What is it?
The Turbo name has been used on Porsche models for decades
Porsche’s latest Cayenne Electric has arrived, bringing with it a long range, loads of in-car tech and a ludicrously fast Turbo version. But, as is the spirit in the SUV world, things wouldn’t be complete without a sleeker, more aerodynamic coupe-inspired version, so that’s just what Porsche has launched.
Called the Cayenne Coupe Electric, it’s a more rounded take on this new EV and we’ve been out to Germany to see how it gets on.
What’s new?
The streamlined roof helps boost range
It really is the Cayenne Coupe’s styling that is the key talking point here. The rear of the car now falls away into a more tapered point, while the taillights wrap around the sides of the car. Not only does it change the look of the Cayenne Electric, but it also makes the whole vehicle more aerodynamically efficient, so you get extra range over the standard car.
We’ve also got the same range of innovations that you get from the regular Cayenne Electric, including wireless charging which provides up to 11kW of charging speed via a floor-mounted ‘pad’. Simply drive over it and the car will automatically start wirelessly charging. It’s expected to be available to UK buyers later this year, too.
What’s under the bonnet?
Porsche now offers a variety of powertrain options
You can get the Cayenne Coupe Electric in the same trio of powertrains as the regular model. There’s the standard car, the mid-range S and the top-tier Turbo, with that final edition the one that we’re testing out here. As we’ve recently seen with the standard Cayenne Electric, it’s the ‘S’ which feels like the pick of the bunch due to its blend of good range and performance, though for many, the huge performance of the Turbo will be too alluring to ignore.
In this range-topping configuration, you’re getting a huge 1,140bhp and 1,500Nm of torque. They’re figures that would’ve seemed out-of-this-world a few years back, but today equate to a 0-60mph time of just 2.4 seconds and a top speed of 170mph. Porsche claims that you can get up to 396 miles from a charge, slightly more than the 387 miles that the standard SUV version can bring.
What’s it like to drive?
The Coupe is most noticeable from the rear
Few words can be used to describe the acceleration that you get in the Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric. Brutal is probably the best one we’re able to think of, as away from the line, this SUV feels as though it’s going to dig a hole in the asphalt underneath. In fact, you only need to do a few Launch Control starts to get an idea of what this car can offer before sickness starts becoming apparent. It’s that fast.
However, for more sedate driving, the Cayenne Coupe Electric is very pleasant. There’s a slight shimmy to the ride, mind you, and the car feels unsettled over very large bumps, but at motorway speeds it is remarkably hushed and refined.
How does it look?
Active aerodynamics are used across the car
Coupe-inspired SUVs have become a popular option over recent years, with nearly all manufacturers offering their own take. Porsche expects a 50/50 split in the UK between SUV and Coupe buyers, with the latter bringing a more streamlined take on the experience.
To our eyes at least, the standard SUV is the more handsome car. But for many, the extra presence that the Coupe brings will be reason enough to pick it.
What’s it like inside?
The interior offers a good blend of luxury and practicality
The new Cayenne Electric debuts a whole new interior design for Porsche. However, what we like is the combination of screen-based and physical elements. There are plenty of buttons to make adjusting aspects such as the temperature and fan speed easier on the move and we’d hope that more manufacturers would do this. The huge curved screen is great to use, too, and packed with features.
The one downside of any coupe-inspired SUV is usually less headroom, and it’s a similar story here. While sitting upright in the rear solves the issue, if you start to lean back in your seat, your head will hit the roofline and the problem will certainly become more apparent for taller riders.
What’s the spec like?
The curved screen is packed with features and easy to use
Prices for the Cayenne Turbo Electric Coupe start from £130,965, and, with a smattering of options, it wouldn’t be hard to push that close to £150,000, making this car an expensive proposition. That said, you’re getting a car that’ll outpace nearly any car on the road, yet still carry a boot load of shopping and five adults in comfort, so it’s got plenty to offer.
Porsche was also keen to show us its range of painted alloy wheel offerings for the Cayenne Electric, too, with gold, red and blue options available alongside the ability to match the exterior colour of the car to the alloys. It’ll divide opinion, that’s for sure, but it feels like that’s just what cars like this are about.
Verdict
Given that coupe-inspired cars have always proved popular among buyers, it seemed only logical for Porsche to create one for the new Cayenne Electric. It does bring a small bump in range, but, in all honesty, these cars are all about visual appeal.
In most areas, the standard SUV Cayenne Electric will be the one to go for, but if you’re after a car that’ll turn heads, the Coupe will no doubt prove appealing.
Model as tested: Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric CoupePrice: £130,965Engine: Dual electric motorsPower: 1,140bhpTorque: 1,500NmMax speed: 170mph0-60mph: 2.4 secondsMPG: NAEmissions: 0g/kmRange: 396Maximum charge speed: 390kW