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Porsche Ups the Cayenne Hybrid's Range By 30%

Photo credit: Porsche
Photo credit: Porsche

From Autoweek

  • The 2021 Porsche Cayenne hybrid lineup gets a bigger battery

  • Range should be extended by about 30 percent

  • It goes on sale next spring, pricing has yet to be announced


The push to electrify everything continues this week with Porsche announcing massive improvements of its Cayenne E-Hybrid models. The biggest get is a bigger battery that is now 17.9 kWh as opposed to 14.1 kWh. That increased size improves range significantly in Europe, up to 30 percent, giving the less expensive Cayenne Hybrid about 30 miles on electricity and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models a range of 26 miles. Though, keep in mind, official EPA ranges will likely be lower.

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The 2021 Cayenne hybrids (and hybrid Cayenne Coupes) follow the Panamera hybrids, which we recently drove, and complements the next Macan that will be an all-electrified lineup.

“Generally speaking, we are looking to offer our customers around the world the most attractive portfolio of vehicles. Due to the different regulations and market demands (China, Europe, U.S., etc.), it makes sense to follow a multi-pronged approach,” said Frank Wiesmann, manager of Porsche communications. “This is why we are offering a number of hybrid options on our Panamera and Cayenne models, fully electric cars like the Taycan and upcoming Macan, as well as traditional combustion engines in many of our two-door models. This strategy will make up the core of our approach for the next ten years, approximately.”

The powertrains comprise an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. The electric part makes 100 kw or 134 hp, along with 295 lb-ft of torque. It can reach about 84 mph before the engine switches on. In the Cayenne E-Hybrid, this is a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with an output of 335 hp, which contributes to a system performance of 456 hp. The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models feature a 541-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. That system has a power output of 670 hp.

Also like the Panamera, the Cayenne hybrids have a target state of charge at 80 percent. The E-Charge driving mode will take the battery up to that. Above 80 percent, charging on the road gets much less efficient. You’ll have to plug in at night to get that last 20 percent. “In the performance-oriented sport and sport plus modes, the battery is always charged to a minimum level to provide sufficient boost options for a sporty driving style.”

Photo credit: Porsche
Photo credit: Porsche

The Cayenne E-Hybrid can be charged at home with the Porsche Mobile Charger Connect. It includes a 120- and 240-volt chargers, as well as the J1772 plug that connects to commercial chargers. It has a timer that buyers can program to charge at the most efficient time and/or be ready to go when you leave in the morning. If you opt for the Home Energy Manager, you get a system that “looks at the total energy consumption of the driver’s home to determine the maximum charging power that can be generated without overloading the domestic connection. If the home has a solar power system, the optional Home Energy Manager can use this as the main source of energy for charging the vehicle.

Porsche announced European pricing, but a straight conversion wouldn’t be accurate. The current Cayenne E-Hybrid starts at $81,800; the Turbo S E-Hybrid is $163,200. The Cayenne Coupe hybrids are a little more expensive at $87,600 and $166,200. Expect prices of the 2021 models to be in the same range. The go on sale next spring.