Porsche is happy with the results of its tests with the new all-electric Cayenne
For over two decades, the Porsche Cayenne has stood out for its versatility, blending performance, comfort, and everyday practicality. Now, Porsche is preparing to elevate this legacy with the upcoming all-electric Cayenne. Though the official launch is still ahead, the brand has already offered a sneak peek into its capabilities during a film shoot in England.
The event took place at the historic Shelsley Walsh hill climb, the world’s oldest active motorsport event, dating back to 1905. Here, a near-production Cayenne Electric prototype tackled the 914-meter course, with its narrow sections and steep 16.7 percent gradient.
Moreover, behind the wheel was Gabriela Jílková, development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. On her very first run, she broke the previous SUV record by more than four seconds. “There’s no room for error on this course,” Jílková noted, “but the Cayenne’s active suspension provided incredible stability and confidence throughout.”
This performance was made possible by Porsche Active Ride, an advanced chassis system that maintains a level body position during acceleration, braking and cornering. It ensures optimal traction by distributing wheel loads evenly, enhancing both ride comfort and driving dynamics. “Porsche Active Ride significantly widens the performance envelope of the new Cayenne,” said Michael Schätzle, Vice President of the Cayenne product line.
Adding to the excitement, the Cayenne Electric also accelerated past the first 60-yard marker in just 1.94 seconds, an achievement typically reserved for purpose-built racing cars. Remarkably, the prototype used regular summer tires, highlighting its production-level power and acceleration. Beyond performance, Porsche showcased the vehicle’s everyday utility.
On top of that, in a separate segment, TV presenter Richard Hammond used the Cayenne Electric to tow a vintage car weighing over two tonnes. Including the trailer, the total load approached three tonnes, yet the vehicle handled the task with ease. Porsche confirmed the Cayenne Electric is engineered to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, matching its combustion-powered counterpart.
Porsche emphasizes that while combustion and hybrid models will remain available for years to come, the Cayenne Electric represents a leap forward in performance enabled by electrification. It’s designed to set new benchmarks without compromising the versatility customers have come to expect.
The Cayenne Electric prototype will make another appearance at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, running from 10 to 13 July, offering the public another chance to witness this next-generation SUV in action.
