Like the Panamera, the Cayenne e-Hybrid's battery has been increased in size from 14.1kWh to 17.9kWh, the upshot being a 30 per cent hike in electric range. Non-turbo badged versions can now cover up 25-27 miles on the WLTP cycle, whilst the Turbo S can cover between 24 and 25 miles – a decent uplift from the previous car's 19 mile range.
This has had a knock-on benefit in terms of official fuel consumption and emissions, with the Cayenne e-Hybrid getting up to 118mpg and 56g/km, the coupé 113mpg and 58g/km. The Turbo S e-Hybrid, on the other hand, gets up to 88mpg and 72g/km in regular body shape, or the same fuel economy and one g/km more in coupé form.
Whilst these figures don't exactly put the Cayenne at the top of any lists in terms of efficiency – even for PHEVs – in the German domestic market they do nudge the electric range up enough to qualify for an “E” number plate. This also means German drivers get a lower company car tax rate, so for the cynics out there, this is probably the major rationale behind the upgrade!
Charging the Cayenne e-Hybrid is undertaken at the same rates as the previous generation car and will therefore take slightly longer than the two-and-a-half hours when using a 7.2kW AC charger. A supplied Mode 3 cable means it can be charged publicly, whilst the Mobile Charger Connect feature, controlled by the Porsche Connect App, allows owners to schedule charging and remotely pre-condition the cabin.
Despite the slight hike in charging time, on-the-move drivers should find that charging using the petrol engine, using the E-Charge mode, is more efficient. The target state of charge has been reduced from 100 per cent down to 80 per cent – considered the 'sweet spot' for charging by many.
In Sport and Sport Plus modes the battery is charged to a minimum level to ensure its on-hand to offer the required performance boost. The rate at which this charging happens has been increased for greater efficiency – charging at an average of 12kW on the Turbo S e-Hybrid in Sport Plus Mode. When we tested the previous version of the Cayenne, we were impressed by how seamless the assistance is, so don't expect it to be any different on the new car.
Under the skin, the Cayenne e-Hybrid and e-Hybrid Turbo S get the same powertrain options as before, but that's no bad thing. Electric power is provided by a 134bhp motor with 295lb-ft of torque, capable of propelling the Cayenne at up to 84mph. In the Cayenne e-Hybrid the electric motor assists Porsche's 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 to deliver a total system power of 456bhp. The e-Hybrid Turbo S gets Porsche's 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 bringing total system power to 670bhp.
If you want the regular e-Hybrid, it will set you back £69,980 or £73,050 for the Coupé. The Turbo S e-Hybrid starts at £126,690 or £129,290 for the Coupé, and all are available right now.
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