Autotest
When the electric Cayenne was introduced, you could choose between a basic version with 408 hp and a Turbo with no less than 1156 hp. That is a huge gap, and that is why there is now the S version, as a coupe.
SUVs with a coupe shape often provoke discussion: is it really useful, or mainly a matter of style? The fact is that they sell well. Since BMW introduced the X6 in 2008, this body shape has become indispensable.
Porsche later followed with the Cayenne Coupé, which also became an immediate success. Now that there is a fully electric Cayenne, a coupe version could of course not be missing. This means that the existing Cayenne Coupé driver also has a choice in the electric world.
The electric Cayenne Coupé is just as long and wide as the regular SUV, but 24 millimeters lower. According to Porsche designers, an attempt has been made to incorporate the roofline of the iconic 911. Everyone can decide for themselves whether this has been successful. The technology under the body is identical to that of the SUV, and despite the lower roof, the car is not lower on the road. The aerodynamics are slightly better, but that only provides a few kilometers of extra range. In the back it is a bit tighter for tall people, but the Cayenne remains spacious enough for a family.
The S version: the golden mean
When the electric Cayenne was introduced, you could choose between a basic version with 408 hp and a Turbo with no less than 1,156 hp. That’s a huge gap, and that’s why there is now the S version. This has 544 hp as standard, but during launch control – a special starting mode in which all power is released simultaneously – this increases to 666 hp.
The S uses the same electric motor on the rear axle as the Turbo and is noticeably more powerful than the non-S. The basic version feels a bit tame with 408 hp, especially because the car weighs 2,600 kilos. The chassis is so good that you just want some extra power. The S offers that, without the excessive power of the Turbo. For everyday use, this is the perfect balance between sportiness and comfort. You can make the S even sharper with options such as rear-wheel steering, active stabilization and a limited-slip differential, which noticeably improve road holding.
If you really want to drive sporty, you will have to wait for the GTS version. This was a brilliantly successful implementation on the smaller Macan, and there is also room for it on the Cayenne. The Cayenne is somewhat less direct in steering than the Macan, but offers more comfort – ideal if you use it as a daily car.
Space, luxury and practical details
Inside, the coupe is no different from the regular Cayenne SUV. The curved touchscreen works well and the controls are a good mix of physical buttons and screen functions. You sit relatively low and there is enough space for all passengers. The trunk is 534 liters and there is an extra storage space (‘frunk’) of 90 liters in the front. In addition, the Cayenne can tow up to 3,500 kilos – exceptionally high for an electric car.
Each electric Cayenne has a 113 kWh battery. Thanks to the 800 volt system, it can charge with up to 390 kW. That is extremely fast: and it only reaches that peak around 50 percent battery charge before it decreases. The official range is over 600 kilometers, but in practice it will probably be lower. For those who want it sportier, there is a Sport Package with black accents, sports seats, sports steering wheel and a carbon fiber roof that adds 18 kilos to the total weight of more than 2.5 tonnes.
Competition and the Porsche feeling
Porsche has few direct competitors in this segment. Mercedes has the EQS SUV, but it’s a completely different type of car with seven seats, and the smaller EQE SUV is in a different class. BMW’s iX is also smaller, and an electric X5 is yet to come. Range Rover is also working on an electric variant. Lotus has a real sporty challenger with the electric Eletre, but it is less versatile.
It is important that the Cayenne Coupé Electric S does not really fall short anywhere. For those who miss the sound of a petrol engine, Porsche has a smart sound system that mimics a V8 – without it being annoying. After the Taycan and Macan, Porsche has further refined electric driving, and the brand has managed to retain the typical Porsche feeling in this large SUV.
All specifications and prices of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric S can be found in the free database AutoWeek.
By our colleagues from AutoWeekan independent platform for car enthusiasts and buyers.