Imagine: a German automaker renowned for its sports cars finds itself with its back against the wall, the ground giving way beneath its feet. It saves itself in the only way possible: by creating an SUV. If you don’t know the story, ask ChatGPT what happened when Porsche pulled itself out of the rut with the first Cayenne SUV in 2002. Today, 23 years later, Porsche is once again going through a tricky period and is banking on what it hopes will be a revolutionary SUV to overcome it. But this time, without a V8.
The Genesis of the Electric Cayenne
Porsche has good reason to be nervous. It took more than a decade for the public to admit that building the best SUV in the world wasn’t the end of its sports car heritage. As the electric vehicle market slows and trade wars complicate matters, Porsche has even announced that it will continue to produce the third-generation combustion-engine Cayenne alongside this new electric arrival until the 2030s. Its future depends on it.
New Engines, New Technologies, Over 1000 HP
The Electric Cayenne is built on a reworked version of the PPE platform from the Electric Macan. It features an 800-volt architecture, a 113 kWh battery, and a dual-motor powertrain. The big news? In-house developed motors, liquid-cooled between the rotors and stators, allowing them to deliver their maximum power continuously.
Available in base, S, and Turbo versions, the top model’s maximum power will exceed 1000 horsepower, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in under 3 seconds. The promised range is over 560 km (WLTP estimate). Fast charging is a key argument: 400 kW for a 10% to 80% charge in just 16 minutes, even if current infrastructure struggles to keep up.
A 100% Porsche Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the magic happens. The optional variable-angle steering (5 degrees) and Active Ride suspension work wonders. The Turbo version, agile and visceral, offers a phenomenal leap over the base model. The performance and feel gap between the models is similar to that found in the combustion-engine range.
A V8 Sound… Artificial but Successful
A point that will spark debate among purists: the sound. The “Porsche Electric Sound System” is an “exhaust” note that can be added to all models. Developed from a recording of a Cayenne V8 on a test bench, modulated to suit the wider rev range of electric motors, it surprises with its realism. Carefully calibrated, it adds a palpable emotion to the driving experience.
Unexpected Off-Road Capabilities
Despite its weight, the Electric Cayenne impresses off-road. Its off-road mode completely changes the throttle calibration, making it incredibly progressive. The traction control software is formidably effective, finding grip by itself on the most technical slopes. Only the downhill braking still requires a bit of finesse.
Verdict: An Exceptional Electric SUV
The Porsche Electric Cayenne is simply superb. It takes up the bold bet of the first Cayenne by building a car that lives up to its ambitions. Its technical excellence is undeniable. Its success with American, and global, customers, however, will depend on its final price and the evolution of the charging infrastructure. But technically, Porsche has stuck the landing.