Porsche is expected to start selling its long-awaited electric Cayenne SUV early next year, adding to its existing line-up of pure electric Taycan and Macan models. This new EV version of one of the German marque’s most successful cars marks an exciting addition to their portfolio.
Ahead of the full production model arriving next year, Porsche invited us to its facility in Leipzig, Germany, to explore the latest electric Cayenne and to demonstrate that the company continues to push electrification—despite its recent decision to offer internal combustion engine (ICE) cars well into the 2030s.
### Impressive Performance and Technological Advances
The Cayenne’s headline figures are highly impressive. Its development includes an 800V electrical architecture that enables charging speeds of up to 400kW. Revised battery technology improves the range, pushing it to nearly 400 miles on a single charge. The most powerful models will deliver over 1,000bhp and 1,500Nm of torque.
Unsurprisingly, insiders say this will be the most powerful production Porsche to date, capable of sprinting from 0-62 mph in less than three seconds. I had the opportunity to try out the latest generation of launch control, and it was so intense, I’d gladly never do it again.
### Revolutionary Interior with Largest Digital Display Array
Beyond raw performance, Porsche is introducing an all-new interior boasting the largest array of digital displays ever seen in a Porsche. The Cayenne also debuts the world’s first 11kW wireless induction charging system, allowing EV top-ups without cables—a significant convenience for electric vehicle owners.
The new interior features 50% more touchscreen display area than the outgoing Cayenne, including the innovative “Flow Display.” This consists of a 14.25-inch driver-focused OLED screen that seamlessly blends into a curved central screen, internally called the “stage.” This single glass panel is digitally split into two distinct spaces, allowing for efficient multitasking. For example, Porsche’s navigation or Apple CarPlay can remain visible in the upper section, while important car functions such as air conditioning or lighting appear as pinned, customizable widgets on the lower half.
This solution allows users to keep control of key vehicle functions without leaving the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface. Porsche board member and IT chief Sajjad Khan did not fully rule out deeper Apple CarPlay integration in the future.
Passenger comfort is enhanced with an expanded passenger display now measuring 14.9 inches, covering more of the dashboard and bringing the total screen real estate to a massive 87 inches. Although the design leans more digital than Porsche’s traditional crisp analogue styling, early demonstrations show that graphics and information seamlessly flow across the main stage and passenger display, creating a cohesive and immersive experience that feels less intrusive than competitors’ systems.
On the technology side, Porsche is pushing for greater edge computing power within the vehicle. This strategy reduces the need to send data to the cloud, speeding up infotainment operations and improving reliability. Khan explained that by using Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs), Porsche can predict the availability of charging stations along a route with over 95% accuracy, cutting down the reliance on often unreliable live data.
### Performance and Versatility: The Cayenne’s True Powerhouse
The Cayenne has traditionally been Porsche’s all-rounder—comfortable for family transport, thrilling to drive, capable of towing boats, and stylish. The all-electric version carries this legacy forward and aims to exceed expectations.
This EV is the first Porsche SUV to feature the marque’s active suspension management system, with electronically controlled dampers that continuously adjust for optimal handling. Drawing on experience from the Taycan and the latest Panamera, Porsche engineers showed extraordinary control over each wheel. Remarkably, drivers can even navigate the test track in virtual reality while experiencing every bump, camber, and corner perfectly—a feature unlikely to reach production but illustrative of the system’s precision.
Despite weighing nearly 2.5 tonnes, the Cayenne EV delivers exceptional agility. It can lap real race circuits, drift corners, tackle off-road courses, and ensure motorway comfort. The model also supports towing up to 3.5 tonnes, impressive for an electric SUV.
Enhanced regenerative braking feeds up to 600kW back into the battery system. Fast charging at public stations can reach up to 400kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in under 16 minutes thanks to improved cooling of the battery packs. The cooling system, which equates to the power of 100 domestic refrigerators, can be noisy during high-speed charging, so Porsche introduces a “stealth charging mode” to minimize fan noise—ideal for quiet public spaces at night.
### Charging Technology That Leads the Way
While much of Porsche’s battery and infotainment technology was first seen in the Macan EV, the Cayenne builds upon this platform, elevating capabilities further. The AI voice assistant is faster, more responsive, and more knowledgeable. It now supports Bluetooth peripherals and even allows gaming on either the central or passenger display when the vehicle is parked.
A standout feature is the optional 11kW wireless inductive charging pad, priced around €7,000 (approx. $9,500 / AU$14,200), which includes the pad and the vehicle receiver. The system assists drivers in aligning their car using a bespoke screen integrated into the park assist functionality, providing guiding lines from front-facing cameras and a virtual green ball to help position the vehicle precisely over the pad.
Charging begins automatically at speeds up to 11kW, comparable to most home charging wall boxes. For safety, the pad is equipped with sensors to detect any object or person on top during charging and will shut off power automatically.
Although uptake of this wireless charging option may initially be limited to early adopters, it represents a neat, convenient addition to an already advanced vehicle.
### The Future of Porsche’s Electric Strategy
The upcoming electric Cayenne represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s EV expertise—for now. This launch comes at a critical time. Porsche recently announced a strategic rethink of its EV plans, opting to equip its planned ultra-luxury SUV (which was expected to sit above the Cayenne as an exclusive EV model) with an internal combustion engine instead. This decision responds to the slower growth in demand for exclusive battery-electric vehicles.
All eyes are now on the Cayenne EV to help turn the tide and reinforce Porsche’s commitment to electrification.
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Porsche’s electric Cayenne promises a thrilling combination of performance, technology, and versatility, positioning it as a flagship electric SUV in the competitive market. Stay tuned for its launch early next year!
https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/ive-tried-porsches-screen-packed-cayenne-ev-and-its-going-to-be-an-all-electric-force-to-be-reckoned-with