Porsche announced launch of a new diesel-powered version of the Cayenne, powered by V8 engine. The current Cayenne diesel has a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine, but this Cayenne S Diesel boasts a 4.2 liter twin-turbo V8 with 382 hp (281 kW) and peak torque of 850 Newton metres. So as you’d expect it delivers a much more satisfying performance.

The S Diesel does zero to 100 km in 5.7 seconds, and flat out it can reach 252 km/h or 157 mph. Pretty impressive for a big, diesel SUV. More impressive than that is the fuel economy, which based on NEDC rating is 8.3 litres per 100 km or 34 imp mpg (CO2: 218 g/km).

Given the fact that Porsche Cayenne has a 100 liter tank, you can cover 1,200 km or 745 miles non-stop.

As with other Cayennes, the S Diesel features PTM active all-wheel drive. This clever system gives the car the characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive car, thus enabling the Cayenne to handle like a big 911, only engaging the front wheels when the traction is lost or the car’s stability is in jeopardy. The optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) makes this excellent dynamic performance even sportier.

Cayenne diesel S also gets an upgraded brake system to cope with the power of that V8. It comes with silver brake calippers to be distinguished over the normal models.

Standard equipment includes Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive, leather interior, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, audio system with seven-inch touch-screen, eight-way powered front seat adjustment, front and rear electric windows, 18” alloy wheels, a 100-litre fuel tank and a three-year warranty

2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel V8 is priced at 77,684 euros in Germany and £58,243 in the UK.