2023 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid revealed

The heavily updated 2023 Porsche Cayenne line-up has been joined by a third plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, this time in the middle of the range in the form of the S E-Hybrid.

Priced from $178,300 plus on-road costs in wagon form and $185,100 plus ORCs for the sleeker ‘Coupe’ body style, the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid will arrive in local showrooms early next year.

That positions the new PHEV variant in the middle of the large luxury SUV range, above the entry-level Cayenne E-Hybrid but below the monstrous Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid flagship.

Perhaps more importantly, it also makes the new Cayenne S E-Hybrid several thousand dollars cheaper than the equivalent combustion-powered Cayenne S.

Porsche says the odd price positioning is due to the fact the facelifted Cayenne S returns to V8 firepower rather than continuing with a smaller and cheaper V6 as seen in the base Cayenne and at the centre of the S E-Hybrid’s plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Curiously, however, the new S E-Hybrid develops more power and torque than the force-fed V8 (382kW/750Nm v 349kW/600Nm) and markedly similar performance, with both hitting 100km/h in a claimed 4.7 seconds when fitted with the Sport Chrono pack.

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid’s power outputs, performance and pricing go some way in filling the gap between the entry-level E-Hybrid (346kW/650Nm) and the savage Turbo E-Hybrid (544kW/950Nm), though there’s plenty of room left for a penultimate variant to slot in beneath the flagship at a later date, should Porsche deem it necessary.

As with the other E-Hybrids, the 130kW electric motor in the hybrid Cayenne S draws current from a 25.9 kWh battery pack, which provides an all-electric driving range of about 84km.

Standard equipment for the new variant essentially matches that of the V8 Cayenne S, with highlights comprising 20-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, Sport Chrono package, dual-chamber adaptive air suspension, metallic paint, panoramic roof, comfort access, privacy glass, power steering plus, head-up display, 14-way power adjustable comfort seats with ventilation and a Bose surround sound system.

The Coupe version differs slightly in that it features a fixed glass roof and a memory function for the driver’s seat, while seat ventilation is a no-cost option.

Standard driver aids on both versions include lane change assist, active parking support with surround view, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

“Porsche is further expanding its hybrid range for the new Cayenne model,” said Porsche.

“As the third plug-in model of the luxury SUV series that was comprehensively revised recently, the new Cayenne S E-Hybrid impresses with its finely balanced driving dynamics, comfort and efficiency.”

How much does the 2023 Porsche Cayenne cost?
Cayenne – $140,200
Cayenne Coupe – $148,200
E-Hybrid – $155,900
E-Hybrid Coupe – $161,600
S E-Hybrid – $178,300
S E-Hybrid Coupe – $185,100
S – $181,000
S Coupe – $190,000
Turbo E-Hybrid – $288,400
Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe – $297,200
GT Turbo – $366,200
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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