With the 2026 Porsche Cayenne, the future is electric, but the allure of the V8 remains as potent as ever.
May 21, 2024, at 08:35
Porsche Cayenne EV Over The V8 Version?" />
by Chris Chilton
- Porsche is revolutionizing the Cayenne with an electric version based on the Macan EV’s PPE platform
- This new two-row SUV will nestle neatly between the Macan EV and Porsche’s forthcoming K1 model in 2027
- The first-ever zero-emissions Cayenne will co-exist with its combustion counterpart
Porsche is often seen as a dichotomy, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. On one hand, they uphold the classic 911 rear-engine structure, while on the other, they continuously push boundaries with ventures like the original Cayenne and the upcoming 718 EV duo.
Come 2026, the Cayenne family will expand to include an electric powertrain option, setting the stage for an avant-garde sibling to the refreshed combustion engine Cayenne. The Cayenne EV will ride on an extended version of the PPE platform, the same architecture that underpins the Audi Q6 e-tron and soon, the Q8 e-tron, meaning it will share its electric DNA with these high-performance cousins. However, the traditional Cayenne will continue to run on a different platform designed to support hybrid power but not full-on BEV.
Related: 2025 Porsche Cayenne Gains More Standard Kit And Hefty New Price Tag
Details about the new Cayenne EV’s powertrain remain under wraps, but it's likely there will be similarities with the Macan's offerings. The Macan 4 base model produces 402 hp (408 PS / 300 kW) and 479 lb-ft (648 Nm) of torque, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in a swift 4.9 seconds. At the higher end, the Macan Turbo channels 630 hp (639 PS / 470 kW) and 833 lb-ft (1,128 Nm), conquering the 60 mph mark in just 3.1 seconds.
Transplanting these powerplants into the larger and heavier Cayenne, along with possibly a more robust battery than the Macan's 100 kWh unit, could slightly temper performance. However, with more powerful configurations, the fastest Cayennes might clock sub-3-second sprints to 60 mph. For comparison, the current combustion Cayenne Turbo GT, which packs 650 hp (659 PS), reaches 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.
This EV prototype suggests a modernized aesthetic for the electric Cayenne, likely borrowing sleek designs from the Macan Electric, such as deeply set headlights and a distinctive hood line.
With promises of faster speeds, futuristic looks, and advanced technologies, the 2026 Cayenne EV does seem dazzling. But can these innovations outshine the classic thrill of a V8 engine? Porsche has recently reinstated their dedication to ICE aficionados by replacing a V6 with a V8 in the updated Cayenne S lineup, besides offering robust V8 options in the GTS, Turbo E-Hybrid, and Turbo GT models. Tell us, which Cayenne wins your heart: electric agility or V8 power? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.
