The gas-powered Porsche Cayenne is not ready to disappear just because an electric version is on the way. A lightly camouflaged prototype of the updated ICE Cayenne has been spotted during winter testing, revealing subtle design changes that should help Porsche’s combustion-powered SUV stay fresh alongside its upcoming electric sibling.
Porsche is preparing an updated version of the combustion-powered Cayenne, and this latest prototype gives a clearer look at what is coming. Unlike earlier test cars, this example is wearing almost no camouflage, with only small sections of tape covering the headlights, part of the rear bumper, and some rear badging.
The refreshed Cayenne will not directly copy the design of the Cayenne Electric, but Porsche appears to be making small visual adjustments to keep the model aligned with the brand’s newer design language.
The most noticeable changes are found at the front. This prototype appears to feature twin LED daytime running lights on each side instead of the current single-strip setup. The front air intakes have also been revised and now include an additional horizontal slat.
Other updated Cayenne variants, including the Turbo E-Hybrid, have previously been seen with vertical daytime running lights and active cooling slats in front of the intakes. That suggests Porsche may give different versions of the Cayenne slightly different front-end treatments.
This particular prototype is believed to be the refreshed Cayenne GTS. Like the rest of the updated ICE Cayenne range, it is expected to receive revised headlights and a tweaked lighting signature.
At the rear, the changes are harder to detect. The Porsche lettering between the taillights remains covered, suggesting it may have been altered. The quad exhaust outlets look similar to the current model, while the small diffuser appears largely unchanged. However, the outer edges of the rear bumper seem to have been subtly reshaped.
Spy photographers have not yet captured the cabin of the facelifted Cayenne. It is possible that Porsche could borrow some elements from the all-electric Cayenne, although the two models are based on different platforms.
One major question is whether the updated ICE Cayenne will receive a curved central touchscreen similar to the electric model. For now, that remains uncertain.
The refreshed Cayenne GTS is expected to retain the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that Porsche brought back for the 2025 model year. Lower trims are likely to continue with a mix of V6 engines, including plug-in hybrid versions.
The updated Turbo E-Hybrid should remain the most powerful member of the Cayenne family. The current version produces 729 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbocharged V8 paired with electric assistance, and the refreshed model is expected to offer similar or potentially higher output.
Based on this prototype, Porsche is taking a conservative approach with the ICE Cayenne facelift. The updates appear focused on lighting, bumper details, and small trim changes rather than a major redesign.
That strategy makes sense as Porsche prepares to sell the combustion-powered Cayenne alongside the new Cayenne Electric. For buyers who still want V6, V8, or plug-in hybrid power, the gas Cayenne appears set to remain an important part of the lineup.
