Porsche Steps Back from ICE Extinction

Porsche is continuing with ICE and hybrid power for Cayenne beyond 2030. The brand’s most popular model will compete in the next decade with three distinct Cayenne powertrains.

The German said it will continue with development of the third-generation Cayenne, which underwent a mid-life upgrade last year. It will sell alongside the forthcoming technically unrelated electric version, Gen IV, arriving in 2025. The new electric family hauler uses the EV-only PPE platform that underpins the recently launched electric Macan. It is not designed for combustion engines. The ICE Cayenne MLB-Evo platform will have been in use for 13 years when the next decade ticks over.

The Cayenne ICE updates will optimise efficiency of the 4.0-litre V8 so it meets future emissions legislation. Whether or not the company tweaks the 3.0-litre V6 for enhanced efficiency is unclear. Some markets, like the UK, will get neither engine because of the ICE ban taking effect in 2030.

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume commented: “Into the next decade our customers will still be able to choose from a wide range of powerful and efficient combustion and hybrid models.”

The decision comes just days after Porsche lowered its EV target to 80 per cent of total sales by 2030, citing a slowing buyer appetite for EVs. This echoes similar views voiced by Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Stellantis recently.

European EV sales rose just two per cent in the first half of 2024, compared with 28 per cent last year. The company fears a significant sales drop if the forthcoming electric Cayenne is not a success with customers. 

Porsche sold over 320,000 vehicles last year, almost one-third of which were Cayennes, followed closely by the Macan.

Given how popular the ICE Macans are, it is not known if Porsche will take a similar tack with its small SUV. At the moment Macan is set to be an electric-only offering. The electric Macan was launched recently with a potential range of over 630km.