Porsche is gearing up for the launch of the long-promised Cayenne Electric, a standalone addition to the existing gasoline and plug-in hybrid line-up. The full reveal isn’t due until later this year, but Stuttgart couldn’t help itself and pulled the covers off the interior early, and it’s basically one giant OLED showroom.

The Cayenne Electric ushers in what Porsche calls the “interior of the future,” a design that will eventually filter into other models. Taking center stage is the Flow Display, a curved OLED screen that dominates the middle of the dashboard. Thankfully, not every control has gone digital, with physical switches reserved for essentials like temperature, fan speed, and volume.

More: Porsche’s Big EV U-Turn Wipes Out Billions And Sparks Investor Panic

Still, even with those tokens of tradition, it’s about as far from a classic Porsche cabin as you can get, unless you think Stuttgart’s heritage has always been mood lighting and oversized tablet screens.

Screens, Screens Everywhere

The curved touchscreen pairs with a 14.25-inch OLED digital instrument cluster, an optional 87-inch augmented reality head-up display, and a 14.9-inch passenger screen that allows app control and video streaming. Technology also extends to the Porsche Digital Key, which can be shared with up to seven users, and a new AI-driven voice assistant.

Porsche claims the new Cayenne Electric offers more personalization than ever, with 13 interior color combinations, four interior packages, five accent packs, extended ambient lighting, and five digital themes. Added to that are the new Mood Modes, which coordinate lighting, climate, sound, and seating to match the driver’s preferences.

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New materials also make the cut. Leather comes in Magnesium Grey, Lavender, or Sage Grey, while the vegan-friendly Race-Tex interior with Pepita-patterned textile is billed as a nod to Porsche heritage.

More: Porsche Gentrifying ICE Is Just The Start Of Rich-Only Features

Then there’s the hardware flex. Among the available options is the largest glass roof ever to be fitted to a Porsche, featuring a sliding front area and a Variable Light Control function with clear, semi-transparent, and matte settings. Another cool feature is the surface heating on contact areas such as armrests and door cards, complementing the heated seats and steering wheel. Finally, the standard-fit electrically adjustable rear seats prioritize passenger space or cargo.

And of course, if all that still feels too ordinary, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Sonderwunsch program will happily relieve you of more cash for something “one-off.”

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What To Expect Outside

Camouflaged prototypes, shown by Porsche and captured by spy photographers, confirm that the Cayenne Electric will arrive in both traditional SUV and coupe-SUV forms. The styling seems to combine the current Cayenne’s proportions with influences from the smaller Macan EV, along with a sharper aerodynamic edge.

More: Porsche Gives Cayenne EV A Fixed Wing And 1,000 HP To Silence Doubters

Beneath the bodywork, the large Electric SUV sits on an evolved version of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The flagship version is expected to push out more than 1,000 horsepower, eclipsing the 730 hp of today’s Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Energy will be stored in a 113 kWh battery pack with 400 kW fast-charging, wireless charging capability and a range of over 370 miles (595 km). Photos of the interior reveal a 546 km (340-mile) estimate on the cluster with the battery not quite at full charge.

We also know that the Cayenne Electric will feature Porsche’s Active Ride Suspension and offer a towing capacity of up to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) matching the majority of ICE-powered midsize pickups.

With its debut scheduled for the end of 2025, expect Stuttgart to drip-feed more details over the coming weeks and months.

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It turns out even Porsche isn’t immune to reality checks. Confronted with a prolonged sales slump and mounting pressure on its bottom line, Porsche is shifting gears with a major rethink of its product plans. The sports car maker is leaning back toward combustion engines, including hybrids, while taping the brakes on upcoming electric models, according to a statement issued Friday.

Also: Porsche K1 Three-Row Electric SUV Steps Out For The First Time

“Today we have set the final steps in the realignment of our product strategy,” said Oliver Blume, CEO of both Porsche and the Volkswagen Group. “We are currently experiencing massive changes within the automotive environment. That’s why we’re realigning Porsche across the board. In doing so, we want to meet new market realities and changing customer demands.”

Ultra-Luxury SUV Rethink

One of the biggest changes involves the upcoming ultra-luxury SUV positioned above the Cayenne, known internally as the K1. While it was originally planned to be offered exclusively as a fully electric model, it will now “initially debut” with combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains only.

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Meanwhile, fans of the gas-powered Panamera and Cayenne can breathe easy. Both models are set to continue with combustion and hybrid power well into the 2030s, with Porsche confirming that successor generations have now been penciled into its long-term Cycle Plan, securing their place in the lineup for years to come.

Delays in the Electric Rollout

A third major shift concerns Porsche’s other planned all-electric models. Without naming specific vehicles (though we suspect some may have been intended as replacements, such as for the current Macan EV), the company said the “delayed ramp-up of electric mobility” will push back their market launches.

