- An electric Cayenne based on the PPE platform is due for launch in the next 12-18 months
- An electric Cayenne Coupe variant is also coming, a prototype for which has been spotted
- Gas and plug-in hybrid Cayennes will live alongside the electric generation
Porsche is out testing prototypes for an electric Cayenne, and the latest prototype spotted is for the more rakish Cayenne Coupe body style.
The Cayenne Coupe EV looks like an elongated Macan EV, as the front-end designs of the two vehicles are very similar. The Cayenne Coupe EV stands out due to its more muscular proportions and more sloping rear.
The similarities to the Macan EV go beyond exterior styling, as the two vehicles will share a platform—in this case, Volkswagen Group’s PPE modular platform designed for premium EVs. The platform is flexible enough to support low- and high-riding models in multiple size categories.
For the Macan EV, the platform accommodates a 100-kwh (95-kwh usable) battery pack and a motor driving each axle. Combined output for the Macan EV currently tops out at 630 hp in the Turbo model, and even higher outputs are likely for the Cayenne EV and Cayenne Coupe EV.
2028 Porsche Cayenne Coupe EV spy shots – Photo via Baldauf
Although not yet confirmed, a 4-motor powertrain could be available. This setup would provide not only high power output but also faster and more precise torque vectoring control. In 2019, Porsche stated that it was developing such a system.
The regular Cayenne EV is anticipated to arrive in 2026, likely as a 2027 model for the U.S. The coupe-like variant could potentially launch alongside it, though Porsche will most likely stagger the release by six months to a year. We currently expect a debut for the Cayenne Coupe EV in 2027, likely as a 2028 model for the U.S.
Originally, Porsche planned to phase out the current gas and plug-in hybrid Cayenne lineup with the arrival of the electric generation, but now the current Cayennes are set to receive a second round of updates to extend their shelf life.
Slowing growth in EV demand led Porsche to announce last summer plans to keep its Cayenne equipped with internal combustion engines well into the next decade, including V-8 engines. It will do this with other models too, like the Panamera. There are even rumors that Porsche is now considering redesigning its gas-powered Macan due to a slower-than-expected adoption rate for the electric version.
