Porsche seems to be very interested in taking the niche appeal away from BMW with their own X6 rival based on the next Cayenne. Once the Zuffenhausen automaker introduces an all-new third-generation model in late 2017, they will likely follow that up with a more swooping coupe variant focused more on style as the expense of headroom and some cargo space.
The SUV market is far from dying down despite being in a growth phase for well nearly two decades since the initial mass-market boom. And if you phase crossovers into that category, it’s by far the most competitive and profitable corner of any manufacturer’s portfolio - assuming they offer them.
If a speculative report by Autocar UK is on solid ground, the Cayenne-based high-riding coupe will be the newest model in the Porsche stable. Photos are already surfacing online of Porsche testing an awkward-looking Cayenne with altered roofline and lower ride height. However, it’s still unclear if they will choose to tuck it under the Cayenne nameplate or have it occupy it’s own moniker.
A possible indication of this may come from the release of the all-new second-generation Panamera that’s much rumoured to be accompanied by a slightly smaller Shooting Brake variant that draws from the Sport Turismo concept that Porsche showed in 2012.
Porsche is also rumoured to be developing a smaller Panamera in much the same way the Macan was conceived as a smaller version of the Cayenne. In our opinion, should this Coupe SUV’s main differentiator be merely the roofline, it’s most likely that the car will be slotted into the Panamera family.
After all, the 911 Targa’s uniqueness is down to its removable roof. Then again, the naming argument is made even more confusing with the Boxster/Cayman naming dilemma.
Perhaps, then, that Porsche’s newfound interest in the SUV coupe body style isn’t sparked by the BMW X6 but rather due to Range Rover moving to create its own coupe rival. With two of the Cayenne’s main rivals treading common ground, Porsche can’t afford to miss out.
What’s more, because reports suggest that JLR’s Range Rover Coupe will be fully or at least partially electric, Porsche sees an opportunity to offer its X6-rival with a similar electric powertrain as a precursor to the system it will use to power the Mission E sedan which is due out in 2020. Audi already has confirmed it will be producing the fully electric Q6 e-tron SUV and Porsche could easily use/borrow a similar powertrain.
For more on Porsche vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
