In a bid to keep up with the evolving trends of German high-performance cars, Porsche has introduced its newest model, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. German auto giants such as Mercedes and BMW have already embraced hybrid propulsion systems to boost their models’ power, with Mercedes integrating it into several AMG models, including those with V8 engines, and BMW with its XM. Now, Porsche joins the bandwagon, unveiling a Cayenne that blends a V8 engine with an electric motor in a plug-in hybrid system.
The Cayenne’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine alone delivers a whopping 599 horsepower (HP). The electric motor contributes an additional 176 HP, and together, they churn out a remarkable 739 metric HP and 950 Nm of torque. These specifications place this new release as the most powerful standard Cayenne ever. The vehicle boasts a top speed of 295 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.7 seconds.
While some Porsche aficionados might have expected even quicker acceleration given the immense power at play, it’s worth noting that plug-in hybrid systems come with substantial weight. The new Cayenne houses a 25.9 kWh battery, similar to earlier versions of the Nissan Leaf. Even with advancements in energy density, this battery likely weighs over 100 kg. Additionally, the weight of the electric motor and other modules also plays a role. On the upside, the Cayenne can cover 82 km in pure electric mode.
However, its electric consumption stands at a significant 30.2 kWh/100 km. While Porsche claims a fuel consumption of 1.9 liters/100 km for the first 100 kilometers (with 92 km potentially being electric), such figures often spark debates on the real-world gasoline consumption of plug-in hybrids.
This hybrid innovation is available in both the Cayenne SUV and Cayenne Coupe variants. Pricing is set at a premium, with the SUV version costing over 176,000 euros in Germany and the Coupe almost reaching 180,000 euros.