In an era where a sport utility vehicle boasting 700-plus horsepower was once deemed unthinkable, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles shattered that boundary with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – a fierce contender equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 generating an astonishing 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet (875 Nm) of torque.
Following suit, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat emerged with an impressive 710 horsepower. However, the spotlight now falls on the latest entrant for 2024: the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid by Porsche. This high-performance plug-in hybrid embraces a twin-turbo V8 powertrain that commands an awe-inspiring 729 horsepower. Surprisingly, this figure surpasses Ferrari’s offering in the form of the 715-hp Purosangue. Yet, it’s noteworthy that the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid isn’t currently the most dominant production SUV available.
Although Porsche ranks second in this domain, the boldly styled BMW XM Label Red leads the pack with an impressive 738 horsepower. Visually, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid emerges as the unequivocal victor by most assessments. Moreover, it presents an additional advantage. Priced at $148,550 (excluding destination charges), or $153,050 for the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe, the Porsche offers a more appealing cost proposition compared to the XM Label Red’s price tag of $185,995.
Expected to make its debut in North American showrooms during the spring of 2024, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid boasts a 591-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine shared with renowned brands such as Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini. Although the potential of the 4.0-liter powerplant could have been further harnessed, it’s worth noting that Porsche’s internal combustion-exclusive Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe only quotes 650 horsepower. In contrast, the Lamborghini Urus S and Performante deliver 657 horsepower.
While some speculate that Porsche’s decision to restrain the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid’s engine output was influenced by the ZF-supplied automatic transmission, examples like those mentioned above dispel this theory. Evidently, the Volkswagen Group aims to maintain a power balance, preventing the Cayenne from overshadowing the Urus.
The heart of the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid comprises a 591-hp V8 engine complemented by a 174-hp electric motor, collectively yielding a formidable 700 pound-feet (950 Nm) of torque. This outpaces Ferrari’s V12-powered Purosangue while falling just short of the 738 pound-feet (1,000 Nm) delivered by the BMW XM Label Red.
Across European roads, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid promises a swift 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) acceleration in 3.7 seconds, translating to 3.5 seconds for the 0 to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) sprint in the United States. For comparison, the Urus Performante and Ferrari Purosangue outpace it slightly, both clocking 100 kph in an impressive 3.3 seconds. The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid asserts a top speed of 295 kilometers per hour (183 miles per hour).
As a plug-in hybrid, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid’s electric range naturally piques curiosity. The SUV boasts an electric range of 82 kilometers (51 miles) in the WLTP’s urban test cycle, and around 73 kilometers (45 miles) in the combined test cycle. Regrettably, Porsche hasn’t released the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimate for this newcomer. In comparison, the pre-facelift variant covered up to 11 miles (18 kilometers) on electric power.
Notably, Porsche has worked its magic by enhancing the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid’s capabilities. The lithium-ion battery capacity has surged from 14.1 kWh to 25.9 kWh, while charging times have been notably reduced with the inclusion of an 11-kW onboard charger – a mere 2.5 hours for a full charge.
Porsche’s commitment to superb handling remains evident, as it equips the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid with a sophisticated adaptive air suspension incorporating two-chamber and two-valve technology. The inclusion of standard Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus is also worth highlighting, along with the option to enhance performance further through features such as a rear-axle steering system and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control.
Inside, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid melds supreme comfort with luxury, heightened by its Race-Tex headliner, quad exhaust for the standard body style (coupe variant featuring two outlets), and vibrant red brake calipers (or yellow for carbon-ceramic brakes). Comprehensive details about the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid can be found in the following release.
