Porsche made headlines in March when they announced that the next generation of their popular Cayenne SUV will be fully electric. Now, spy shots of what appears to be one of the first test mules for the electric Cayenne have emerged, giving us a glimpse of what Porsche has in store for their flagship SUV.
At first glance, the test mule may resemble the electric Macan prototypes that have been spotted, set to debut in early 2024. However, several details indicate that this vehicle is indeed a test mule for the Cayenne EV. The track of the test mule is significantly wider, as evidenced by the widened wheel arches. The slope of the windshield is also different, and the wheelbase appears to be slightly longer, indicated by the rear wheels being pushed further back.
It makes sense for Porsche to use Macan EV prototypes to conceal the mechanical components of the Cayenne EV, as both vehicles are expected to share Volkswagen Group’s PPE modular platform designed for premium electric vehicles. This platform offers flexibility and can be used for a range of different models, including low- and high-riding versions in various size categories.
In terms of powertrain, the Macan EV is expected to feature a 98-kWh battery pack and a motor driving each axle, with a combined output of at least 603 horsepower. The Cayenne EV, being a larger and more powerful vehicle, is likely to offer even higher power outputs. It is rumored that the Cayenne EV may even have a four-motor powertrain, which would not only provide high power outputs but also enable quicker and more precise torque vectoring control. Porsche has previously hinted at developing such a system, emphasizing ultimate control.
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Porsche has a clear roadmap for their electric lineup. The Cayenne EV will come after the electric 718, which is expected in 2025 and will be built on a platform specifically designed for sports cars. In addition to the Cayenne EV, Porsche has also confirmed plans for a three-row electric SUV positioned above the Cayenne, set to arrive in 2027. This SUV will be built on a next-generation SSP Sport platform. Based on this timeline, we can anticipate the Cayenne EV to launch in 2026 as a 2027 model.
Production of the Cayenne EV will take place at Volkswagen Group’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. This plant currently produces the gasoline-powered Cayenne, which recently underwent a major update for the 2024 model year.
Porsche has ambitious goals for electrification, aiming for 80% of their sales to be electric by the end of the decade. This means that most of their lineup will transition from combustion engines to battery-powered electric drivetrains in the years ahead. Porsche has previously stated that the iconic 911 is the only model expected to still have a gasoline engine by 2030.
In addition to the Cayenne EV, Porsche has hinted at the possibility of an electric hypercar. The recent Mission X concept may serve as a preview of what’s to come, although Porsche has not provided specific details about when such a model will be available.
With the electrification trend in full swing, Porsche is investing heavily in electric vehicles, and the Cayenne is just one piece of their electrification puzzle. The spy shots of the Cayenne EV test mule give us an exciting glimpse into the future of Porsche’s electric lineup, showcasing their commitment to combining performance and sustainability in their iconic SUV.
