2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric Prototype Review: An Excellent Beginning, Now Perfect the Execution

      Daniel Wollstein / Porsche

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      Imagine this: a German automaker famous for its compact sports cars is in a tight spot, facing challenging circumstances. Things aren't looking too promising. However, in a moment of crisis, it takes a decisive step for survival: by introducing an SUV.

      I’ll skip over the lengthy details. If you're not already aware, just ask ChatGPT about how Porsche managed to turn things around with the launch of its first Cayenne SUV in 2002. We have other topics to cover. So let’s address the obvious: yes, it is striking that 23 years later, Porsche is again experiencing some difficulties and is heavily relying on what it hopes will be a groundbreaking SUV to pull through. Just this time, without a V8 engine.

      Presenting the Porsche Cayenne Electric. This straightforward name masks the impressive resources the company has invested in developing an electric vehicle capable of making you forget the gasoline version ever existed. For example, it features Active Ride suspension that adjusts to eliminate body roll, new in-house motors with internal liquid cooling between the rotors and stators, 400 kW fast charging that can achieve 10-80% in 16 minutes, a 7,000-pound towing capacity, acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds, aerodynamic blades that deploy from the rear fenders on command, and genuine off-road capabilities. Plus, there are some undisclosed interior features that I can’t discuss just yet.

      I traveled to Spain at the end of June to test drive several Cayenne Electric prototypes, genuine development models taken from the testing fleet, some still bearing dust from heat trials in the Middle East. These prototypes aren't final products. However, aside from the car, which I can confidently tell you is outstanding, I was most surprised by how eager the Porsche executives present were to hear my thoughts on it. More revealing was their curiosity about what American consumers might think of it. So here we go.

      How Porsche Arrived Here

      Porsche has valid reasons to feel anxious, as it took more than a decade for people to cease lamenting the brand's entry into the SUV market and acknowledge that it might not be so dire for the company to be producing what is arguably the best SUV available. The base Cayenne, the 516-hp Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the V8 Cayenne S (which is genuinely exceptional), or GTS, and the dynamic Turbo GT—all variations of the third generation embody excellence. While taste can be subjective, Porsche's attention to detail and execution with its flagship model remains exemplary.

      You could see it as bad timing that Porsche made the commitment to develop a fully electric fourth-generation Cayenne four years ago, only to launch it in a declining EV market amidst ongoing trade tensions and recent global inflation. How could they foresee the potential flattening of the adoption curve? They might have, but that’s beside the point. The reality is that there was so much panic surrounding this move that Porsche decided to continue producing third-generation gasoline models well into the 2030s, alongside the new fourth-generation electric model.

      Although this approach seems clumsy, what truly unnerves Porsche is that its transition to EVs is stalling, and two of its most significant markets are becoming increasingly doubtful about its electric offerings for different reasons. In the U.S., political shifts and an inadequate fast-charging infrastructure are dissuading luxury buyers. Meanwhile, in China, as Michael Schatzle, the VP of the Cayenne Program, explained, consumers believe they are creating superior electric vehicles compared to any European brand. Porsche isn't accustomed to winning over public trust; they must now, as their future hinges on it. Even the skepticism around the Taycan was tempered by the belief that Porsche wouldn’t launch its inaugural electric vehicle without it being truly exceptional, especially since it wasn't displacing anything in their lineup. The Cayenne Electric isn’t doing that either, yet it will.

      New Motors, New Features, 1,000+ HP

      So, what exactly do we have here? Offered in base, S, and Turbo trims, the Porsche Cayenne Electric utilizes a modified version of the PPE platform from the Macan Electric, featuring an 800-volt architecture, a 113-kWh battery, and a dual-motor powertrain comprising five different units all developed internally. The various motors account for the differing power outputs across the trims, while the battery remains constant.

      I previously mentioned the internal liquid cooling system; among its advancements, this development allows the motors to achieve maximum power consistently. The battery is currently the only constraint preventing that, which is why Porsche has introduced a “push to pass” boost button. Schatzle mentioned that Porsche ultimately constructed its motors because they couldn't find a suitable supplier.

      “Our goal is to build a car that's better than the current model. We included everything we desired and