Porsche has upset the Cayenne hierarchy by unveiling the most powerful Cayenne model to date. This is all you need to know about the ludicrously potent 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid.
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As the name suggests, the new king of the range utilises a hybrid setup, which is composed of an electric motor and the same 4,0-litre twin-turbo V8 that motivates its Turbo GT sibling. That electric motor, which sources its oomph from a 25,0 kWh high voltage battery, exerts a total of 130 kW. According to Porsche, the familiar turbocharged V8 has been “extensively reworked” although they are rather tightlipped about what has changed.
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What has undoubtedly changed is the power output. It’s lower than the all-motor output in the Turbo GT (485 kW). The E-Hyrbid’s V8 produces 441 kW, but the V8 works in tandem with that electric motor to conjure up 544 kW and a tarmac churning 950 N.m! That is more than most of Porsche’s modern offerings, except some of the most power-laden 911 models.
Its performance-crazed ability doesn’t end there. Porsche offers a GT Package for the Cayenne Turbo E-Hyrbid, which serves as the pseudo-replacement for the Turbo GT model which has been barred in many markets due to emissions regulations. The GT package denotes a tightening and bolstering of the Cayenne’s systems from air suspension to chassis control. Most notably, a Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid with the GT Package sits 10 mm lower and utilises GT-specific pivot bearings to increase camber on the front axle. Accompanied by wider wheels, this allows for a more dynamic steering response in corners and greater cornering grip, according to Porsche. Options for the GT Package range from 22-inch GT Design wheels, that will house the standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, the PDCC and rear-axle steering system.
The new Turbo E-Hyrbid model improves on the range and charging capabilities that were present in the previous iteration. The on-board 11 kW aids in shorter charging times, which allows for a sub-two-and-a-half-hour charging time at a “suitable charger”.
Below the many curves of the Turbo E-Huybrid lives Porsches’ new two-chamber, two-valve air suspension system. This system for greater adjustability of the suspension rebound and compression stages. Accompanying the suspension system is Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus system as standard across the Cayenne range.
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Visual distinguishing features range from larger cooling air intakes, a slightly revised front-end styling, wheel arch trims and an exterior colour rear bump punctuated by a twin-tailpipe exhaust configuration. The cabin stands out by way of its aluminium inlays on the dashboard and door panels alongside its Race-Tex finished roof lining.
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is offered at a base price of €176 324 in Germany which translates to roughly R3 524 290 based on current exchange rates. A Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid with the GT Package will be a much higher price of € 208 454 in Germany (R4 166 491 based on current exchange). Porsche South Africa has confirmed that the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is planned for our market, though timing and official pricing are yet to be finalised.
