New 2026 Porsche Cayenne EV sets record
Porsche’s large SUV beats a Bentley and Taycan Turbo up the famous British hill climb as the brand builds hype for a battery-powered CayenneA lightly disguised 2026 Porsche Cayenne EV has set a new hill climb record up the Shelsey Walsh Hill Climb in the UK, beating both the existing record for the fastest SUV and electric car up the world-famous course.
Behind the wheel of the record-breaking prototype Porsche Cayenne EV was Porsche’s Formula E development driver, Gabriela Jílková, who wrestled the battery-powered large SUV up the 914m track in just 31.28 seconds.
That time is four seconds quicker than the 2017 record for a large SUV held by a Bentley Bentayga Speed, and even quicker than the Porsche Taycan Turbo Sport Turismo (31.43sec).
Featuring a pair of narrower headlamps, a slimmer grille, a closed-off lower intake, and a thin rear light, the Cayenne EV has been designed to slip through the air more easily compared to the current petrol, diesel and hybrid-powered third-gen Cayenne.
Looking like it wasn't exactly taking the record attempt seriously – the Cayenne EV wore a big roof rack that probably added plenty of wind resistance. The Cayenne EV also sits high, further impacting performance.
Inside, the fourth generation Cayenne should come with an upscaled version of the current Macan's cabin that includes a screen stretching across the dash and incorporates a digital instrument cluster, large infotainment and a third passenger touchscreen.
No technical details have been released, other than that the Porsche Cayenne includes a new Active Ride system that cancels pitch and drive associated with acceleration and braking while cancelling roll through corners.
Porsche has also revealed that the Cayenne EV can haul up to 3500kg, beating other electric SUVs like the Kia EV9 and BMW iX that can both tow 2500kg.
When the Cayenne EV is revealed later, the Porsche SUV will be based on the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture as the Macan Electric, which introduces powerful 800-volt-electrics for charging speeds up to 270kW.
When it comes to power, dual-motor versions will produce around 470kW and should be capable of covering more than 500km on a single charge.
Commenting on the new SUV and EV record, works Porsche driver Jílková said: “The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes.
“There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times.”
Despite being on the eve of introducing the all-new fourth-generation Cayenne, Porsche has already indicated that an updated version of the current car could live on and be sold alongside the EV until 2030, including the powerful V8.
Hill climbs have been held at Shelsey Walsh in Worcester, in the West Midlands region of England, since 1905, making it the world’s oldest motorsport venue, with it pre-dating Indianapolis, Le Mans and Monza.
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