In model year 2003, Porsche launched its first fully off-road vehicle – the Porsche Cayenne. Initially, the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo were the only model variants available but Porsche added an entry-level Cayenne to expand the range in model year 2004. The launch of the Cayenne Diesel for model year 2009 saw Porsche offer a model with a diesel engine for the first time.
The body of this SUV series was around 4.8 metres long, nearly 2 metres wide and 1.7 metres tall. The front section of the Porsche Cayenne was based on the design of the 911. All Cayenne models featured all-wheel drive.
The Cayenne models with petrol engines were powered by a water-cooled V8 engine. The Cayenne Diesel featured a V6 turbo diesel engine.