Porsche launches electric Cayenne in India, Turbo version does 0 to 100 kmph in 2.5 seconds

Porsche has launched the electric version of its Cayenne SUV in India. The new Cayenne Electric combines strong performance, a large battery, fast charging and luxury features. The petrol-engine Cayenne will continue to be sold alongside the electric model.

The Cayenne Electric starts at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.77 crore. The more powerful Cayenne Turbo Electric is priced at Rs 2.28 crore. Porsche aims to strengthen its position in the premium electric SUV segment with the launch.

The Cayenne Electric has electric motors on both the front and rear axles, and a 113 kWh battery. The standard Cayenne Electric makes up to 408 hp, which rises to 442 hp with launch control and overboost. The SUV reaches 100 kmph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230 kmph.

The Cayenne Turbo Electric performs better still, with 1,156 hp of power and 1,150 Nm of torque. It reaches 100 kmph from 0 in just 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 260 kmph.

According to the company, the standard variant can run up to 642 km on a single charge as per WLTP certification. It supports 390 kW DC fast charging, and under the right conditions charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes about 16 minutes.

The company claims 10 minutes of DC charging can add 290 to 324 km of range. A 22 kW onboard charger is provided for AC charging. Inductive wireless charging is also optional, and customers can choose an 11 kW wireless charging system. A full charge with a compatible wall box can take about 5.75 hours.

The design retains the Cayenne's familiar identity, but the front has been changed for the electric powertrain. It gets a closed grille, active aerodynamic vents and Matrix LED headlamps with a four-point DRL design. The SUV is 4,985 mm long, 1,980 mm wide and 1,674 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,023 mm.

It has also been kept practical for everyday use. There is a 90-litre frunk at the front. The boot at the rear holds 781 litres, expanding to 1,588 litres with the rear seats folded. The SUV can tow up to 3,000 kg as standard, and 3,500 kg with the Offroad Package.

The cabin puts special emphasis on technology. It has a 14.5-inch curved infotainment touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. A 14.9-inch passenger display and an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display are optional. It also gets 8-way electric front seats, with 18-way seats as an option, 4-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a sliding panoramic roof and 25W wireless smartphone charging.

Safety features include driving assistance systems such as ParkAssist, Lane Change Assist, Intersection Assist and Warn and Brake Assist. Swerve Assist, Turn Assist and Speed Limit Assist are also provided.

Despite the launch of the electric Cayenne, the petrol-engine model has not been discontinued. According to the company, the ICE, or petrol-engine, model will remain available for several more years. Indian customers can now choose between petrol and electric versions of the Cayenne.