Porsche previews all-electric Cayenne
Porsche has offered an early glimpse of its upcoming all-electric Cayenne SUV, showcasing the vehicle’s performance and everyday practicality ahead of its official launch. In a display of power and engineering, the near-production prototype set a new ‘SUV record’ at the historic Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in England, completing the 914-metre course in just 31.28 seconds.
Piloted by Gabriela Jílková, simulator and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, the camouflaged Cayenne Electric beat the previous SUV record by more than four seconds on her first run.
“The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes,” Jílková said. “But the active suspension gave the Cayenne enormous stability and precision.”
The vehicle featured Porsche’s new Active Ride chassis system, which keeps the big tank level during dynamic manoeuvres by balancing wheel load distribution. Porsche says the system enhances both ride comfort and agility.
Acceleration data is equally impressive, the Cayenne hit the 60-yard mark in just 1.94 seconds, a time typically reserved for single-seat race cars with slicks, says Porsche.
The prototype also proved its practicality. As part of a film project, British TV host Richard Hammond towed a two-tonne vintage car with the electric Cayenne, praising its effortless power and towing ability. Porsche claims the EV SUV will match the current combustion model’s 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
While combustion and hybrid Cayennes will continue into the next decade, Porsche says the performance seen in the electric model is only possible through electrification. The final tuning is ongoing, but the drivetrain and chassis in the Shelsley Walsh car were at production spec.
The record-breaking Cayenne Electric prototype will make another public appearance at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, running from 10 to 13 July.
