Porsche takes the covers off its most powerful Cayenne ever

Following the reveal of the updated Porsche Cayenne earlier this year, the German carmaker has pulled the covers off the most powerful version of the model ever, the Turbo E-Hybrid.

Like the fastest Cayenne before it and as the name suggests, the new model is of course a plug-in hybrid. However, the big difference here is that significant gains have been made in terms of performance and electric range.

The powertrain is made up of an “extensively reworked” 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 making 441kW alone, which is partnered with a 130kW electric motor to produce a combined power output of 544kW and 950Nm of torque.

When translated to the road (or track), the Cayenne can reach 100km/h from a standstill in 3.7 seconds, while its top speed comes to 295km/h.

The increased capacity of the 25.9kWh on-board battery comes into its own around town with a fully electric range of 82km. Thanks to a new 11kW charger, charging time has been shortened to under two-and-a-half hours.

There will be two variants to choose from, the regular SUV body and the swift-looking Coupe, with both getting adaptive air suspension as standard.

As far as looks go, both Turbo E-Hybrids receive distinctive front-end styling, courtesy of enlarged cooling air intakes, twin exhaust pipes, and red brake calipers among other touches.

Inside, you’ll find aluminium inlays in the dashboard and the door panels, while the roof has been covered in Race-Tex, a microfibre material made from recycled polyester fibres. A heated GT steering wheel has also been fitted as standard, alongside 18-way adjustable leather sports seats.

For those wanting a bit more out of their super SUV, a GT package is available to choose from which lowers the body by 10mm, adds model-specific pivot bearings, wider front wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, and more.

We have yet to hear if the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid will be offered in New Zealand.