The 2008 Porsche Cayenne S is powered by a 4.8-liter V8 that produces 385 horsepower. A six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission is standard. The transmission offers a choice of gearshift patterns, such as Economy and Sport settings, and includes a manual shift function that enables the driver to shift gears with either the shift knob or rocker controls located on the steering wheel.

Exterior changes to the 2008 Porsche S are subtle and include a revised front end, as well as new headlights and taillights, and a new rear spoiler. All-wheel-drive is standard.

Features include the Porsche Stability Management system, anti-lock brakes, power steering with variable ratio, an air suspension system, a tire pressure monitoring system, H7 halogen headlights, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which helps improve handling.

Other standard features include leather-trimmed, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a five-dial instrument panel, heated side mirrors, cruise control, power windows, an on-board trip and temperature computer, a power liftgate, automatic climate control, and a 12-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player and MP3 input jack.