Porsche has announced that it will continue to offer combustion and hybrid power options for its popular Cayenne SUV beyond 2030. The brand plans to develop and upgrade the current third-generation Cayenne alongside the electric fourth-generation version that will be introduced next year. The focus of the upgrades will be on making the SUV’s 4.0-litre V8 powertrain, used in the Cayenne S and GT models, as efficient as possible. Porsche also plans to introduce a hot and more efficient Turbo S E-Hybrid PHEV, although the release date for this model has not been confirmed.
According to Porsche, extensive technical measures will be implemented to ensure that the twin-turbo engine complies with future legislative requirements. However, it is unclear whether the current generation’s 3.0-litre V6 will receive further upgrades. The decision to continue offering combustion and hybrid models will depend on individual market compliance, as some countries, like the UK, are planning to ban the sale of pure-petrol and pure-diesel cars from 2030.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume stated that the Cayenne has always defined the sports car in its segment and that the fourth-generation Cayenne will set new standards as an electric SUV. However, he also emphasized that customers will still have a wide range of powerful and efficient combustion and hybrid models to choose from in the next decade. This decision comes shortly after Porsche, along with other brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Stellantis, adjusted its EV targets due to a decrease in buyer appetite for electric cars.
The wavering demand for electric vehicles in Europe has likely influenced Porsche’s decision to extend the life of its combustion variants. The company fears a significant drop in sales if the electric Cayenne does not resonate with buyers. The Cayenne is Porsche’s most popular model, with 87,553 units sold globally last year. It is followed closely by the Macan, another combustion-powered SUV. While Porsche has confirmed that the Macan will go electric-only in 2025, it remains unclear whether the brand will continue to offer combustion options for this model as well.
In conclusion, Porsche’s decision to continue offering combustion and hybrid powertrains for the Cayenne beyond 2030 is driven by market demand and the need to cater to customers who still prefer traditional powertrain options. By upgrading the current generation Cayenne and introducing an electric fourth-generation version, Porsche aims to provide a wide range of choices for consumers in the SUV segment. This decision aligns with the brand’s commitment to delivering powerful and efficient vehicles that meet future legislative requirements.