The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid arrives to sit at the top of the SUV’s range.
When Porsche revealed the heavily updated Cayenne a few months ago, the lack of a range-topping Turbo model was a conspicuous, but now thankfully short-lived proposition. That’s because the German manufacturer has introduced the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid – a stonking new derivative with a hybridised V8 engine.
The powertrain itself is a heavily revised version of the previous hybrid V8, losing its ‘S’ moniker, but picking up power anyway. Like before, the petrol-powered V8 is a twin-turbo unit, but it’s been heavily re-engineered to adhere to future emissions regulations while also packing a heftier punch. Now producing 441kW on its own, it is joined by the same uprated plug-in hybrid module as other Cayenne E-Hybrids, with its own 130kW to create a peak system output of 544kW and 950Nm of torque. The e-motor draws power from a larger 25.9kWh battery that helps it achieve around 80km of all-electric drive from a single charge, as well as a more powerful 11kW on-board charger for speedier top-ups when plugged into a charge point – a full charge from empty will now take as little as 2.5 hours.
Performance is extreme, with 0-100km/h reached in just 3.7 seconds and a 295km/h top speed, a tenth quicker than previously and in spite of a kerb weight in the region of 2.7 tonnes, although a final weight figure is yet to be confirmed at the time of writing.
To control all this fast-moving mass, Porsche has employed its full arsenal of chassis hardware, from its latest twin-chamber air spring with dual-valve adaptive dampers and a torque-vectoring rear differential that are standard, to Porsche’s active anti-roll bar system (PDCC), rear-wheel steering and carbon ceramic brakes, which are available as options.
There’s also a range of subtle styling tweaks featuring the usual Turbo design elements, such as twin-bar daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper with larger intakes feeding that air-hungry V8 engine. At the rear, standard Turbo models feature a pair of oval-shaped dual-exhaust outlets as standard, although most will be equipped with the typical round quad-exhaust setup that comes with the optional Sports Exhaust system.
The Turbo E-Hybrid will be available in both SUV and Coupe body shapes, but unique to the latter is an additional GT Package which combines the previous Turbo GT’s chassis upgrades with the new hybrid powertrain.
As a result, the GT Package features the same unique front suspension geometry with its increased camber and wider wheels and tyres. This pack also integrates rear-wheel steering and PDCC as standard, as well as the full-size 420mm carbon ceramic brakes. The Turbo GT’s high-mounted rear wing and unique interior upgrades are also brought across.
The new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid will be introduced in Australia this year. The new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is available from $288,400 before on-road costs and the Coupe version starts at $ 297,200.
In Australia, the new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid will additionally be equipped with the following equipment:
• 22-inch 911 Turbo Design wheels with standard tyres (only for the Coupe)
• Panoramic roof system (only for the SUV)
• Porsche Entry (comfort access)
• Privacy glass
• Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
• Lane Change Assist
• Surround View with Active Parking Support
• Head-Up Display
• Adaptive Cruise Control including Emergency Stop function and Lane Keep Assist
• Active Lane Keeping including Crossroad Assist as a No-Cost Option (NCO)
• Front seat ventilation (only for the SUV, NCO for the Coupe)
• Side airbags in the rear compartment
• 4-zone climate control
• Soft-close doors
• Digital radio