Our planned test drive of the more recently updated Cayenne S E-Hybrid was initially slated for earlier this year, but the wildfires that scorched swaths of Southern California brought those plans to a halt. Months later, we’ve at last had the chance to slip behind the wheel of Porsche’s reimagined plug-in hybrid SUV—a vehicle that arrives with both subtle refinements and significant ambitions.
When the original Cayenne debuted in 2002, it stirred controversy by wrapping Porsche performance in an unfamiliar SUV silhouette. Purists bristled, but the numbers told a different story. The Cayenne quickly became one of the brand’s all-time best sellers and helped define a new era of high-performance luxury SUVs.
The new S E-Hybrid continues that evolution. Under the hood, a turbocharged V6 is now paired with a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery. But what’s most compelling is the dual character it reveals on the road. Flip through the drive modes, and it transitions seamlessly—from a silent, electric-powered cruiser to an assertive, high-performance Porsche. Let’s take a closer look.
Tech Brief
Powering this hybrid SUV is a revised 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 174-horsepower electric motor, producing 339 pound-feet. The combined output surges to 512 horsepower and 553 pound-feet—numbers that place this hybrid in contention with its V8-powered siblings.
Mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, this dual-power setup channels torque to all four wheels, hustling the 2.65-ton machine from zero to 60 miles per hour in a brisk 4.4 seconds. The quarter-mile mark arrives in just 13.0 seconds—impressive for a hybrid sport luxury SUV.
At the core of its hybrid system is a newly expanded 25.9-kWh (gross) battery, which affords a longer all-electric driving range. Charging is handled by an 11-kW onboard AC charger that enables a full charge in approximately two and a half hours when connected to a 240-volt Level 2 outlet.
Aside from the powertrain specs, the S E-Hybrid comes standard with an adaptive air suspension. It uses a two-chamber, two-valve setup that adjusts spring stiffness and damping on the fly, delivering a smooth ride without sacrificing sharp handling. The electromechanical steering adds to the experience by providing precise, responsive control—making the SUV feel more nimble than you’d expect for its relatively large size.
Porsche’s digital suite expands functionality on the tech front with enhanced My Porsche app controls and Apple CarPlay integration. Drivers can now access key functions directly through CarPlay, and an optional passenger display adds entertainment capabilities by allowing video streaming on the move.
Our test vehicle, priced at $120,270 including destination, arrived with an upgraded leather interior ($4,180). Among the performance upgrades were Rear Axle Steering ($1,280), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control ($3,590), and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus ($1,500)—components that collectively sharpened cornering behavior and lent the SUV a nimbleness beyond its weight class.
Comfort didn’t take a back seat either, with 14-way power seats that remember your settings ($1,290), ventilated front seats ($850), and a surround-view camera system ($830). A trailer hitch ($660) also hinted at the SUV’s practical side.
Another notable option was the Premium Package ($3,590), which bundled a panoramic roof, heated rear seats, and ambient lighting. It included Adaptive Cruise Control, a Bose surround-sound stereo, and a year of free maintenance—extras that highlight how Porsche has worked to further improve the luxury and ownership experience.
The Drive
Settling into the Cayenne S E-Hybrid’s optional 14-way power seats, you’re met with a cabin that immediately blends comfort with intention. The seat bolsters are supportive without being aggressive, and thanks to Porsche’s familiar Sport Chrono Package, a drive mode selector sits conveniently on the steering wheel—encouraging you to explore what this SUV can really do.
Pressing the starter button fires up…nothing—at least at first. In E-Power mode, the SUV glides away in complete silence. It’s a surreal experience for a Porsche, especially one wearing an S badge. But around-town driving feels effortlessly refined; the motor delivers smooth, linear torque and makes it easy to drive through neighborhoods or cruise traffic without ever waking the V6.
Switch to Hybrid mode, and the Cayenne nicely balances its two sides. The shift between electric and gas power is nearly unnoticeable—just a faint growl and a slight change in acceleration hint that the engine’s kicked in. This is where the electric motor really shines, adding not only efficiency but also smooth, responsive driving.
Flip the dial to Sport or Sport Plus, and the change is immediately noticeable. The turbo V6 comes alive with a sharper throttle response but a relatively quiet exhaust note. The usually relaxed SUV feels more alert and ready to run. The adaptive air suspension firms up the ride, and thanks to Rear-Axle Steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, the Cayenne handles with surprising agility for a 16-foot-long machine.
It’s a big vehicle—about 5,300 pounds—but it never feels slow or overly big. To get the most out of it and experience it at its best, Sport or Sport Plus mode is where it’s at. The steering is quick and responsive, the body roll is well-controlled, and the Cayenne grips the road with confidence and balance when you push it through curves. It’s not just capable—it’s actually engaging.
The Verdict
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid doesn’t clamor for attention—it just gets on with the job, seamlessly shifting between quiet efficiency and respectable performance. One moment it’s gliding noise-free through traffic, the next it’s carving up a backroad with surprising energy, all at the turn of a mode dial.
Inside, everything feels well-considered. The materials are top-tier—leather that’s soft without being overdone, crisp but not overwhelming displays, and controls that land exactly where you expect them to be. The tech blends in rather than jumps out at you, making the cabin feel more like a retreat than a cockpit.
With an EPA-estimated 22 mpg and the ability to drive up to 27 miles on electricity alone, the hybrid setup adds a layer of practicality that traditional gas models can’t offer. It’s not about compromise—it’s about adding efficiency without taking anything away.
No, it isn’t a sports car. The high center of gravity is always evident, even if well-managed. But the Cayenne S E-Hybrid delivers something rare: a vehicle that is both sensible and stirring. In an era when electrification often means compromise, Porsche has made it feel like a choice—not a concession.
