2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Is Coming For BMW’s X6

After more than a decade since BMW started selling the world’s first-ever mid-size SUV Coupe, the segment is now rich with options from some of the world’s finest automakers.

Mercedes were first to answer with the GLE Coupe back in 2015, followed by Lamborghini and Audi with the Urus and the Q8 respectively. Now, Porsche is lining up their reply in the form of the Cayenne Coupe, a project that was only recently green lit.

Are they really calling it Cayenne Coupe?

We don’t know, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they stuck with it, since the Cayenne is already an instantly recognizable nameplate and as far as we can tell, this prototype shares its more practical sibling’s front end design – same headlights, same hood design and a similar grille design.

Of course, as you approach the C-Pillar, things begin to change. Unlike the regular Cayenne, this new Coupe model has a steeply-raked roof line, a sharper window line and a retractable rear spoiler. Then there’s the rear number plate slot, which has been moved from the boot lid to the bumper. The taillights unfortunately remain heavily camouflaged.

Segment-leading tech

The dashboard, as you can see in this first scoop of the interior, is lifted unchanged from the latest Cayenne – which was to be expected, as we’ve seen from the competition. The latest Cayenne is already one of the most technologically advanced SUVs in its class, and features such as the new gauge cluster, premium sound systems or massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Internet connectivity will make their way into the Coupe version.

What is expected to change though, is how much luggage space there will be in the boot. The Cayenne fancies some 770 liters (27.1 cu.ft) in there, whereas this vehicle shouldn’t be able to touch that, not with that roof line, which in turn will also lead to reduced rear headroom.

As for active safety, Porsche might also want to infuse the Cayenne Coupe with features such as Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Jam Assist.

A driver’s SUV

According to reports, Porsche might think twice about offering any diesel engines in the Cayenne Coupe. Instead, they could use the regular Cayenne’s twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, which is good for 440 PS (434 HP) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. As for the range-topper, that could be the twin turbo 4.0-liter V8 that feeds 550 PS (542 HP) and 700 Nm (568 lb-ft) to the Panamera Turbo’s wheels.

Since both the Cayenne Coupe as well as the Cayenne share the same platform as the Panamera, a plug-in hybrid version of this BMW X6 rival is very likely.

Unless Porsche surprises everybody and unveils the Cayenne Coupe before the end of 2018, odds are the car will surface sometime next year as a 2020 model.

*Post has been updated with new spy photos, including the first of the interior