Previewed in June, the Porsche Cayenne Electric has been launched in Malaysia, some nine months after it made its world premiere in November. The third all-electric model from Zuffenhausen after the Taycan and Macan, the fourth generation of the seminal performance SUV shall be sold alongside the present petrol model, giving buyers the posh of alternative.
The Cayenne Electric is on the market in standard and sleeker Coupé variants, with prices starts at RM699,000 nett (without options) for the bottom Cayenne, rising as much as RM759,000 for the Cayenne S and RM969,999 for the range-topping Cayenne Turbo. As for the Coupé, that automotive is priced at RM749,000 for the entry-level variant, RM805,000 for the S and RM999,999 for the Turbo.
Built on the identical Premium Platform Electric (PPE) – co-developed with Audi – because the Macan, the Cayenne is kind of a bit larger than before. The necessity to fit an enormous battery signifies that its wheelbase has been stretched by some 128 mm over the petrol model to three,023 mm.
This has resulted in a 55 mm increase in overall length to 4,985 mm; the automotive can be three millimetres narrower at 1,980 mm and five millimetres lower at 1,674 mm. The Coupé is an extra 24 mm lower at 1,650 mm, because of its lower-slung roofline.
The Cayenne is obtainable in three variants, all with dual-motor all-wheel drive but without the Taycan’s two-speed rear transmission. Even the bottom model churns out 408 PS (300 kW) and 835 Nm, or 442 PS (325 kW) in launch control. Activate it and the automotive is in a position to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds on its approach to a top speed of 230 km/h.
One rung up is the Cayenne S, introduced in March. This produces 544 PS (400 kW) and a whopping 1,080 Nm, rising as much as a devilish 666 PS (490 kW) with launch control activated. Zero to 100 km/h is demolished in 3.8 seconds, while top whack rises barely to 250 km/h.
However the one you’ll really need is the Cayenne Turbo, which raises performance to an entire latest level. In standard mode it already makes 857 PS (650 kW) and a startling 1,500 Nm, but put it into launch control and it pushes out 1,156 PS (850 kW), flinging it to 100 km/h in only 2.5 seconds and to 200 km/h in 7.4 seconds. Top speed is capped to 260 km/h, which you’ll reach very quickly.
To maintain the two.6 tonne kerb weight in check, the Cayenne comes as standard with air suspension with Porsche Lively Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampers, in addition to regenerative braking at as much as 600 kW – as much as a Formula E automotive. A Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) Plus limited-slip rear differential, rear-wheel steering at as much as five degrees and carbon ceramic brakes can be found on the choices list.
Also optional is Porsche Lively Ride that made its debut on the third-generation Panamera. Offered for the primary time on an SUV, it replaces conventional anti-roll bars with hydraulic dampers to virtually eliminate body roll and even lean within the corners like a motorbike, without sacrificing ride comfort.
Though owners will rarely take the Cayenne off-road, it has nevertheless been developed to be capable off the beaten track. To that end, its air suspension is in a position to raise the bottom clearance to 245 mm, and there’s also an off-road package with a unique front bumper to extend approach angle. One slight disappointment is a maximum water-wading depth of only 550 mm, which is lower than some hardier rivals.
Despite its towering performance, the huge 113 kWh NMC battery means the Cayenne still offers a good amount of WLTP-rated range – 642 km for the bottom model, 652 km for the S and 624 km for the all-singing, all-dancing Turbo. Due to its sleeker, more aerodynamic shape, the Coupé offers more range at 661 km for the Cayenne, 669 km for the Cayenne S and 637 km for the Cayenne Turbo.
As with other Porsche EVs, the Cayenne features an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling DC fast charging at as much as 390 kW (as much as 400 kW in ideal conditions) and topping up the massive battery from 10 to 80% in under 16 minutes. It can also support as much as 11 kW of AC charging (22 kW optional) and is the world’s first EV to feature a wireless charging option ex-factory, also at as much as 11 kW.
On the skin, the Cayenne stays recognisably a Porsche, albeit with a rather more angular design with slimmer matrix LED headlights as per the Taycan and Macan. The side view is characterised by a sweeping glasshouse and a pronounced upswept “flick” within the flanks, while the rear end is decidedly busy for the brand with its extremely wide taillight bar that sweeps downwards towards the centre.
Aerodynamic efficiency was an enormous consideration this time around, so the Cayenne gains an lively grille shutter and rear spoiler, in addition to front air curtains, aero wheels (which range from 20 to 22 inches in diameter), a very flat underbody and a big rear diffuser – all for a drag coefficient as little as 0.25. The Turbo model gains additional lively blades that jut out from the rear bumper corners.
The Coupé model gets a sleeker 911-inspired “flyline” (roofline) that sweeps downwards towards the rear deck, which itself is longer and flatter than it’s on the petrol version, giving it a rather sedan-like look. The excellent news is that the more streamlined shape has resulted in a useful reduction in drag coefficient to 0.23, helping to deliver the aforementioned range increase. The display unit seen here can be fitted with the nameplate’s first powered doors, which shall be offered as an option in a while.
Inside, the Cayenne is all screen, with the visually impressive array consisting of a 14.25-inch curved OLED instrument display and an optional 14.9-inch passenger display. The highlight here is in fact the Flow Display – a striking OLED infotainment touchscreen with a horizontal bend to separate the display and control areas. Along with an ergonomic palm rest, this eases the operation of the lower half.
Blissfully, the Cayenne retains physical air-con and volume controls just ahead of the said palm rest. There’s also an augmented reality head-up display with an efficient display size of 87 inches, AI-enhanced voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a magnetic pad for the Qi wireless charger – the latter is housed inside a big adaptable storage bin with removable cupholders.
Practicality is a big a part of the Cayenne’s appeal, so rear passengers get powered seat recline and fore/aft adjustment (recline only on the Coupé), in addition to plenty of additional legroom because of the wheelbase stretch. The boot can be massive at 781 litres for the Cayenne and 584 litres for the Coupé, and there may be also a 90 litre front boot, openable by swiping the highest of the bumper.
GALLERY: Porsche Cayenne Electric in Malaysia
GALLERY: Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupé Electric in Malaysia
This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
