In model year 2003, Porsche launched its first fully offroad vehicle – the Porsche Cayenne. Initially, the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo were the only model variants available but Porsche added an entry-level Cayenne to expand the range in model year 2004. The launch of the Cayenne Diesel for model year 2009 saw Porsche offer a model with a diesel engine for the first time.

The bodyshell of this SUV series was around 15.7 ft (4.8 meters) long, nearly 6.6 ft (2 meters) wide and 5.6 ft (1.7 meters) tall. The front section of the Porsche Cayenne was based on the design of the 911. All Cayenne models featured all-wheel drive.

The Cayenne models with gasoline engines are powered by a water-cooled V8 engine. The Cayenne Diesel featured a V6 turbo diesel engine.