Prototype of Porsche Cayenne Electric shows powerful performance

Porsche is off to a solid start ahead of the official launch of the carmaker’s much-awaited Cayenne Electric, with its prototype proving racecar-like performance and practicality during a recent global test.

The near-production prototype recently completed a record-setting run during a film shoot at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in England.

In the latest test, the electric vehicle finished a course of some 914 meters in record time for a SUV.

Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E Team simulator and development driver, Gabriela Jílková, piloted the vehicle, which tackled a steep gradient of 16.7 percent on a road width of only 3.5 meters. The Cayenne Electric prototype passed the test in 31.28 seconds.

“This course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes,” Jílková said. “There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. However, the active suspension of the Cayenne Electric prototype gave enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times.”

The SUV was equipped with Porsche Active Ride, a new suspension system through which the active chassis keeps the body level at all times, even during dynamic braking, steering and acceleration processes, according to Porsche.

The system also ensures perfect connection to the road through a balanced distribution of wheel loads.

“Porsche Active Ride significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort in the new Cayenne,” said Michael Schätzle, vice president of Product Line Cayenne at Porsche.

The Cayenne Electric will be the second electric SUV by the German luxury carmaker. The exact timeline for the launch of the vehicle has yet to be confirmed, but expectations are that it will be available for sale sometime around the first half of 2026.