Porsche has expanded its third-generation Cayenne line-up with the new E-Hybrid model. Available to order now, the electrically-assisted version of brand’s biggest SUV promises greater performance and efficiency compared to the previous model.
The improvements come courtesy of updates to both the petrol and electric motors. The 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol develops 335bhp - 7bhp more than before - but the biggest gains come from the latest electric motor, whose 135bhp represents a 43 per cent increase over the old Cayenne E-Hybrid.
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Developing a total of 456bhp and 700Nm means that the Cayenne E-Hybrid can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds - marginally faster than the petrol-only Cayenne S. Top speed is 157mph to the S’s 164mph.
In a system derived from the Porsche 918 hypercar, the Cayenne E-Hybrid’s boost strategy allows it to deploy maximum torque from the electric motor under hard acceleration, giving near-instant throttle response. This is aided by a new clutch system, which reacts more quickly when both engaging and disengaging the electric modes. A new eight-speed transmission, equipped across the entire Cayenne range, offers quicker shifts than before.
The E-Hybrid can manage 84mph on electric power, with an EV range of 27 miles. Charging takes 2.3 hours from a 32-amp charger, or 7 hours 48 minutes via a 10-amp socket.
The Porsche Charging Service gives you access to public charging stations through a wide range of local networks without the need to log into each individual provider, with billing covered directly through a Porsche ID account. This can be monitored through the Porsche Connect smartphone app, which also allows the driver to operate the climate control remotely.
The E-Hybrid, like the rest of the new Cayenne range, rides on a modified version of the VW group’s MLB platform, also used by the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. Porsche’s adaptive suspension system is fitted as standard, and an active roll stabilisation system, as used by the SQ7 and Bentayga, is optional.
The new model is 63mm longer but 9mm shorter than the second-generation Cayenne, but overall wheelbase remains the same. The extra length contributes to a 100-litre increase in boot space for a total of 770 litres. Towing is unaffected in the E-Hybrid; a 3,500kg trailer load is a match for the Land Rover Discovery.
As with the rest of the range, the E-Hybrid sets itself apart from other Cayennes with lurid lime-coloured brake calipers and unique badging. Matrix LED headlights are offered across the range. Inside, the Cayenne features a 12.3-inch touchscreen that sits above a wide centre console. All Cayennes are available with massaging seats and, for the first time in a Porsche, a head-up display.
The plug-in Cayenne is available to order now, with prices starting from £67,128. That places it above the base model’s £55,965 but £1,202 beneath the marginally slower Cayenne S.
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