Twenty-three years ago, when Porsche first introduced the Cayenne, the world was aghast. Opinions were split: some loved it, but most hated it! Why? Because this revolution was hard to swallow for purists.
Porsche was a sportscar manufacturer par excellence. It didn’t need to be in the business of SUVs. At the time, nothing could be classified as a ‘sporty’ SUV, even though the 'S' in the name signified 'sport.' For nearly a quarter of a century, Porsche has been converting purists with a level of sportiness that the Cayenne could deliver. In the real world of bumps, ruts, potholes and undulations, the steady pace of Cayenne is unreal. Now, Porsche is all set to spark another revolution with the launch of the electrified Cayenne.
Two versions of the SUV had a global premiere last night: the Cayenne Turbo Electric, and the more regular Cayenne Electric. With an overall output of an astonishing 1156HP, the Cayenne Turbo Electric is the most powerful Porsche till date. It can go from 0-100kmph in just 2.5 seconds, just about half-a-second more than a modern F1 car. Top speed is rated at 260kmph and Porsche claims a 623km range. The listed price of this shockingly fast SUV from Porsche is INR 2,25,92,000 (ex-showroom).
The saner Porsche Cayenne Electric offers a more sedate overall output of 442hp. The Cayenne Electric shreds the 100kmph barrier in 4.8 seconds before posting a top speed of 230kmph. Claimed range is 642km. Indian customers of the Porsche Cayenne Electric will have to shell out INR 1,75,68,000 (ex-showroom).
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. 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. The SoC (State of Charge) can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 16 minutes, and energy for a range of 325 km (Cayenne) or 315 km (Cayenne Turbo) can be added within 10 minutes. The Cayenne Electric is also the first Porsche to optionally support inductive charging, a system that charges at up to 11 kW. For wireless charging, the user just needs to park the car above a floor plate and the charging starts automatically.
All of that is, of course, under the skin of the Cayenne, which now displays a new design language while sticking to its classic proportions. The highlight is the car's low bonnet with slim matrix LED headlights, which emphasise the vehicle's width and combine all lighting functions into one module. There is also the iconic gently sloping roofline—Porsche calls it flyline—and the strongly sculpted flanks. 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 which is painted in Volcanic Grey Metallic; on the Cayenne Turbo, it's painted high-gloss black. The Cayenne Turbo also features numerous contrasting elements in an exclusive colour called, as per the brand, Turbonite. These include the Porsche crests, faces of the alloy wheels, and the side window trims.
Dimensionally, too, the Cayenne has changed significantly in its EV avatar. The wheelbase of the Cayenne Electric and the Turbo Electric is 3023-mm, which is 130-mm longer than the Cayenne, including the internal combustion engine, translating into bigger space in the cabin. Luggage capacity can go from 781 litres to 1,588 litres, and an additional 90-litre frunk.
The newly introduced Mood Modes turn the interior into an experience space that adapts to one's vibe and situation. Depending on the selected programme, the seating position, lighting mood, air conditioning, sound profile, and the display appearance change. The sliding Panoramic Roof with Variable Light Control, an electrically switchable liquid crystal foil, provides an airy feeling of space.
Porsche is also offering tremendous choice to customers: 13 standard colours, nine wheel designs ranging from 20 to 22 inches, 12 interior combinations, up to five interior packages, and up to five accent packages. These are standard.
And then there is the Porsche Manufaktur programme, where further options are on offer.