. For the V8 Cayenne Turbo Coupe, the package includes a sports exhaust system, chief designer Michael Mauer says. "The challenge with this car was that we wanted a side profile that sloped down but without losing rear head room, so we started inside by lowering the rear seats first and working out from there."

Rear seats have been lowered to account for the tapered roof. Courtesy Porsche AG
Rear seats have been lowered to account for the tapered roof. Courtesy Porsche AG

Taking a seat in the rear confirmed that the Coupe offers more headroom and better forward visibility than a BMW X6, although no exact measurements were available for comparison.

The car is strictly a four-seater, with a rear bench moulded into two individual seats. However, the same comfort-spec rear seats offered on the regular Cayenne can also be specified on the Coupe at no extra cost.

“This style of SUV Coupe is really challenging for proportions,” says Mauer. “You have to combine a high boot lip with a low roof, but thanks to our adaptive roof spoiler, we were able to lower the edge to give it better proportions.”

The roof spoiler is a first for this segment, as it extends 135mm at speeds faster than 90kph. Due to the lower roof on this model, the windscreen and A-Pillars are shallower, while the Coupe's rear number plate is integrated into the bumper and tricks the eye by making it appear as though it is closer to the ground.

The luggage capacity for the V6 is 625 litres with the seats up and 1,540 litres when they are folded down flat. For the V8 it's 600 and 1,510 litres, respectively. It loses out to the regular Cayenne's 767 and 1,707-litre capacity but it still offers more space than a comparable BMW X6.

Porsche says that the V6 will get to 100kph in six seconds (5.9 seconds if you opt for the Sports Chrono package) and can reach speeds of up to 243kph, while the V8 gets to 100kph in only 3.9 seconds, and can clock a top speed of 286kph.

With Porsche now ready to take orders, prices range from Dh335,900 for the 335bhp/450Nm turbo V6 through to Dh598,700 for the 542bhp/770Nm four-litre twin-turbo V8. They should start to appear in Abu Dhabi showrooms from October.

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%20turbo%204-cylinder%20%2F%202.0%20turbo%204-cylinder%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20148bhp%20%2F%20328bhp%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20250Nm%20%2F%20420Nm%20(S3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20TBA%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

The%20Roundup%20%3A%20No%20Way%20Out
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lee%20Sang-yong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Don%20Lee%2C%20Lee%20Jun-hyuk%2C%20Munetaka%20Aoki%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Vikram%20Vedha
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gayatri%2C%20Pushkar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hrithik%20Roshan%2C%20Saif%20Ali%20Khan%2C%20Radhika%20Apte%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.5-litre%20V12%20and%20three%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C015hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C500Nm%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Early%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh2%20million%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fixtures (all times UAE)

Saturday
Brescia v Atalanta (6pm)
Genoa v Torino (9pm)
Fiorentina v Lecce (11.45pm)

Sunday
Juventus v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Inter Milan v SPAL (6pm)
Lazio v Udinese (6pm)
Parma v AC Milan (6pm)
Napoli v Bologna (9pm)
Verona v AS Roma (11.45pm)

Monday
Cagliari v Sampdoria (11.45pm)

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm

Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto

Price: from Dh209,000 

On sale: now

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ovasave%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20November%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Majd%20Abu%20Zant%20and%20Torkia%20Mahloul%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Healthtech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Three%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24400%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

While you're here
Voy!%20Voy!%20Voy!
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Omar%20Hilal%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhammad%20Farrag%2C%20Bayoumi%20Fouad%2C%20Nelly%20Karim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Racecard

6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m

8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m

9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m

10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m

The National selections: 6.30pm: RM Lam Tara, 7.05pm: Al Mukhtar Star, 7.40pm: Bochart, 8.15pm: Magic Lily, 8.50pm: Roulston Scar, 9.25pm: Quip, 10pm: Jalmoud

MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SCE%20Studio%20Cambridge%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%2C%20PlayStation%204%20and%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Leaderboard

63 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA)

64 - Rory McIlroy (NIR)

66 - Jon Rahm (ESP)

67 - Tom Lewis (ENG), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)

68 - Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)

69 - Justin Rose (ENG), Thomas Detry (BEL), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Danny Willett (ENG), Li Haotong (CHN), Matthias Schwab (AUT)

MATCH INFO

West Ham United 2 (Antonio 73', Ogbonna 90 5')

Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 36', Moura 42', Kane 49')

MATCH INFO

Day 2 at Mount Maunganui

England 353

Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88

New Zealand 144-4

Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28

A Dog's Journey 

Directed by: Gail Mancuso

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad, Marg Helgenberger, Betty Gilpin, Kathryn Prescott

3 out of 5 stars

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets