Porsche has expanded the recently updated Cayenne lineup with a new plug-in hybrid model, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. It will go on sale in Ireland with a starting price of €110.951.
The Goldilocks hybrid Cayenne
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is positioned between the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid in the range, so you can kind of think of it as the 'Goldilocks' version - not too cold, not too hot. Indeed, Porsche itself claims that the Cayenne S E-Hybrid strikes: "a fine balance between everyday usability and performance." It's available in both the tall SUV body shape and the sleeker Cayenne Coupe.
Under the bonnet, there's a revised 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, which now develops 353hp on its own. That's combined with a 130kW (equivalent to 176hp) electric motor, giving the Cayenne S E-Hybrid total power of 519hp, with a maximum system torque of 750Nm.
As you might expect, that combo results in rapid performance - 4.7 seconds 0-100km/h and a top speed of 262km/h. However, the WLTP fuel economy figure stands at a claimed 1.4 litres per 100km, and the Cayenne S E-Hybrid has official CO2 emissions of just 31g/km.
Long electric range
That's, of course, because it's a plug-in hybrid, so don't expect to get anything like that fuel economy figure in the real world, unless you're super-diligent about plugging in and don't need to use the petrol engine very much at all. That said, you may not need to resort to petrol all that much - the 25.9kWh battery gives the Cayenne a claimed electric range of up to 90km if you're sticking to urban driving. The overall WLTP electric range is 66-74km, which isn't bad. The AC charging system runs at 11kW, allowing fairly rapid top-ups, assuming you can charge at home or know of a handy on-street charger.
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid gets standard two-chamber air suspension and comes with 20-inch alloy wheels. You'll also spot brushed stainless steel exhaust tips, and if you go for the SUV version, then there's an exterior chrome package. If you've gone for the Coupe, then you'll get a blacked-out exterior trim pack. Matrix LED headlamps are standard, and you can optionally upgrade those to HD matrix LED lights.
Upgraded Apple CarPlay
Inside, the standard kit includes eight-way powered adjustable seats with driver's side memory, the Sport Chrono package including a mode switch for selecting the driving programme, and pedal trims in stainless steel. There's also 'Daimar' dashboard trim (basically a metal-look plastic), while the central touchscreen now gets an upgraded Apple CarPlay connection, which allows more of the vehicle functions to be controlled through the CarPlay menu.
Optionally, you can get an extra third screen for the front-seat passenger, and there's a new air quality system offering which is designed to filter out particles and hazardous substances.
Order books are open now, and of course, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid comes with a complimentary driver training session at the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone.