Electric luxury
The Porsche Cayenne Electric is here, and it’s marvellous, writes Metropol’s motoring man Ben Selby.
What’s fun about the Porsche Cayenne Electric, is how capable and dynamic it is to drive. The engaging driving DNA we expect to find when trying any Porsche for the first time is here in earnest. Sure, you feel its weight but can also experience a sharp turning circle, even sharper steering and handling prowess that could put some performance cars to shame. Yes, really.
Available as either SUV or Coupe, the Cayenne Electric range consists of three spec levels. Focusing on the SUV for this test, you have the entry level Cayenne Electric, then the mid-range S Electric and finally the utterly blistering Cayenne Turbo Electric, capable of reaching 100kph in 2.5 seconds, which is nuts. My base Cayenne Electric could still do it in 4.8 seconds, which is nothing to be sniffed at.
Power sits at 300kW with over boost to 325kW, launch control and maximum torque at a hefty 835Nm. Also a 113kW battery pack and Porsche’s E-Performance Powertrain with magnet synchronous electric motor on both axles, Porsche claim 542km of electric range (WTLP) and the ability to achieve 10 to 80 percent charge from the most powerful DC fast charger in 16 minutes.
Inside, it’s refinement central. Porsche embossed leather seats hold you firmly in place and aid in a spot-on driving position for an SUV like this. You can also rest your hand on the ‘Ferry Pad’ while operating the 14.2-inch curved OLED infotainment screen. A nod to the founder’s son Ferry Porsche himself.
Find a most capacious 781L boot, great rear head and legroom, and a generous 90L ‘frunk’ under the bonnet. The rear doors also open quite wide so access is easy for passengers. Plus, Porsche has crammed the Cayenne Electric with an array of onboard safety and convenience kit.
That simply fantastic optional $2710 BOSE stereo system features several different sound settings for ‘concert like’ audio, and if you fancy a soundtrack that reflects the brand’s heritage, Porsche even provides an audible ‘engine note’ when driving in Sport Plus. This superimposed V8 soundtrack crackles and booms when you lift off. I know it’s artificial, but it is fun.
The new Cayenne Electric is masterclass of an all-electric premium SUV and a testament to the engineering prowess of those talented folk from Stuttgart.
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FACT FILE
2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric
Price: $222,000 (starting incl. GST)
Powertrain: 113kW battery pack
Power: 300kW (325kW with Overboost)
Torque: 835Nm
Range: 542kms (WTLP)
Zero to 100kph: 4.8 seconds
Charge Time: 10 to 80 percent in 16 minutes (390kW DC Fast Charger)
