Porsche's high-tech SUV is getting a fresh look and some new features— here's a closer look

"We have completely redeveloped our successful model," Porsche chairman Oliver Blume said in a statement. "It has been visibly and tangibly improved and perfected in all respects. The Cayenne has also been digitalized and networked throughout to give it a forward-thinking design."

Porsche not only massaged the driving dynamics of an already sporty SUV; it also bolstered the Cayenne's tech features to bring it in line with a new generation of competitors. The third-generation Cayenne is expected to arrive in US showrooms in mid-2018.

Following is a closer look at the 2019 Porsche Cayenne and its many features.

Immediately, it's clear that the new Cayenne looks quite a lot like the old Cayenne.

According to designer Michael Mauer, that was on purpose: "Our primary objective was to accentuate the character of the vehicle. More Porsche, more Cayenne. The new Cayenne is more precise, elegant, athletic and expressive."

Porsche will launch its new SUV in two trim levels: the Cayenne and ...

.... the Cayenne S. Expect a host of Turbo, GTS, and S hybrid models to follow.

The Cayenne will be powered by a 340-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6.

While the S gets a more powerful 440-horsepower, 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, both variants get a new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

According to Porsche, the Cayenne hits 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 152 mph. The S sprints to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 164 mph.

Structurally, the aluminum-intensive Cayenne is 143 pounds lighter while its new rear-axle-steering system is designed to offer greater agility at low speeds while delivering better stability at high speeds.

All Cayennes get an active Porsche Traction Management all-wheel-drive system. It features off-road-driving modes: mud, sand, gravel, rocks.

Inside, the new Cayenne delivers on Blume's promise of digitalized SUV.

Starting with a massive, 12.3-inch HD touchscreen running the latest version of the company's Porsche Communication Management infotainment system. In addition, the driver's analog tachometer is flanked by a pair of seven-inch digital displays.

The new Cayenne PCM infotainment system, which debuted last year on the new Panamera sedan, features online navigation and real-time traffic data. The Cayenne equipped with 4G LTE connectivity.

In addition, Porsche replaced most of the buttons on the center stack with touch-sensitive panels. Owners can also choose from their choice of premium sound systems from Bose and Burmester.

And then there's the driver-assistance tech. There is a lot of it. It includes night vision with a thermal-imaging camera, lane-change assist, lane-keep assist with traffic-sign recognition, and traffic assist.

Let's not forget about the park-assist feature with surround-view cameras, and, finally, Porsche InnoDrive system with adaptive cruise control.

The Cayenne delivers bountiful passenger room. After all, this will likely be a family hauler. The large panoramic roof fills the cabin with sunlight.

With the rear seats up, the Cayenne's cargo capacity is up 15%, to 27.19 cubic feet.

Fold down the rear seats, and it's positively cavernous.

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne starts at $65,700 while the Cayenne S starts at $82,900.

Porsche's high-tech SUV is getting a fresh look and some new features— here's a closer look

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!