Porsche has announced the next Cayenne - the fourth generation of the successful SUV - will get electric power. According to the German company, the zero-emission cars will “set standards as an electric SUV,” but the brand will continue its development of petrol- and hybrid-powered models “up to and beyond 2030.”
What do we know about the next-generation Cayenne?
Aside from the fact it’ll be electric, not all that much. Porsche says the new car, expected to arrive in 2025, will use a “comprehensive further development” of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that underpins the new electric Macan, complete with 800-volt electrical systems. That means the company will flood the car with new technology in the chassis, powertrain and on-board interfaces.
“The flexibility of the PPE architecture allows us to integrate the latest technology in the fields of high-voltage systems, powertrain and chassis,” said Michael Steiner, member of Porsche’s executive board for research and development. “We are going to utilise the potential of electrification to take the Cayenne to a completely new level in a number of ways - for instance, in driving performance.”
Testing of camouflaged prototypes is well underway, following an “extended phase” of digital development and test drives at Porsche’s Weissach proving grounds. Now, though, the prototype models must complete “several million test kilometres” on- and off-road before they go on sale.
“The real-world testing has begun, and this is one of the most important milestones of the development process,” said Michael Schätzle, vice-president for the Cayenne product line. “In this way, we ensure the durability and reliability of the hardware, the software and all the car’s functions in accordance with our high quality standards.”
What about the old petrol-powered Cayenne?
Less of the “old.” The third-generation Cayenne that’s currently on sale will continue to be offered alongside the new electric version. But Porsche says it will continue developing the existing Cayenne with improvements in on-board tech, design, performance and efficiency all on the cards.
“The Cayenne has always defined the sports car in its segment,” said Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. “In the middle of the decade, the fourth generation will set standards in the segment as an electric SUV. At the same time, into the next decade our customers will still be able to choose from a wide range of powerful and efficient combustion and hybrid models.”
So Porsche is pushing on with combustion engines?
Apparently so. In particular, the company says it will focus on developing the twin-turbocharged V8 engine that powers every Cayenne apart from the basic 3.0-litre V6, in the hope of ensuring the engine “is ready to comply with future legislative requirements.” Porsche also says it’s going to introduce “extensive technical measures” to achieve that aim, although it hasn’t shed any light on what those measures may be.
So when will we know more?
With the testing process well underway, Porsche is likely close to finalising the car’s design and most of its basic vital stats, although some fine-tuning is expected over the coming months. A full reveal is likely to happen later this year or possibly into 2025, with the finished car hitting the market later next year.