The Porsche Cayenne III 3.0 V6 (340 Hp) Tiptronic S represents a significant iteration in Porsche’s successful foray into the luxury SUV market. Produced from 2017 through April 2023, this variant occupied a crucial mid-range position within the third-generation Cayenne (9YA) lineup, balancing performance with everyday usability and offering a more accessible entry point into the Cayenne experience compared to the higher-performance models like the Turbo or Turbo S E-Hybrid. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking the prestige and driving dynamics of a Porsche SUV, but without the substantial price premium of the flagship trims. The Cayenne III platform marked a shift towards greater efficiency and technology integration, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | Cayenne |
| Generation | Cayenne III |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (340 Hp) Tiptronic S |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | April, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.1-11.3 l/100 km (21.2 – 20.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.9-8.0 l/100 km (29.8 – 29.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.0-9.2 l/100 km (26.1 – 25.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 205-209 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 245 km/h (152.24 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.8 kg/Hp, 171.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm, 226.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 340 Hp @ 5300-6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 113.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1340-5300 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft. @ 1340-5300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DCBE, M.DCBE |
| Engine displacement | 2995 cm3 (182.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1985 kg (4376.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2830 kg (6239.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 845 kg (1862.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 770 l (27.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1710 l (60.39 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 4918 mm (193.62 in.) |
| Width | 1983 mm (78.07 in.) |
| Height | 1696 mm (66.77 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2895 mm (113.98 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.34 |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic S |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cayenne III 3.0 V6 Tiptronic S lies the Porsche-developed 3.0-liter V6 engine, internally designated as the DCBE or M.DCBE. This engine is a direct-injection, turbocharged powerplant, representing a move away from naturally aspirated engines in the Cayenne lineup. The single twin-scroll turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, delivers a broad torque curve and responsive power delivery. The engine utilizes a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration and is longitudinally mounted within the chassis. The Tiptronic S transmission is an eight-speed automatic gearbox, offering both fully automatic operation and manual shift control via steering wheel-mounted paddles. This transmission is known for its smooth and quick shifts, contributing to the overall driving experience. The gear ratios are tuned to balance acceleration with fuel efficiency, providing a comfortable cruising experience on the highway while still offering ample power for overtaking maneuvers.
Driving Characteristics
The 340 hp and 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque produced by this engine configuration provide a compelling driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as the Cayenne Turbo, the 3.0 V6 Tiptronic S delivers brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 5.9 seconds. The Tiptronic S transmission plays a key role in maximizing the engine’s output, providing seamless gear changes and allowing the driver to maintain optimal engine speed. Compared to the base Cayenne, the 3.0 V6 offers a noticeable performance upgrade. Compared to the manual transmission options available on other Cayenne variants, the Tiptronic S prioritizes ease of use and comfort over outright driver engagement. The all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in various weather conditions, enhancing stability and control.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cayenne III 3.0 V6 Tiptronic S typically came standard with a comprehensive suite of features, including Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a touchscreen display, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their Cayenne with features such as adaptive air suspension, panoramic sunroof, premium audio systems (Bose or Burmester), and a variety of interior trim options. The trim level often dictated the standard features, with higher sub-trims offering more luxurious appointments and advanced technology.
Chassis & Braking
The Cayenne III utilizes a sophisticated chassis design, featuring a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling, offering a composed ride quality while maintaining Porsche’s signature dynamic capabilities. The 3.0 V6 Tiptronic S typically came equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are standard safety features. The weight distribution is carefully managed to optimize handling and stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Cayenne III 3.0 V6 Tiptronic S was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It was often cited as the sweet spot in the Cayenne lineup, offering a compelling value proposition for buyers who didn’t require the ultimate performance of the Turbo models. Fuel economy was considered respectable for a vehicle of its size and class, although it didn’t match the efficiency of smaller SUVs. Compared to the Cayenne S (with its V8 engine), the 3.0 V6 offered a more fuel-efficient and slightly more affordable alternative, albeit with a modest reduction in outright power.
Legacy
The Porsche Cayenne III 3.0 V6 Tiptronic S has proven to be a reliable and durable SUV, with many examples still on the road today. The DCBE engine, while turbocharged, has demonstrated good long-term reliability when properly maintained. The Tiptronic S transmission is also generally considered robust. On the used car market, these Cayennes hold their value relatively well, reflecting the Porsche brand’s reputation for quality and desirability. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and adherence to Porsche’s recommended service intervals, is crucial for ensuring the longevity of this powertrain.
