THERE's beauty in things that can be many things to many people, and that's never been more seamlessly possible than today. As technology has progressed, humans have learned to be versatile creatures, creating tools that allow us to accomplish more than a single task at any moment. The Porsche Cayenne has always been one such vehicle. You want a sports car, but you also have a family to care for? The Cayenne has always been the sports car for five.
There's also beauty in having two different power sources that blend effortlessly to create a vehicle tailored for multiple needs. Sure, you may want an electric car, but worrying about charging on a trip outside Metro Manila isn't ideal. At the same time, you still crave the sound, linear power delivery, and the emotional experience of a well-engineered internal combustion engine (ICE). That's where the engineering beauty of the 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid shines.
The last Cayenne I drove was the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 model. It's a brilliant car, proving that an SUV can handle as well as a sports car. With a 33.9 kilowatt-hour battery providing up to 74 kilometers (km) of pure electric range, along with an electric motor to boost the V6 engine, you get both efficiency and performance.
The plug-in hybrid system delivers a solid 470 horsepower and 650 Newton-meters of torque, sending electrified power through all four wheels via a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. These figures are comparable to the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 Cayenne S, but without the same fuel economy penalty. The Cayenne E-Hybrid can reach 0-100 kph in 4.9 seconds, just two-tenths slower than the Cayenne S, and 0.8 seconds faster than the standard Cayenne.
In typical Porsche fashion, the two power sources work seamlessly. Left to its own devices in hybrid mode, the Cayenne E-Hybrid prioritizes electric-only driving, making the most of the gearbox-mounted electric motor. When it needs more power than the electric motor can deliver, it calls on the V6, with no fuss, drama or hesitation. Power is instant, with the electric motor filling in any gaps in the power band while the V6's turbos spool up. That's the beauty of electrical assistance.
However, as some of you may know, especially if you've owned one, a plug-in hybrid is only as good as the extent to which you use its large batteries. With 74 km of WLTP-rated electric range, this suits the average daily driving distance of many Filipinos, allowing you to use the Cayenne E-Hybrid mostly as an EV when charged daily. For those occasional long drives, the V6 engine takes over.
Once the battery is low, the Cayenne E-Hybrid drives like a typical hybrid, managing both power sources for optimal efficiency or performance. At 13 km per liter, it won't match a Toyota or Honda hybrid, but it nearly matches the diesel BMW X5 xDrive30d in efficiency, even with significantly more power. So yes, even with a depleted battery, the Cayenne E-Hybrid remains highly efficient, but remember, always charge your plug-in hybrid.
As for the driving experience, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a fine-handling midsize luxury SUV. Its handling capabilities far exceed what you can explore on public roads and would benefit from a racetrack to fully exploit its grip. One of its greatest assets is the steering. No other vehicle in this segment offers such rich-feeling electric power steering, which feels like there's a direct connection to the wheels.
At the same time, this excellence doesn't compromise ride quality or refinement. The ride is supple yet not entirely isolated, a typical Porsche characteristic. Refinement and stability feel vault-like, especially in pure electric mode. This Jekyll and Hyde personality makes the Cayenne E-Hybrid practically two vehicles in one cleverly engineered package.
Exterior and interior
As for the exterior, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid looks identical to the standard Cayenne V6, down to the wheels and paint choices in the Philippine spec. Since its mid-cycle facelift, the Cayenne has always looked purposefully sporty with a blend of elegant shapes and curves. Its quad-beam 32,000-pixel HD Matrix LED headlights are a standout feature, capable of projecting lane markings and distance markers on the road. Once you're accustomed to this technology, it's hard to settle for anything less.
The interior of the Cayenne E-Hybrid is typical Porsche, with a horizontal dash made from premium materials, and build quality that surpasses its German luxury rivals. It doesn't rely on flash but embodies elegance and sophistication — traits valued by luxury car buyers. The electrified variant also includes a third passenger-side 10.9-inch screen, complementing the 12.6-inch driver's digital gauge cluster and the central 12.3-inch PCM screen. The latest Porsche Communication Management software is intuitive, with simple yet well-structured graphics. While the third screen's novelty may fade, it's invisible to the driver, keeping distractions to a minimum.
Finally, the Bose surround sound system is another highlight, along with generous space for five occupants and their cargo. Despite the large battery pack, trunk space remains unchanged at 772 liters, making it one of the largest in its segment.
Time and again, the Cayenne has shown that when Porsche enters a new segment, it raises the bar. The 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid may not revolutionize the Cayenne, but it opens a new chapter for this sports car for five. It's effectively two cars in one — a quiet, sustainable EV for city driving and a family-friendly sports car powered by a soulful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 when you need it. If you're looking for the Swiss Army knife of sports cars, the Cayenne E-Hybrid is that vehicle.