The 918-Inspired Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Is Quicker Than You Might Think

Want a slightly more economical way to drive around in Porsche’s bigger SUV? Until the diesel Cayenne arrives next year (which is still happening, despite recent events), this is your best bet.

It’s the Cayenne E-Hybrid, and it’s actually rather quick. A 3.0-litre V6 is teamed up with an electric motor, providing a combined 456bhp and 516lb ft of torque. 0-62mph happens in five seconds dead, which makes this quicker than the petrol-only Cayenne S - in the current range, only the Turbo is quicker.

The swift off-the-line go is helped by what Porsche calls a “boost strategy derived from the 918 Spyder,” which means “maximum system torque becomes available as you press the accelerator pedal.” Lovely.

If you’re not using the electric assistance to surprise/irritate your passengers and/or the driver of that older Porsche Boxster you just smoked at the traffic lights, the E-Hybrid is good for up to 88mpg.

You can drive it using the electric motor alone for up to 27 miles with a top speed of 84mph, and when you’re all out of juice, you’ll need 7.8 hours to fully charge the car’s 14.1kWh battery. That’s with a normal 230v plug socket, but using an optional on-board charger that drops to a much more appealing 2.3 hours.

The E-Hybrid also brings with it a bunch of options that are now available on the Cayenne range as a whole. These include a head-up display (amazingly, Porsche hasn’t had one available up until now), smarter adaptive cruise control and giant 22-inch wheels.

It’s yours for £67,128, slightly less than the slower V6-powered Cayenne S.