The Cayenne has been and continues to be a success story for Porsche, a stylish SUV which first entered the market in 2002, then powered by a V8 engine; previously a V8 had powered the 928. In fact, the Cayenne was the first off road vehicle from the Stuttgart manufacturer, since the tractors were built in the 1950s. It had to happen, and in a new era for the Cayenne, which is one of the most popular models in the Porsche range, it joins its little brother Macan as it is electrified.
It’s no surprise that the newcomer will pack quite a punch, taking a mere 2.4 seconds from rest to reach 100kph (62mph) and with up to 850kW and up to 400kW charging capability, which will make it the most powerful production Porsche ever produced. Just like variants that have gone before the new EV will have the same versatility, the ability to perform on road or off road. To be fair I have yet to meet a Cayenne customer who has indulged in serious off roading; but I am assured it is well up to the task.
Two versions will be on offer; the Cayenne Turbo Electric with up to 850kW, 1,139bhp, with launch control and a top speed of 260kph (162mph) with Push to Pass boosts for up to ten seconds. The Cayenne Electric with more modest power and performance, 300kW, 402bhp with launch control, rest to 100kph (62mph) in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 230kph (143mph). On the subject of charging, this EV can handle up to 400 kW DC fast charging in ideal conditions, with 10-80 percent time in under sixteen minutes. Porsche is also debuting its optional inductive home charging technology, allowing you to just park over a floor pad and charge automatically. Energy recuperation with up to 600kW of regenerative braking available and in every day driving around 97 percent of braking can be handled by the motors alone.
Among the array of standard features are adaptive air suspension with PASM, Electronic Porsche Traction Management and Porsche Active Ride, this reduces body movement. The Turbo version will add Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and an option is Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes. An off road option package will also be available, adding different front and rear components to improve off road performance. The EV is slightly longer than the petrol versions, which offers improved rear legroom. Moving to the interior and Porsche has introduced new Mood Modes, which adjust lighting, seat position, sound and much more. The optional variable light control panoramic roof employs liquid crustal technology. There is a new interior surface heating system which warms not just the seats, but also the armrests and door panels. Ambient lighting with a communication light adds a high tech feel. There is a redesigned display and control layout around the new flow display, a curved OLED screen that spans the centre area and it separates viewing and control zones for much easier operation. Supporting screens included a 14.25 inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.9 inch passenger display and an available AR head up display.
Those who purchase the new Cayenne EV have a wider choice than ever before, they can choose from thirteen standard exterior colours, a choice of wheel designs, wheels which range in size from twenty to twenty two inches, twelve interior combinations, and multiple interior and accent packages. Certainly from Porsche, their aim is very much to offer maximum choice for their customers.
Ian Lynas