Porsche just unveiled the latest iteration of its popular Cayenne performance SUV, and this time around, it’s got extra electric oomph to back it. Once again taking inspiration from the Earth-shattering 918 Spyder, the new Cayenne mounts a plug-in hybrid powertrain under the hood, with a 3.0-liter V-6 making 340 horsepower and an electric motor making 136 horsepower. Together they produce upwards of 462 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque (516 pound-feet of torque). A run from 0 to 62 mph is done in 5 seconds flat, while the 0-to-60 mph run is done in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is rated at 253 km/h (157 mph).

Meanwhile, the Cayenne PHEV will travel 44 km (27 miles) and achieve a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph) using the electric motor only. To help it get there, the battery capacity was increased to 14.1 kWh, as compared to the 10.8 kWh of the previous model, a 30-percent increase overall. Plug it into a 230-volt connection, and it’ll charge in a little under eight hours, while a 7.3-kW charger reduces that time to 2.3 hours.

Active hang-on AWD helps it grip, as does the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management system. Options include the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilization system, as well as a trailer hitch that lets you to tow up to 3.5 metric tons (7,716 pounds).

Inside, you’ll find a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, and massaging seats, while the exterior is blinged out with 22-inch alloy wheels.

Sales kick off next year starting at just under $80,000.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Porsche Cayenne

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