The most telling feature of the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is the fact that unlike every other hybrid on the market there isn’t a giant display screen boldly proclaiming your excellent fuel economy. In fact, that info is nearly impossible to find, buried several menus deep in the car’s onboard computer.
FAST FACTS
1. Powered by a supercharged 3.0L V6 and electric motor, the Cayenne Hybrid makes 380-hp and 427 b-ft of torque enabling a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds (0-100 km/h to 6.5 seconds).
2. Fuel economy is rated at 20/24-mpg (8.7/7.9 l/100 km), compared to 16/22-mpg (14.5/8.2 l/100 km) for the V8.
3. One big reason for the Cayenne’s fuel economy numbers is what Porsche calls “sailing”, when the gas engine shuts off at speeds of up to 97 mph.
4. Pricing is pegged at $68,300 ($78,200 CDN) a $3,900 ($4,800 CDN) increase over the Cayenne S.
This speaks to the fact that the gas-electric Cayenne is less about getting good fuel economy, and more about looking like you’re getting good fuel economy. And that’s by no means a criticism. In fact, it’s another very important reason people will buy a Porsche. And when it comes to the Cayenne, there are already three good reasons.
First, it’s a Porsche. Second, it’s a functional family vehicle… that’s also a Porsche. Third, it’s a trendy performance SUV… that’s also a Porsche. And now the German automaker has added a fourth reason: it’s a hybrid… that’s also a Porsche.
