Porsche Cayenne Electric Expert Review

The new Cayenne Turbo Electric is the largest Porsche yet, with slim headlamps and tail-lamps accentuating its imposing proportions. Active aero vanes at the front and extending flaps at the rear help reduce drag, while intricate details such as the wind-tunnel coordinates add character. However, its sheer size makes it look bulky, and the 21-inch wheels appear somewhat small against the large body.

The cabin combines sporty ergonomics with improved practicality. The compact steering wheel, clear driver display and tactile controls make it feel unmistakably like a Porsche. The longer 3,023mm wheelbase liberates generous passenger space, while the 747-litre boot and 90-litre front storage compartment add versatility. Ventilated 18-way adjustable seats also make longer journeys more comfortable.

The Cayenne gets a curved central touchscreen with a well-organised interface, physical controls for several functions and a standard panoramic sunroof. The optional passenger display and electrochromic sunroof function add to the technology on offer, although the AC vents are adjusted through the touchscreen. The cabin is feature-rich, with plenty of additional equipment available through the options list.

The dual-motor setup produces up to 1,156hp with launch control, enabling a claimed 0-100kph time of 2.5 seconds. Repeated acceleration runs demonstrate impressive consistency, although performance begins to taper as battery charge drops. The sheer acceleration is almost overwhelming, while the smooth, silent power delivery also makes the Cayenne easy to drive gently through city traffic.

The 113kWh battery delivers a claimed WLTP range of 623km. Real-world range will depend heavily on driving style, as repeated high-speed acceleration can drain the battery quickly. Porsche claims charging from 10-80 percent in 16 minutes using a 400kW charger, although charging times will be considerably longer with lower-powered infrastructure.

The Cayenne Turbo Electric is remarkably smooth and refined at low speeds, with its 21-inch wheels doing a good job of absorbing harsh road imperfections. However, the standard air suspension and adaptive dampers allow more body roll than expected when cornering enthusiastically. Steering is sharp and direct, but the absence of optional Active Ride Control and rear-axle steering limits its agility. Despite this, it remains capable of handling corners better than many large SUVs.

The Cayenne Turbo Electric offers an unusual combination of extreme acceleration, everyday refinement, generous cabin space and long-distance usability. Its ability to switch from a brutally quick performance SUV to a quiet, comfortable cruiser is a major strength. However, the bulky proportions and noticeable body roll mean it lacks some of the dynamic magic associated with Porsche. Ultimately, its broad range of abilities is what makes it stand out.