Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

Porsche has added an E-Hybrid electrified variant to its new-generation Cayenne large-SUV range, which will be priced from $135,600 before on-road costs – almost $10,000 cheaper than before – when it lands in Australian showrooms from the third quarter this year.

Priced as the second-cheapest variant in Porsche’s third-generation Cayenne range, the E-Hybrid sits $19,300 above the base $166,300 Cayenne, but below the $155,100 S and $239,400 flagship Turbo.

Powered by a 250kW 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and 100kW electric motor for a combined output of 340kW, the Cayenne E-Hybrid also develops a maximum 700Nm of torque that is available “just above idling speed”, according to the premium sportscar brand.

Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, the result is zero-to-100km/h sprint time in 5.0 seconds, while speed tops out at 253km/h.

Featuring an all-electric driving range of about 44km at speeds up to 135km/h, the 14.1kWh battery is an increase in capacity of about 30 per cent over the previous electrified Cayenne, and can be fully charged in 7.8 hours via a 230 volt connection.

Buyers can also option a fast charger that will juice the E-Hybrid in just 2.3 hours, while the charging process can be monitored on its owner’s smartphones via the ‘Porsche Communication Management’ system.

Fuel economy on the European cycle is rated at 3.4 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions comes in at 78 grams per kilometre and energy consumption marked at 20.9kWh/100km.

Porsche also claims the Cayenne E-Hybrid “offers the same sports car driving dynamics as all models of the new Cayenne generation” thanks to the ‘Porsche Active Suspension Management’ and as standard, and optional ‘Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control’ roll stabilisation and ‘Sport Chrono Package’.

Standard equipment includes surround-view cameras, privacy glass, auto-dimming mirrors, rear side airbags, lane change assist and digital radio, as well as plush leather seats and different driving modes.

Standard equipment includes surround-view cameras, privacy glass, auto-dimming mirrors, rear side airbags, lane change assist and digital radio, as well as plush leather seats.

For the first time in a Porsche, a full-colour head-up display is available as an option, in addition to massage seats, 22-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and independent climate control that functions with the ignition switched off – the latter available exclusively to the Cayenne E-Hybrid.

Is the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid the ultimate luxury SUV? Tell us what you think in the comments below.