Porsche Cayenne EV prototype undergoing snow testing

A prototype of Porsche's Cayenne EV electric SUV was caught in spy shots during a test run.

The Cayenne EV will use the same PPE platform as the Macan EV and Audi Q6 e-tron. It was originally scheduled to debut in late 2025 or early 2026, but Porsche is reviewing its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, and it appears that the launch date may be delayed.

Impact of Porsche's EV Strategy Review

Porsche has been forced to adapt its brand-wide electrification plans in response to changes in the automotive market.

Specifically, the company will extend the life of some internal combustion engine models and modify EVs currently under development to be compatible with internal combustion engine powertrains.The three-row K1 SUV, in particular, is said to be affected by this change in policy.

As for the Cayenne EV, the development process is so advanced that it is difficult to support an internal combustion engine.
However, the current internal combustion engine model Cayenne (which received a facelift and significant updates in 2024),Not a major issue as there are plans to continue selling the EV model for several years in parallel with the EV modelIt seems.

Cayenne EV Features and Expected Specs

The Cayenne EV will use an extended version of the same PPE architecture as the Macan EV. Details on the exterior design are unknown as the prototype is camouflaged, but the headlights and grille design are expected to borrow many ideas from the Macan EV.

As for the powertrain, the entry-level Cayenne EV is likely to adopt the same setup as the mid- and high-end grades of the Macan EV, according to the company. Specifically, the 4S is expected to feature a dual-motor system with 509 hp (516 PS / 380 kW) and the turbo grade with 630 hp (639 PS / 470 kW).

For the higher-end Cayenne Turbo EV, the 872 hp (884 PS / 650 kW) and 939 hp (700 kW / 952 PS) power units of the Taikan Turbo and Turbo S may be used. In addition, the 1,020 hp (1,034 PS / 760 kW) motor from the Taikan Turbo GT, which boasts the same outputIt has been suggested that it could compete with the Tesla Model X Plaid.

Poor sales and future development of Porsche EVs

Meanwhile, a concern for Porsche is that sales of the Taikan plummeted last year.

They have been unable to halt this downward trend despite the introduction of facelift and high-performance models, despite the increase in EV registrations worldwide. Sales of the Macan EV have also not been as strong as expected.

Given this situation, all eyes are on whether Porsche will proceed with the launch of the Cayenne EV within the next 12 months as planned, or whether the launch will be postponed pending a recovery in the luxury EV market. The future of Porsche's EV strategy could have a significant impact on the timing of the Cayenne EV launch.

There seems to be a growing interest among Porsche drivers in the coexistence of the Cayenne EV with conventional internal combustion engine models, as well as expectations for the Cayenne EV. All eyes will be on how Porsche will strike a balance in the midst of the ongoing electrification trend.