The Cayenne has evolved into a very handsome luxury SUV. The latest generation has broader shoulders than the previous model, giving a more muscular, athletic and dynamic impression. Other Porsche design signatures include a prominent front wing, sloping 911-style bonnet and deep front apron with broad triple air intakes. The doors have been restyled, the roofline sweeps smoothly down to the tailgate and the rear end treatment with its horizontal LED taillight strip is clean, sharp and appealing. The interior has been radically updated too, with a new HD 12-inch touchscreen and touch-sensitive, glass-look console controls. Distinguishing features of the Cayenne Hybrid include brake callipers in Acid Green as well as "E-Hybrid" badging on the front wings and tailgate.
PERFORMANCE
The drivetrain of the Cayenne Hybrid includes a 3.0-litre V6 engine which produces 250 kW (340 hp), coupled with a 100kW (136 hp) electric motor. Under full throttle they combine to catapult the Porsche from 0-62mph in just 5.0 seconds, and on to a top speed of 157mph. A new eight-speed transmission offers faster and smoother shifts than ever before. In Sport mode the water-cooled 14.1kWh battery is constantly replenished so the additional torque of the electric motor is always available, while in Sport Plus a more aggressive programme can use virtually all the battery’s power in a boost. In pure electric EV mode, the top speed is limited to 84mph and maximum range is 27 miles. According to the New European Driving Cycle, mpg is rated at up to 88mpg. Fully charging the battery via a 230V connection takes around 8 hours, or less than two and a half hours if an optional 7.2kW on-board charger is fitted. The car’s charge rate can be managed remotely via a Porsche Connect app.
TECHNOLOGY
The Cayenne E-Hybrid offers a choice of four drive modes: E-Power, Hybrid Auto, Sport and Sport Plus. If the battery is charged, the car will start in E-Power mode and remain there at gentle throttle settings, bringing the 3.0-litre V6 into the equation. Choose Sport or Sport Plus and the combustion engine is always on, with the extra boost of the electric motor available for full-throttle acceleration. Specific E-Hybrid features include on-board 3.6 and 7.2kW charger and the ability to pre-warm or cool the vehicle using mains electricity while it’s plugged in and charging. Standard Cayenne features include the Porsche Connect app, an entire ecosystem that allows you to synchronise your destinations and calendar entries via your smartphone, as well as plan your trips with real time or listen to music via a variety of streaming services.
SAFETY
The collision and brake assist system detects an imminent collision with cars, pedestrians or cyclists and alerts the driver by means of a visual and audible warning, followed by a brake jolt, if the vehicle approaches cars, pedestrians or cyclists too quickly. The driver's own braking is then reinforced, down to a complete halt if necessary. If the driver fails to respond, an emergency stop is automatically initiated to avoid a collision or reduce its impact. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, braking all the way down to a halt if necessary before resuming the set speed when the road is clear. Other safety features include Lane Assist with traffic sign recognition.
