Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid review: A jack of all trades but master of none?

Porsche’s entry-level hybrid Cayenne looks to blend efficiency, performance, and practicality. DriverReviews finds out if can pull off the ‘three-cars-in-one’ billing.

While we recently reported on the rip-snorting, 739-hp, Cayenne Turbo E-hybrid, today Vicki Butler-Henderson explores its more versatile little brother: the base E-Hybrid model.  

Despite costing around £50,000 less than its ultra-high-performance alternative, the Cayenne E-Hybrid still benefits from most of the same visual upgrades. As Vicki reports, the heavily facelifted Cayenne shares much of its design language with the smaller Macan SUV. From the LED Matrix headlights to the 911-esque rear lightbar, it’s certainly a more harmonious package than the gawky original.  

And it’s even nicer on the inside. Once nestled into the “beautifully stitched” leather seats, you’re sure to enjoy Porsche’s inimitable sense of quality and craftmanship. In particular, Vicki approves of thoughtful touches like the felt-lined door bins, and the air quality system which uses navigation data to automatically recirculate air when going through tunnels or other highly polluted environments.

It's practical, too. Rear seat passengers won’t struggle for head or legroom, while a vast 627-litre boot will swallow more of their luggage than a comparable BMW X5. Granted, you’ll only be able to seat five — rather than the seven some rivals can — but a high towing capacity makes it perfect for hauling horseboxes or trailering your track day toys.  

Credited by many for being the first 4x4 to put the ‘sports’ in sports utility vehicle, even this efficiency focused Cayenne has plenty of shove. A 470-bhp output is achieved when the petrol V6 and electric motors fire in unison — resulting in a sub-five second 0-60 mph burst. Such acceleration places the 2.5-tonne Cayenne E-Hybrid in Cayman sports car territory, and it’s no doubt aided off the line by motorsport-derived Hankook Ventus S1 EVO Z tyres.  

Those buying the hybrid model for its added efficiency shouldn’t be disappointed either. An all-electric range of 56 miles is perfect for relaxed urban crawling, though this mode can also be used at motorway speeds for short distances. Plus, in mixed driving you’ll rarely need to plug in to top up; the petrol engine can recharge the battery up to 80%.  

So it’s a machine that can do everything, right? Well, not quite, but you’ll need to watch the full review for Vicki’s final verdict.

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