Ticking All The Boxes
Developed on the race track, the Cayenne E-Hybrid is a magnificent example of Porsche engineering. Paul Agnew takes it on a test drive to find out more. Photography: Roger Moore
So it powers from 0-62mph in just five seconds? Most impressive. And it reaches a top speed of 157mph? Wow, sounds like a proper sporty motor.
Delivers up to 91 mpg and up to 1605 litres of boot space. Really? That’s incredible.
And now you’re telling me it’s an E-Hybrid? Sorry, totally implausible.
Oh, hang on, are we talking Porsche? Well, why didn’t you just say that in the first place?
Impressive, sporty, incredible, ground breaking – yes, definitely sounds Porsche.
And the Cayenne E-Hybrid certainly represents all that is great about the world-famous brand. A mix of sustainability and driving dynamics, absolutely guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of all true sports car enthusiasts.
For this superb motor represents true hybrid technology – developed on the race track – with outstanding fuel efficiency and space for the whole family.
Let’s take a closer look.
Irrespective of the car you drive or how good you consider it to be, you are unlikely to have come across the build quality of a modern Porsche and the fit, kit and finish of the Cayenne E-Hybrid is quite magnificent.
The traditional German attention to detail is everywhere you look and touch – solid and chunky, yet big on detailed design and oozing style.
Dig a little deeper to find plenty of the very latest technology.
Let’s take most of what goes on under the bonnet as read. This is, after all, a proven member of the Porsche family.
Inside the cabin the highlights are many. Top of the list is the 12.3 inch touchscreen that sits slap bang in the middle of the dash, along with many of the hybrid controls. The screen is responsive with all the information/entertainment you could wish for. The home screen can even be personalised to help even further with your navigation.
The model I ‘tested’ (‘enjoyed’ would be far nearer the truth) was an all-wheel drive, automatic in jet black metallic with a power output of 340 kW/ 462 hp.
Complete with panoramic roof system, Porsche logo LED door courtesy lights, adaptive air suspension, sport tailpipes, power-steering plus, 22 inch wheels in high gloss black, tinted LED main headlights with matrix beam, privacy glass, soft close doors – the list goes on.
Oh, you want more? Okay, ambient lighting, 18-way adaptive front sports seats, side airbags in the rear, heated steering wheel, compass/sports chrono stopwatch instrument dial in white, Porsche crest on the headrests, illuminated door sill guards, 7.2 kW on-board charger with mobile charger connect, keyless ignition, climate control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, parking sensors, reversing camera and power operated tailgate.
In short, just about everything – although you can upgrade to the Turbo S E-Hybrid for an even sportier design and a few more comforts and gadgets.
As well as all the excitement and eco-sensitivity elements, it is also a very safe car to drive. The official Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash test delivered it a five-star rating backed up by an incredible 95 per cent score for adult occupant protection.
And now for a closer look at the electric driving and hybrid performance.
We covered some of the data at the outset, but it is worth noting that the Cayenne E-Hybrid has an electric range of up to 30 miles and an electric top speed of 83mph.
The electric motor – linked to the 17.9 kWh battery – is integrated into an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Working in tandem with a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine ensures that what you gain in efficiency (up to 91 mpg) and low CO2 emissions (71g/km) you certainly don’t lose in performance. Be in no doubt, this is a speedy and powerful car. The battery can last between three to five years, depending on weather conditions and driving habits and charging is both simple and easily available.
The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is every inch a car for the here and now. Show me a box and I’ll enter a tick.
Porsche Centre Preston
Watery Lane PR2 1QJ
01772 911911
porschepreston.co.uk
