A plug-in hybrid SUV may once have been among the unlikeliest of projects from Porsche, but the world is a different place now and Porsche is reaching far beyond its traditional territory. The Cayenne E-Hybrid is a logical extension of Porsche's very popular line of crossover SUVs, bringing greatly improved real-world efficiency to the situation without any tradeoffs to the model's much-respected usability and performance.
Last year's facelift and revisions were thorough enough to allow the Cayenne E-Hybrid to motor into 2016 unchanged.
The Cayenne E-Hybrid has a base MSRP of $77,200 and offers one of the more complex drivetrains in the modern market. A 3-liter V6 wears a mechanically-driven supercharger instead of Porsche's traditional turbochargers and is matched with an electric motor. Working together the two powerplants produce 416 horsepower. The transmission is an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic which sends power to all four wheels.
The EPA's mixed-mode calculations give the Cayenne E-Hybrid an MPGe rating of 47 miles per gallon, and the Cayenne E-Hybrid can cover about 20 miles on battery power alone. Recharge time is better than most current plug-ins -- a bit less than three hours for a full charge from a standard 240V plug, half that with Porsche's dedicated charger -- and the Cayenne E-Hybrid's gas motor can also recharge the battery pack while on the move.
Past the driveline trickery the Cayenne E-Hybrid is still a tremendously versatile, well-appointed, well-made vehicle. Take it for what it is -- a luxurious super-sophisticated soft-roading all-weather upright station wagon with decent ground clearance -- and you'll be endlessly pleased with its speed, capability, and comfort.
Standard equipment is extensive: electronically locking differentials for the all-wheel drive system, eight-way power seats upholstered in leather, navigation and HD radio, Bluetooth, a power tailgate, and much more. The optional equipment list is another of Porsche's infamous epics and requires a fair bit of study and personal reflection -- and perhaps some restraint. (Do you need the air-vent slats wrapped in leather for $2,225?)
Consideration reaps rewards: for example, the $1,990 self-leveling air suspension with PASM computer management and driver-adjustable ride height is a worthwhile investment for those who cover varied terrain or regularly carry heavy loads. Take your time and think the process through; the end result is very much worth it.
As always with Porsches, keep your priorities in mind before you succumb to the hypnosis of War and Peace-length option list. The one must-have is the auxiliary air conditioning which keeps things cool while moving on battery power. Even with a few options added to the Cayenne E-Hybrid, while not exactly inexpensive, is a lot of very good vehicle for the money,
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