Porsche has just unveiled the 2024 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor to produce a staggering 729 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. This makes it the most powerful Cayenne ever, surpassing the previous-generation Turbo S E-Hybrid that had 670 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque.
A Plug-In Hybrid Powerhouse
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is available in both the standard and Coupe body styles, and replaces the outgoing Turbo variants in the Cayenne lineup. The only non-hybrid performance variant left is the Turbo GT Coupe, which has 650 horsepower from a lighter and more agile version of the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.
The electric motor in the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid adds 174 horsepower to the mix, resulting in a total system output of 729 horsepower. The electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, and draws power from a 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted under the floor of the luggage compartment.
The battery pack is larger than the one in the previous-generation Turbo S E-Hybrid, which had a capacity of 17.9 kWh. Porsche claims that this will increase the electric range of the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, but has not yet announced the official figures. The previous model could travel up to 13 miles on electric power alone, according to the EPA.
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid also features a new 11 kW on-board charger that can fully recharge the battery in less than two and a half hours when plugged into a compatible outlet. The SUV can also recuperate energy during braking and coasting, and can switch between different driving modes depending on the driving situation and driver preference.
A Blistering Performance
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, matching the time of the previous-generation Turbo S E-Hybrid. However, Porsche is known for being conservative with its performance estimates, so it is possible that the actual time is even faster.
The top speed of the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is 183 mph, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the market. The only SUVs that can beat it in terms of acceleration are the Lamborghini Urus Performante and the Ferrari Purosangue, both of which are expected to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 seconds.
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid also boasts impressive handling and stability, thanks to its standard air suspension with two-chamber, two-valve technology that allows for adjustable compression and rebound settings. The SUV also comes with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, which distributes torque between the rear wheels for enhanced cornering performance.
Optional features include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which reduces body roll by using active anti-roll bars, and rear-axle steering, which improves agility and maneuverability by turning the rear wheels in the opposite or same direction as the front wheels depending on the speed.
A Distinctive Design
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid stands out from the rest of the Cayenne models with its larger air intakes and air blades, which are painted in high-gloss black. The wheel arches and rear fascia are also painted in body color, while the brake calipers are finished in red.
The SUV also features two brushed aluminum tailpipes that emit a sporty sound when the V8 engine is running. The exhaust system can be further enhanced with an optional sport exhaust system that has four tailpipes and a more aggressive sound.
The interior of the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is equipped with standard aluminum trim on the dash and doors, as well as a Race-Tex roof liner. The SUV also comes with 18-way adjustable leather Sport seats, but customers can opt for 14-way Comfort seats if they prefer.
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid benefits from the same upgrades that were introduced across the facelifted 2024 Cayenne lineup, including an available passenger display that adds a second touchscreen to the dashboard. The SUV also features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch display on each side of the analog tachometer.
A Premium Price
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is not cheap, as expected from a Porsche flagship model. The SUV starts at $146,900 (not including a $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee) for the standard body style, or $151,400 for the Coupe version.
The SUV is scheduled to arrive in North American showrooms in spring 2024, along with other facelifted Cayenne models such as the base Cayenne, the Cayenne S, and the Cayenne GTS. The Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe, which was revealed earlier this year, is already available for order.
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is a remarkable achievement for Porsche, as it combines the best of both worlds: a powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, and a dynamic and luxurious SUV. It is the ultimate expression of Porsche’s performance DNA, and a worthy contender for the title of the most powerful Cayenne ever.
