Overview
Adding more power, so thinks Porsche, is a major step in making the great even greater. Take the new 729-hp Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid for example. The darn thing was already among the quickest SUVs we had ever tested when it had less power and torque in 2023, but as if to keep up with the world around it—or maybe ahead—the most powerful Cayenne ever built grows crazier. Now there’s even more thrust, a larger battery pack that’s able to charge quicker than before—and Porsche has decided that, for 2024, the all-wheel-drive Cayenne Turbo SUV will only be offered as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. That leaves the sportier and lower-slung roof Cayenne Turbo Coupe GT, which we review separately, to offer Turbo nonhybrid buffoonery. Unlike the more civilized Cayenne, the Turbo E-Hybrid starts at six figures but provides Goliath-like performance without giving up much in terms of the cargo space these high-performance luxury SUVs, such as the Audi RS Q8and BMW X5 M, are known for. Only initial details have been shared so far, but the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid should reach dealers halfway through 2024.
What’s New for 2024?
Whether anyone asked for it or not, Porsche delivers the most powerful Cayenne Turbo ever for 2024. The 729-hp Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid that Porsche says can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 183 mph. The PHEV now has a larger battery and a more powerful 11-kW onboard charger. All Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid come standard with an adaptive air suspension that features a new two-valve and two-chamber unit. Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus is now standard while Porsche Dynamic Chassis control and rear-axle steering are optional. The E-Hybrid comes with Porsche’s new matrix-beam LED headlights as well. The normal nonhybrid Cayenne Turbo model has been dropped.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Missing from the Porsche newsroom is information about a nonhybrid Cayenne Turbo. That’s because the Turbo E-Hybrid, which for 2023 was the range-topping offering, is now the only Turbo-badged offering in 2024. The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid comes standard with an impressive bank of features and tech. While we don’t know yet which optional packages and equipment are offered, choosing a trim level for the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is as easy as saying, “yes.”
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the most powerful Cayenne yet. Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 gas engine with help from an electric motor for a total output of 729 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard. Porsche claims this should propel the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. We think it’ll be quicker than that, as the last iteration of the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid with 670 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque accomplished that goal in 3.2 seconds during our testing. We’ll update this space after we’ve driven the updated version to test that theory. The new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid’s electric motor has 174 horsepower, a meaningful upgrade over the older unit’s 134 ponies. The 20.6-kWh battery is also significantly larger, but also important is the 11.0 kW onboard charger that is a godsend to those that suffered plugging-in at the fate of the previously offered 3.6-KW standard unit or 7.2 kW optional upgrade. Like the base Cayenne, the Turbo E-Hybrid uses an adaptive air suspension to contain its crazy performance, illustrating its effectiveness at times with what will likely be described as “things we can’t believe an SUV can do.” An optional rear-axle steering system, along with torque vectoring, enhance the aggressiveness with more control. The brake-blending system that balances regenerative braking and actual brake pad-use has been revised too, which should smooth out the Cayenne Turbo PHEV driving experience.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Porsche hasn’t released how much its Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid can tow, but the previous PHEV managed 6600 pounds, which was roughly 1100 pounds less than the than the previously-offered nonhybrid Cayenne Turbo. Although not enough to pull a yacht, if the new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is able to tow as much as before, it will likely be about the same as most modern mid-size pickup trucks.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Without confirmation from the EPA yet, we’re only able to speculate what type of fuel economy the most powerful Cayenne ever will get. Using the previous and less powerful 2023 Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid as reference, we can say the new model should be capable of at least 45 MPGe. That’s a marginal improvement over the previous version, thanks mostly to a larger battery that’s able to aid the thirsty twin-turbo V-8 engine with more assistance. We’ll be sure to update this space when the EPA releases its actual estimates sometime later this year, or when we’ve completed testing from our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. For more information about the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid steals a move right out of the all-electric Taycan sedan’s playbook with a massive 12.7-inch gauge cluster, including a toggle-style gear selector very much inspired by its EV brethren. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is central to in-cabin entertainment and navigation operation and—score one of the home team—Porsche’s mostly digital display retains a physical volume knob. The passenger-side of the dashboard also comes with a 10.9-inch touchscreen, which allows for video streaming without being too obviously visible or distracting to the driver. Leather 18-way power-adjustable sport seats are standard and less-aggressive 14-way power adjustable Comfort seats are optional.
Infotainment and Connectivity
If you’ve ever noticed your smartphone convert itself into an aluminum Hot Pocket while charging, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid’s wireless smartphone charger uses a tiny air-conditioner to keep devices cool while charging. Every Cayenne has Porsche Connect Plus, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A set of upgraded audio systems includes a 14-speaker Bose unit or a much pricier Burmester setup that pumps 1455 watts through 21 speakers.
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
