2021 Porsche Cayenne PHEVs Get a Notable Electric-Range Boost

• Release date: Orders open now, dealer deliveries Spring 2021
• US Price: 2021 Cayenne E-Hybrid starts at $81,100
• Canadian Price: 2021 Cayenne E-Hybrid starts at C$93,800; tops out at C$191,200 for the 2021 Cayenne Coupe Turbo S E-Hybrid

Courtesy of more efficient driving modes and the use of optimized cells, the Cayenne plug-in hybrid models — including both the E-Hybrid and sportier Turbo S E-Hybrid versions — gain increased electric range for the 2021 model year. Good news for SUV PHEV fans who value hybrid efficiencies without giving up that burly V6 or V8.

The improved battery chemistry also helps the Cayenne spend more time in pure-electric driving during everyday commuting, making short trips noticeably quieter and smoother. For many owners, that means school runs and errands can be handled without the gas engine ever kicking in.

Porsche managed to squeeze more capacity out of the high-voltage battery, from 14.1 kWh to 17.9 kWh for 2021. Overall, a 27-per-cent increase in capacity. In real-world use, that translates to more relaxed cruising and a wider window before the V6 or V8 needs to assist. Porsche’s engineers didn’t just bump capacity; they also recalibrated the charging and thermal systems to help maintain consistent performance even when the battery is under heavy load.

On the petrol side of things, both Cayenne hybrid models find the same eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, paired to a 3L V6 turbo in the Cayenne E-Hybrid and a 4L V8 twin turbo engine in the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. When more power is needed or things get serious with Sport or Sport Plus driving modes initiated, these green machines will produce a total of 455-hp and a whopping 670-hp, respectively, of which 134-hp comes courtesy of the purely electric powertrain.

That blend of instant electric torque and traditional turbocharged power is what gives the Cayenne hybrids their distinctive feel: smooth at low speeds, then ferocious when the powertrain goes full send. Few plug-in SUVs manage that dual personality as convincingly.

With so many all-electric SUVs hitting the scene these days, it’s good to see one of our favourites from Porsche keeping it real with internal combustion flavours — with some green in the mix, of course. For buyers hesitant to jump fully into EV ownership, the Cayenne PHEV lineup still hits a sweet spot: performance-first driving with meaningful electric capability.