Porsche's Upcoming Electric SUV May Be Its Most Controversial Model to Date | Carscoops

      The unveiling of the new Cayenne EV is anticipated to take place before the year's end.

      Porsche is working on a Cayenne EV that will surpass the Turbo E-Hybrid in terms of power. Prototypes indicate that the SUV will exhibit design elements similar to the Macan EV. Despite being fully electric, this new SUV is projected to have a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds.

      Creating an appealing SUV is no easy feat, but Porsche successfully achieved this with the first-generation Macan, particularly following its mid-cycle update. It managed to strike an uncommon balance, appearing athletic, luxurious, and genuinely visually appealing.

      Regrettably, the automaker seems to be taking a different approach with the all-electric Macan, opting for less refined styling compared to its predecessor. It appears that the larger Cayenne might undergo a similar design transformation.

      An all-electric variant of the Cayenne is already in development and is likely to be revealed by year-end. Similar to the Macan EV, the electric Cayenne will be available alongside the existing ICE-powered model, but its appearance will differ significantly. Recent spy photos indicate it will share design traits with the smaller models and may resemble the provided renderings closely.

      A Recognizable yet Redesigned Form

      The images created by Kolesa draw upon recent prototype sightings, giving a preview of the upcoming model. Given that current electric Cayenne prototypes are heavily camouflaged—including one recently seen in the UK—it's challenging to accurately foresee some of the more intricate styling features.

      Nonetheless, these renderings successfully showcase the production-ready headlights, triangular intakes located under the lights, and a prominent grille at the bottom of the bumper, which is equipped with adjustable vertical slats.

      And The Rear End…

      Much like the Macan EV, the rear design could be contentious. It is anticipated to feature slim LED taillights linked by a full-width light bar, a common characteristic of recent Porsche designs. The tailgate appears rather simple, and the darkened section of the bumper does little to enhance its aesthetic. Overall, this rear end may have difficulty appealing to enthusiasts.

      Our spies have also provided a glimpse inside the new Cayenne EV, showcasing a modern cabin that highlights four screens. The interior blends recognizable Porsche design with some novel elements. The dashboard incorporates a curved, non-touch display for the gauges, accompanied by two touchscreens—one centrally located and another in front of the front passenger—encased under a single glass panel, creating the illusion of an uninterrupted widescreen.

      Unlike the Macan, the Cayenne includes an additional fourth display on the lower console for climate and seat controls, featuring only a handful of physical controls such as temperature adjusters and a thumbwheel for volume.

      Performance to Complement the Brand

      What the new Cayenne may lack in exterior appeal, it is expected to compensate for in performance. Porsche has stated that the Cayenne EV will utilize an upgraded version of the 800-volt PPE platform, with enhancements that could elevate performance and range beyond those of existing models.

      Initial reports indicate that it will exceed the 730 horsepower produced by the current Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid and is expected to possess impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 7,716 pounds (3,500 kilograms).

      The official reveal of the new Cayenne EV is projected for later this year, with global sales commencing shortly thereafter.

      John Halas contributed to this report.