Porsche have of course always been renowned for their astonishing sports cars, but in the last couple of decades the German brand has diversified into sport utility vehicles (SUV) and electric cars. When you think Porsche, you think performance. The largest SUV in their catalogue is the Cayenne and now there’s a new version.
The Cayenne is the premium car maker’s largest SUV and was the first model that saw the prestige Porsche brand transfer the legend of the brand’s sports car heritage to a completely new market segment, way back in September 2002, if you can believe that. How time flies. Now there’s another new beginning with the all-electric Cayenne. This new luxury vehicle offers outstanding electric performance and meets the need for everyday usability. The Porsche Cayenne Electric delivers excellent long-distance comfort combined with uncompromising off-road capability.
The good news is the Cayenne Electric is not a stand-alone product but rather complements the existing offering of combustion-engined and plug-in hybridCayenne models with a completely flexible choice of Porsche power-trains to suit all drivers.
The Power
As a fully electric SUV, it combines the legendary Porsche DNA with pioneering technology: Up to 850 kW (1,156PS / 1140BHP equivalent), resulting in 0-62MPH (0-100km/h) in a breathtaking 2.5 seconds (the ‘Turbo’ version) and up to 400kW charging power with up to 398 miles (642 kilometres) of range. The Turbo model has a top speed of 161MPH (260KPH). That makes this car the most powerful production Porsche of all time whilst retaining versatility. Dynamic on the road, confident off-road and comfortable on long journeys; that’s the idea.
This powerful e-performance is made possible by a newly developed drive system that develops up to 850 kW (1,156 PS) and up to 1,500 Nm of torque when Launch Control is activated. The Turbo variant features direct oil cooling of the electric motor on the rear axle to ensure high continuous output and efficiency. This is an innovation from motor sport.
A Choice Of Two
The all-electric Cayenne family initially comprises two models: the Cayenne Electric and the Cayenne Turbo Electric. Both feature all-wheel-drive (AWD) and therefore are quipped with electronic Porsche Traction Management (ePTM).
The Cayenne Electric also offers leading energy recovery (recuperation) figures, achieving Formula E-like levels with up to 600kW of recuperative power. In everyday life, about ninety-seven per cent of all braking operations can be handled purely by the electric motors. The mechanical friction brakes rarely need to intervene. For the Cayenne Turbo, the ‘Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake’ (PCCB) is also available for this version, as an option.
The Drive
The Cayenne Electric owes much of its versatility to its chassis. Adaptive air suspension with ‘Porsche Active Suspension Management’ (PASM) is fitted as standard on both models. The Turbo also features the ‘Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus’ (PTV Plus) limited-slip rear differential. Both models can be equipped with rear-axle steering, which steers the rear wheels by up to five degrees. In addition, ‘Porsche Active Ride’ is also available for this flagship model for the first time. The active suspension system, familiar from Porsche sports saloons (sedans) and newly used on the Cayenne, almost completely compensates for body movements and ensures exceptional stability, dynamics and comfort.
Aerodynamic measures include air curtains in the front bodywork, an almost completely enclosed underbody, special aero wheels and a diffuser at the rear.
Innovative Charging
At the heart of the all-electric Cayenne models is the newly developed 113 kWh high-voltage battery, which benefits from double-sided cooling for optimum thermal management. This results in a combined range of up to 398 miles (642km) for the Cayenne Electric and up to 387 miles (623km) for the Turbo, (depending as ever on driving style, terrain, weather and the like). Thanks to its 800 volt technology, the Cayenne charges at a DC charging capacity of up to 390 kW – and under specific conditions even up to 400 kW. Robust charging performance was a primary focus during the development of the new electric Cayenne, apparently.
The Cayenne Electric is also the first Porsche to optionally support inductive charging, with a system that charges at up to 11 kW. All that ‘Porsche Wireless Charging’ requires is for the user to park above a floor plate. The charging process then starts automatically.
The Powerful Exterior
The Cayenne Electric combines the Porsche brand’s signature proportions with a clearly developed design language. "The new Cayenne is unmistakably a Porsche and unmistakably a Cayenne. Externally not a lot changes as the car is built on proven design features, preserving that which makes this SUV unique. Highlights include the low bonnet with slim Matrix LED headlights. These emphasise the width of the vehicle and combine all lighting functions into one module. The strongly contoured wings are also very typical of other Porsche designs, as is the gently sloping roofline.
The side view is characterised by frameless doors and a striking crease in the door surface. The side skirts have a distinctly three-dimensional design and are painted in ‘Volcanic Grey Metallic’ and, on the Cayenne Turbo, in high-gloss black. The two-tone concept underlines the car’s sporting proportions. The model-specific wheel arch trims emphasise its off-road character.
Striking details at the rear, such as the light strip with its distinctive 3D look and animated graphics, as well as the illuminated Porsche lettering, underline the modern design language. The Cayenne Turbo features numerous contrasting elements in the exclusive ‘Turbonite’ colour. These include the Porsche crests, the faces of the alloy wheels and the side window trims. Delicate accents in Turbonite enhance the light strip and the Porsche lettering.
The Premium Interior
When it comes to digitalisation, the Cayenne Electric takes the driving experience to a new level. At the heart of the newly developed ‘Porsche Driver Experience’ is the ‘Flow Display’. This is an elegantly curved OLED panel that blends seamlessly into the centre console and allows clear separation between the display and control areas.
It is complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster with 14.25 inch OLED technology and a 14.9 inch optional passenger display. Together, the result is the largest display area ever found in a Porsche. For the first time in the Cayenne, a head-up display with AR technology is also available, which visually represents an 87 inch display area seemingly ten metres in front of the vehicle. All displays are seamlessly embedded into the interior architecture. In contrast, the buttons and controls for particularly frequently used functions, such as air conditioning and audio volume, are pleasingly analogue.
The rear seat system is electrically adjustable as standard and offers flexible adjustment options from a comfort position to a cargo one. Luggage capacity is 781 to 1,588 litres, plus the 90 litre front luggage compartment. The new car’s utility value is also underlined by its towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, equipment-dependent.
MHH International With Porsche
As the leading exporter of cars from the UK to worldwide destinations including Kenya and New Zealand, MHH International offer a wide range of new and used prestige Porsche models, including Cayenne models, 911 and 718 sports cars and electric Taycan sports saloons. You can view the current stock on these pages. We also offer premium models from many different brands and full listings can be found via the Home Page of this website. There’s lots of information on VAT-free and finance options. Get in touch and ask our experienced colleagues for details.
