Porsche is about to launch an electric version of Cayenne, spy shots of the Swedish test have been exposed

[PCauto] An automotive media in Sweden has captured images of Porsche simultaneously developing two variants of the Cayenne EV – a performance version and an off-road version.

The performance version will carry forward Porsche's racing features, equipped with a dual-motor four-wheel drive system, the maximum power is expected to exceed 700Ps, 0-100km/h acceleration can be achieved in about 3 seconds, such figure directly competes with Tesla Model X Plaid. For the chasis, the performance version is equipped with an active air suspension and rear wheel steering system, combined with a chassis tuning optimized for road driving, ensuring that this 2.5-ton electric SUV still maintains its precise control characteristic.

Details from the spy shots show that engineers have added more aggressive aerodynamic components to the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser. The combination of 22-inch high-performance hub and carbon-ceramic braking system shows performance version's ambitious challenge of Nürburgring lap time.

The off-road version opens up a new battlefield for luxury electric SUV. The vehicle will increase the ground clearance to more than 250mm, an increase of about 15% compared to the current fuel version, and is equipped with an adjustable suspension off-road mode. The addition of a mechanical differential lock, combined with a multi-terrain selection system, gives it the capital to compete with traditional hardcore off-road vehicles when facing complex road conditions such as sand and mud. The test vehicle shows that the engineers have added a scratch-resistant fender to the wheel arch, standard all-terrain tires, reserved searchlight interface and roof rack installation position on the roof, these details all point to its strategic intention to expand outdoor use scenarios.

Both models are built on the Volkswagen Group's high-end electric platform PPE architecture, which shares core technology with the Audi Q6 e-tron and uses an 800V high-voltage electrical system, supporting 270kW fast charging technology. The 100kWh battery pack can provide 500-600 kilometers of WLTP cruising range, the performance version due to the high energy consumption of the power system, the endurance may be reduced by 10%-15%. In terms of intelligence, all models are equipped with the standard PCM 7.0 onboard system deeply integrates the Apple ecosystem, the augmented reality head-up display system can project navigation routes and driving assistance information, high-level autonomous driving functions cover scenarios such as automatic lane change, remote intelligent summons, etc.

The performance version is aimed at the high-end performance SUV market represented by Tesla Model X Plaid, Lotus Eletre R, with a price expected to exceed $120,000. The off-road version is aimed at emerging electric off-road products such as the Range Rover all-electric version, Rivian R1S, etc., with the starting price possibly maintained in the $100,000 range. This dual-line strategy not only continues Cayenne's traditional advantages of both highway performance and multi-condition adaptability, but also reflects Porsche's judgment on the electric sub-market.

According to the testing schedule, the engineering team has completed chassis dynamic calibration at the Nürburgring track, low-temperature battery performance testing at the Arje Plug in Sweden, and verification of the thermal management system's stability in the Dubai desert. The mass-produced model is planned for its global first launch in 2025 and delivery in 2026.

As a core product accounting for over 30% of Porsche's annual sales, the success of Cayenne's electrification is directly related to the success or failure of the brand's transformation. Industry analysts point out that user's focus on the electric Cayenne is concentrated on three points: first, whether the electrified architecture will affect the precision and driving feel of the vehicle; second, whether the off-road version can achieve the same passability as the Land Rover Defender; third, whether the speed of 800V supercharging network development can keep up with product launch rhythm.

Porsche's engineering team has shown cautious confidence in this, emphasizing that the three-electric system experience accumulated during the development of Taycan will be used, and the energy management algorithm will be enhanced for SUV characteristics. Oliver Blume, the brand's CEO, recently revealed that the Leipzig factory is expanding its dedicated electric vehicle production line, with production capacity ramp-up preparations expected to be completed by the end of 2024. As the testing process advances, key data about the two models, such as Nürburgring lap times and off-road climbing parameters, will gradually be released through third-party assessment channels.