2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Makes 455 HP

Porsche is expanding its electrified lineup with the new Mission E and plug-in hybrid 911, but it hasn’t forgotten about its existing green cars. Today, Porsche is introducing a faster, more powerful plug-in Cayenne with improved EV range.

Like the standard Cayenne, the 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid has a 3.0-liter V-6 engine with a single turbo. But on top of this, it adds an electric motor with 134 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All together, the system produces 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, the same output as the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. Porsche says the hybrid Cayenne can reach a top speed of 157 mph on the track. Hitting 60 seconds is estimated to take 4.7 seconds.

With the standard Porsche Traction Management system, the E-Hybrid has an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that controls the distribution of drive force between the rear axle and front axle. Or, if they prefer, buyers can opt for the air suspension system that is offered on the other Cayenne models.

 

Special drive modes change the characteristics of the chassis, engine, and transmission. Along with the expected “Sport” and “Sport Plus,” the SUV also receives four electrified modes. In Hybrid Auto, the Cayenne combines electric and gas power as it sees fit to maximize efficiency, while E-Charge purposefully makes the gas engine generate more power than needed so it can store this energy for the battery to use later. E-Hold prevents the battery charge state from getting too low. The car runs on electricity alone in E-Power mode. In this mode, drivers can reach a max speed of 83 mph and travel 27.3 miles on a single charge, although that range figure is based on the New European Driving Cycle not the EPA cycle, for which numbers are not yet available.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Cayenne E-Hybrid features a 30-percent increase in battery capacity to 14.1 kilowatt-hours. Although the battery pack is the same size, Porsche was able to boost energy density. Using a 230-volt, 32-amp connection and optional 7.2-kilowatt on-board charger, the Porsche can charge up completely in 2.3 hours. With the standard 3.6-kilowatt on-board charger and 10 amps, it takes the E-Hybrid 7.8 hours to juice back up. Either way, charging times have improved from the previous model.

To help drivers increase efficiency, the model has a traffic-sensing system that looks 1.8 miles down the road to determine the best gear to select. Depending on upcoming corners and changes in grade, the vehicle will decide when to coast and how to best combine the power of the gas engine and electric motor.

Standard on the electrified model is the Sport Chrono package, which gives drivers access to lap times and other performance data among other features. Porsche is also introducing new goodies to the entire Cayenne lineup, including massaging seats, a head-up display, heated windshield, and the first 22-inch wheels Porsche has ever offered.

E-Hybrids look much like the standard Cayenne, but there are a few differences you can see from the outside. The electrified SUVs have green brake calipers and matching outlines around the badges. Inside the cabin are more green accents on the Sport Chrono dial and tachometer, in addition to hybrid-specific digital displays.

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid goes sale in the U.S. in early 2019. Prices start at $80,950.

Source: Porsche

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