Meet the 2015 Porsche Cayenne [Gallery]

Porsche has given its Cayenne a midlife makeover (spicing up?) for 2015 with a relatively minor cosmetic facelift. Apart from the nip and tuck the biggest news is the introduction a new 3.6 litre bi-turbo V6 engine to replace the outgoing naturally aspirated V8 and has been developed entirely in-house by Porsche. Also to make its world debuted is the Cayenne S (plug-in) E-Hybrid.

With a worldwide trend in engine downsizing Porsche reckons the new V6 is, “another example of how downsizing with reduced engine displacement and fewer cylinders does not compromise on core values…” with the new blown V6 developing 309kW and 550Nm, a 15kW and 50Nm gain over the old V8.

Together with the Panamera S E-Hybrid and the 918 Spyder, the addition of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid makes Porsche the world’s only carmaker to offer three plug-in hybrid models. An all-electric driving mode allows for a range of 18 to 36 km, depending on the style of driving and route topography according to Porsche.

Compared to the previous generation S-Hybrid the new E-Hybrid’s electric motor doubles in power, now producing 70kW compared to the 34kW before. Combined with the 245kW 3.0 litre supercharged V6 the S E-Hybrid develops an impressive 306kW and 590Nm.

Visually there’s very little difference between this and the current model apart from a few changes to the front bumper which now features a slightly large grille. Bi-Xenon headlights are now standard across the range, with the range topping Turbo benefiting from Porsche Dynamic Lighting System and full LED headlights.

Out back you might notice the subtle more angular taillights and the faintly revised tailgate, but only if you squint really really hard.

Expect the 2015 Cayenne by early next year.