Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric review

A Cayenne that can hit 62mph as quickly as a brand-new 911 Turbo S - 2.5 seconds, statistics fans - while weighing 2.7 tonnes sounds rather implausible. Yet the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric produces 1,140bhp and 1,106lb ft of torque: properly absurd outputs for a family SUV.

That is often the EV way: huge Top Trumps figures that do not invariably translate into emotion. It is exceptionally unlikely that anybody truly requires a Cayenne with this much capability, but then, more is … more.

Besides, the attention-grabbing power and torque figures are slightly misleading. Under normal pedal use, the non-turbo Cayenne Turbo delivers 845bhp. Press the steering wheel’s push-to-pass button and another 173bhp arrives; activate launch control and the full output is available. After all, 845bhp is essentially its road setting. You know, for shopping and such.

Even with twin-valve dampers and dual-chamber air springs fitted as standard, or optional Porsche Active Ride - which uses a small pump at every damper to counter pitch, yaw and roll - it is not expected to match the 911 Turbo S through the bends. Still, owners of the 911 may discover that it is a disconcertingly close contest.

Porsche Cayenne Electric range and exterior design

The packaging and driving range may be more compelling still. The entry-level Cayenne Electric has nearer to 400bhp, bringing a measure of restraint in a comparatively economical £83k package. A middle-ranking version, unavailable at launch, is likely to follow, alongside the £131k Turbo.

The standard car has hints of Volkswagen Group product in its appearance - point the finger at the full-width rear light bar and horizontal rear graphic - while the Turbo naturally has more presence and aggression. At the front, tidier LED headlamps sit within a single unit, accompanied by an understated, more Macan-like nose and sculpted side skirts. It is one of those designs that may grow on you. Perhaps.

There is plenty happening beneath that apparently cleaner styling. Slats in the lower front bumper section open and close to assist both cooling and aerodynamics. The upper rear hatch incorporates a small electrically deploying spoiler, while extendable blades in the rear quarter panels move out at speed. They clear turbulent airflow from behind the rear wheels and around the bumper, helping to improve range. Try not to dwell on the bill should you bump one in a car park.

The engineering beneath the skin is equally striking: a 113kW battery heated and cooled from two sides, where previously it was cooled from only one. The cooling gradient is also controlled from the inner edge, where temperatures are higher, towards the outer edge. For the Turbo, a 398-mile WLTP range is paired with 400kW DC charging, adding 186 miles in 10 minutes and taking 16 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent.

There is little point becoming too concerned about locating a public charger rated at 400kW or more; instead, appreciate that the Cayenne accepts anything supplied through its 800-volt architecture. Wireless induction charging is also offered, although it must be specified during production. And no, a cat sitting between the pad and car will not be cooked - we asked. The system simply switches itself off until Mittens/Simba/Derek moves away.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric interior and technology

Inside, a curved driver display is joined by a curved “flow screen” that runs into the lower central section of the dashboard. Widgets on the curved area handle vehicle functions, while the main display - plus the potentially optional passenger screen - deals with multimedia and flashy visuals. It works well: clear, crisp, responsive and straightforward to use.

There is even a hand-heel support called a “Ferry Pad”, allowing you to tap the correct control accurately while driving. That is not always guaranteed with a touchscreen, even on a moderately uneven road.

Features include an AI assistant, a vast head-up display that projects directions on to the road ahead, Porsche Electric Sound with several levels of V8 rumble, and a panoramic glass roof featuring different photochromic patterns. A communication light welcomes occupants and indicates charging status, while panel heating warms the armrest and door panels, because forearms deserve some affection too. Various “mood modes” adjust the seating position, air-conditioning, lighting and more. It is an extensive collection of technology and entertaining extras.

Space, towing and Porsche’s mixed powertrain strategy

There is also more room overall, electrically heated and cooled rear seats, a large front boot and a huge 781-litre rear boot. Although an ‘S’ or ‘GTS’ is likely to become the range’s sweet spot eventually, the prospect of a Cayenne with more than 1,100bhp is lodged firmly in our minds. So too is the “off-road package”, which provides 3,500kg of towing capacity. Considerable thought has clearly gone into this new electric Cayenne.

It is worth clarifying that some sources suggest Porsche has cooled on electric power. That is not the case. In response to changing regulation, Porsche has instead lengthened the lifecycle of its combustion-engined and hybrid models to address the gap. The new Cayenne will therefore continue to be offered with a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, a V8 petrol in the S, and an E-Hybrid.

Porsche will also retain combustion power in new Cayman and Boxster versions. Meanwhile, the next-generation SUV positioned above the Cayenne will initially arrive with petrol and e-hybrid power rather than as a full EV. Porsche is therefore adopting a more mixed strategy, rather than significantly abandoning EVs. Everything is changing, yet it is not. We will have to wait and see whether the new Cayenne fulfils the hype.

Specs

Price: £130,900 (starts at £83,200)
Transmission: Dual motor, all-wheel drive, Power: 1,140bhp, 1106lb ft of torque
Range: 398miles WLTP
Performance: 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds (0-124 in less than 10), 161mph top speed
Battery and charging: 113kWh gross capacity (108kWh net), DC charging at up to 400kW, 10 – 80 per cent SoC in less than 16 min Range added in 10 min: 186miles, 11kW AC, recuperation rate of up to 600kW (comparable to Formula E racing cars)
Weight: circa 2,600kg
Tow: 3.5 tonnes (with off-road pack)

10 minutes 53 seconds