New Delhi: Porsche have been looking to mirror Cayenne’s portfolio with the ICE counterpart. It is a strategy that has already been in place with the Mcan, and now even the bigger sibling seems to be following the pathway. After the base and the Turbo trims were released in November, the Cayenne EV is now adding a third trim, sitting between the existing versions.
The S still comes with dual-motors and all-wheel drive, but combined output is now dialled down to 536 bhp. With launch control on, peak output goes up to 657 bhp. Even though it might not exactly appeal as a hill-climber, it does 0-100 kph in just 3.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 249.4 kph.
At the heart, there is the familiar 113 kWh battery pack with support for 400 kWh charging. If the suitable charging station capable of that kind of power, the battery can do 10 to 80 per cent in less than 16 minutes. It needs to be used with a DC charging port on the driver’s side, as one on the passenger side is just AC charging.
Porsche Cayenne S exterior
Porsche Cayenne S exterior and interior highlights
Zuffenhausen have given a lot of effort to visually distinguishing the EV Cayenne S by bringing it slightly different front and back fascias, with some of the pieces painted in Volcano Grey Metallic. In the US, customers can have in 13 different colours and other options. There is also the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), and Active Ride suspension, along with ceramic-composite brakes and the Sport Chrono Package.
Porsche Cayenne S, one interior option
This one will activate a push-to-pass function that can make 120 bhp for about 10 seconds. There is also a built-in Track mode, though a big and heavy EV SUV on a track doesn’t really make for a great pair. In the Cayenne S, there’s the Interior Style Package with a black-and-green two-tone cabin, making its debut (though available on other versions as well) to complement the Mystic Green paint job. The green accents extend onto the doors, steering wheel, and dashboard, which gives the look.
It is good to see that Porsche has brought variety to the model lineup, and it could be that there are a few more models in the lineup. While electric adoption isn’t high in the luxury market, Porsche has given it a good shot.