We've known for some time that Porsche is building an all-electric version of the best-selling Macan SUV, but what about its larger Cayenne sibling? Nothing official has been announced yet, but a new report by Autoweek claims the next-generation Porsche Cayenne will have a battery-electric powertrain for the first time in its model history.Rumors of an all-electric Cayenne have been swirling since 2019, but new developments make this latest claim more credible. Insiders have reportedly told the publication Stefan Weckbach is being put in charge of Cayenne development to replace Manfred Harrer, who now works at Apple.
" Why is this significant, you may ask? Because Weckbach oversaw the Taycan's development and has been in charge of Porsche's EV program since 2016. One inside source thinks there's only one logical conclusion: ""The only thing that could mean is that the Cayenne will eventually become an EV, too,"" they said.The source didn't say exactly when the Porsche Cayenne will go electric, but it likely won't happen until at least 2024 or 2025 since the current model launched in 2017. It also remains to be seen if the electric Cayenne will be based on the current car or a new next-generation model. "
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It's also expected to share the same Premium Platform Electric platform co-developed by Audi as the Taycan and electric Macan. The compact SUV will launch in 2022 and be sold alongside the combustion-powered model. Porsche already offers electrified versions of the Cayenne, including the range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid that packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor.Combined, this setup produces 670 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the Sport Chrono Package, the Turbo S E-Hybrid will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 183 mph. By 2030, Porsche wants 80 percent of its global sales to be electrified cars, so launching an electric SUV based on the popular Cayenne will help the automaker achieve this.