Porsche Releases Plug-In Hybrid Version of Cayenne SUV

Porsche has officially launched the Porsche Cayenne plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), flaunting the best driving dynamics in its class combined with maximum efficiency. The PHEV SUV is the next phase in Porsche's plan to expand its hybrid range, as the German make positions itself toward the launch of its first fully-electric offering, the Porsche Mission E.

At first glance, the first thing that stands out about the PHEV Cayenne is the color of the brake calipers--they're acid green. The eye-catching calipers are easily visible, thanks to the brand's first 22-inch wheels that sport narrow spokes.

Though the Cayenne is technically an SUV, it boasts a sports car heart, ensuring that it stays true to the brand's performance pedigree. A 3.0-liter V6 engine combines with an electric engine to produce system power of 462 hp and 700 Nm of torque, enabling the Cayenne to accelerate to 100 kph in five seconds flat and achieve a maximum speed of 253 kph. The hybrid engine is mated to a new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox that permits manual shifting.

As for the electric engine's capabilities, it can push the new Cayenne to muster a maximum distance of 44 kms and 135 kph top speed. And depending on the tires used, consumption can range between 3.4 – 3.2 l/100 km of fuel and 20.9 – 20.6 kWh/100 km of electricity.

Porsche dubs the new Cayenne E-Hybrid as "the next stage" in its "journey towards e-mobility." This version of the SUV improves on the combustion engine of its predecessor by 7 to 340 hp, while the electric engine receives a significant 43 percent boost. The Cayenne owes these improvements to the 918 Spyder supercar, which uses the electric power to boost acceleration, capable of making the 700 Nm torque available as soon as the driver steps on the throttle.

The amount of boost support will depend on the driving mode you select, of which there are six: E-Power, Hybrid Auto, E-Hold, E-Charge, Sport, and Sport Plus. In both Sport and Sport Plus modes, virtually all of the battery's power can be used as a boost.

To explain the rest of the modes, the E-Power mode is the one that grants you up to 44 kilometers of zero-emission travel. The Hybrid Auto maximizes the efficiency of both combustion and electric engine when used simultaneously. E-hold is for conserving the current state of charge, while E-Charge lets you use the combustion engine to recharge your battery.

The Cayenne holds true to its SUV tag by being a capable off-roader, thanks to the active suspension system and standard active all-wheel drive. It also has a tow hitch that can haul 3.86 tons of total weight. Other available features include an optional full-color head-up display, smart digital copilot Porsche Innodrive with adaptive cruise control, heated windscreen, independent heating with remote operation, and massage seats.