It’s this model we’re in with Schätzle at the wheel. When he steps on the throttle without warning, the almost three-ton SUV is catapulted to 62mph in well under three seconds. It’ll hit 124mph in under 10 seconds, and reach a limited 155mph top speed.
There’s a whole array of interesting chassis tech on board too, including all-wheel steering with up to five degrees of steering angle on the rear axle. There are also two different suspension systems on offer. All models come as standard with air-suspension and adaptive dual-valve dampers, but as with the new Panamera and Taycan, Porsche’s Active Ride Control is available as an option. This system gives each wheel true independence, using hydraulic actuators to fully control body roll and lean – useful for on and off-road applications.
Porsche is also focused on delivering driving dynamics that, for Schätzle, should make the new Cayenne Electric a “sports car among SUVs” again. That’s a tricky task with so much mass to control.
Yet for many customers, the Cayenne has always been a practical and family-friendly Porsche. To this end, the brand has refined its offering. It’ll be the first electric car ever that can tow up to 3.5 tons. It’s also longer and wider than the existing petrol-powered model, but lower to reduce its drag coefficient. The wheelbase has been stretched, too, unlocking extra interior space, especially in the rear, and freeing up an additional 99 litres in the boot. There’s also a bonus 90 litres under the front bonnet.