More: Porsche Fast-Tracks New Compact SUV With Gas And Hybrid Power

The development of a dedicated next-gen EV platform that was meant to underpin these models, originally scheduled for the 2030s, will no longer proceed as planned. Instead, it will be rescheduled and undergo a full redesign in collaboration with other Volkswagen Group brands.

“This is the company’s response to the significantly slower growth of demand for exclusive battery-electric vehicles,” Porsche noted in its statement.

Even so, not all projects are affected. Porsche confirmed that electric models already deep into development, such as the soon-to-be-revealed Cayenne EV in both standard and coupe-SUV form, as well as a future two-door sports car in the 718 segment, remain on schedule.

These changes build on earlier decisions, such as developing a new combustion-engine SUV to replace the aging Macan, using the current Audi Q5 architecture as its base. It will be sold alongside the Macan EV, which was originally planned to stand alone in the lineup.

Global Pressures Bite

Beyond product planning, Porsche acknowledged that wider global pressures are weighing on its outlook. Rising US import tariffs, a cooling Chinese luxury market, and the slower pace of electric adoption are all shape the company’s cautious stance. The CEO conceded that the updated plan can only partially offset these challenges.

For example, pushing back the new electric vehicle platform will require depreciation and financial provisions, which are set to weigh on operating profit in 2025 by as much as 1.8 billion euros ($2.1 billion at current exchange rates), something the company had not accounted for in its most recent forecast.

For 2025, Porsche is maintaining its sales revenue outlook of 37 to 38 billion euros (approximately $40 to 41 billion). Profitability, however, is expected to be far slimmer, with returns on sales now projected at up to 2 percent, a steep drop from the earlier forecast of 5 to 7 percent.

The use of simulations is nothing new in the car industry. Automakers regularly use them to speed up testing and add extra trials that they can’t afford (in time and/or money) to carry out with real cars. But with the upcoming Cayenne Electric, Porsche used computer power to skip an entire process in the traditional car development program.

“This project was the first in which we moved directly from digital whole-vehicle testing to pre-series production,” says Dr. Michael Steiner, Porsche’s deputy chairman and a big cheese on the R&D team.

From Pixels to Prototypes

Instead of moving from the design to the construction phase and then to pre-production prototypes, Porsche managed to skip the construction phase altogether. It says its engineers were sending virtual prototypes on digital test drives as early as the design phase as a result.

Related: The Cayenne EV Coupe Shows Porsche Isn’t Done With Surprises

Porsche hasn’t put a price on how much money this digital-focused strategy saved, but it must be tons. It claims the virtual testing program eliminated the need to build around 120 actual test vehicles, which are not only expensive, but time consuming to produce. As a result, development time was cut by 20 percent.

The virtual test drives included, of course, laps of the Nurburgring, but also took in everyday traffic situations to simulate real world use. Because components like tires, dampers and bushes can be modified in the computer program, it’s relatively quick and simple to work out which spec works best. And each of the approved virtual components is then tested in the real world to provide validation.

Testing Without Drivers

Not all of the simulations require a human to be behind the wheel Gran Turismo-style. Many are run by the computers alone. Porsche developed a brand new test bench to put the motors, battery management and charging systems through their paces under realistic conditions. 

Also: Someone Dropped $125,000 For A 2014 Cayenne V6 And Nobody Can Explain Why

“The machines are so sophisticated that we can even display different asphalt surfaces or tyre slip,” says engineer Marcus Junige, who says one clear goal was that the Cayenne’s powertrain always deliver full power when the driver calls for it, something that demands seriously good thermal management.

Humans Still Required

Naturally Porsche’s AI experiment doesn’t entirely remove the need for physical testing, which fully kicked in at the pre-series prototype stage. A fleet of SUVs was still driven everywhere from the blazing 122 degree (50 C) heat of Death Valley to the freezing -31-degree (-35 C) expanses of Scandinavia, each vehicle covering around 93,000 miles (150,000 km).

Other Western carmakers are sure to employ the same digital tricks to speed up their development, if they aren’t already. One of the major threats posed by the Chinese isn’t simply their aggressive prices, but how much faster they are at getting cars to market, and AI tech will be crucial in helping other nations keep pace.

The Hardware

The Cayenne Electric debuts this winter, and should go on sale early in 2026. Built around a stretched version of the 800-volt PPE platform used in the Macan Electric, it features a 108 kWh battery for a 373-mile (600 km) WLTP range and Porsche’s Active ride suspension. It emits V8-like noises in track mode and will reportedly come in three tunes: 394 hp (400 PS / 294 kW) for the base Cayenne, 592 hp (600 PS / 441 kW) in S trim and 794 hp (805 PS / 592 kW) as a Turbo.

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Soon, Porsche buyers will have not one, but two all-electric Cayenne EV body styles to choose from as the Coupe version is also receiving the same electric treatment as its more traditional SUV sibling. Captured up close in these new spy images nearly undisguised, the electric Cayenne Coupe will adopt many of its design elements from the regular Cayenne EV, albeit in a slightly sleeker and lower profile.

Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet

As we’ve seen with other prototypes, including one being promoted by the German automaker itself, the electric Cayenne Coupe will look quite a bit different than the current ICE model that will remain in production, and have an arguably less attractive design inspired by the smaller Macan Electric. The changes start at the front with a new set of headlights.

Details in the Design

Alongside the new headlights, Porsche has developed an entirely new lower grille for the SUV, complete with what appear to be adjustable horizontal slats. There are also two bulbous air curtains directly below the headlights.

The sides of this almost completely undisguised prototype are also quite intriguing. Porsche has slapped on some black fenders, which cheapen the overall look of the model, while also installing black plastic rocker panels, which, again, don’t do the premium SUV any favors. Here’s hoping that painted arches and rocker panels are at least an option on the production model.

The rear is perhaps the most intriguing. Like the current combustion-powered Cayenne Coupe, the rear sits lower with a steeply raked window and a small decklid. The LED taillights of this prototype have the same pixel design as we’ve seen on others being tested by Porsche. However, the pixels are expected to be ditched in favor of a solid light bar for the production model.

Platform and Battery Tech

The Cayenne EV lineup rides on Porsche’s new PPE41C platform. While related to the PPE base used for the Macan EV, Porsche has heavily modified the setup with different motors and battery technology. Central to the system is a new 113 kWh (gross) battery pack developed with LG, using pouch-style NMC cells cooled on both sides to enhance performance.

This setup supports charging speeds of up to 400 kW, allowing a 10 to 80 percent top-up in just 16 minutes. With NACS compatibility on board, Porsche targets a range of at least 370 miles, placing the Cayenne EV among the longest-legged electric SUVs in its class.

Charging Made Easy

The Cayenne Electric will be available with an optional Porsche Wireless Charger, a weatherproof 11 kW inductive pad operating at 90 percent efficiency. The system automatically positions the SUV, lowers its suspension, and starts charging cable-free. It also supports hands-free use through the app or pre-set off-peak schedules.

Performance Outlook

Official figures have yet to be announced, but Porsche has confirmed that the flagship Turbo variants of both SUV and Coupe models will deliver close to, or even exceed, 1,000 horsepower. Lower trims will start around 400 hp, while S models are expected to land between 600 and roughly 700 hp. Practicality has also been factored in, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds (3,500 kilograms).

To add some theater, Porsche will offer an optional synthetic sound package. Instead of the Taycan’s futuristic whir, the Cayenne EV can be programmed to mimic a classic V8 rumble.

Launch Timing

It’s possible the Coupe will make its debut alongside the standard Cayenne EV in November, though a 2026 launch could also be on the table for the sportier looking variant. Whatever the reveal date, both models are expected to reach showrooms worldwide in the second or third quarter of next year.

John Halas contributed to this story.

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Is plugging in your EV at home a little too difficult? Well, Porsche thinks it has the answer for you, announcing that the forthcoming all-electric Cayenne will debut with an optional inductive charging floor plate, meaning you’ll never have to deal with annoying charging cables ever again. That is, until you have to use a public charger, of course.

Read: Porsche’s Most Powerful SUV Could Be Its Most Controversial Yet

Porsche is not the only carmaker to have invested in wireless charging for its EVs, as Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab will also support inductive charging, and even the hybrid McLaren Speedtail included a compact charging pad several years ago. In the case of the electric Cayenne, it will support a receiver unit located between the front wheels, capable of supporting charging speeds of 11 kW.

How It Works

The floor plate contains all the necessary components to initiate charging over the air, although it does need to be plugged in with a cable. Charging will be as easy as driving the Cayenne EV above this plate and when the SUV is in position, the air suspension will automatically lower, reducing the distance between the two charging units to between four and six inches. Helping to guide drivers into the correct position will be the Cayenne’s Surround View parking function.

All energy transferred through the pad is monitored in the My Porsche app, giving owners an easy way to keep track of charging sessions.

Porsche has not said how quickly it will take to charge the electric Cayenne using the wireless charging pad, but 11 kW is the norm for standard household charging units, so it should be more than quick enough for a good overnight charge.

There’s also no word on how much the inductive charging will cost. What we do know is that it will launch in Europe next year before expanding to other regions, including North America.

About That Paint…

The carmaker will showcase the new system at next week’s IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany, alongside a camouflaged prototype of the electric Cayenne. The prototype features a striking fluorescent paint made up of five different tones, which glows with bright shades of light when exposed to alternating voltage.

Next year, new car buyers looking for a high-end SUV with a luxury badge and cutting-edge tech will have something new to consider: an all-electric version of the Porsche Cayenne.

The EV follows in the tire tracks of the Macan Electric, offering a distinct design, an entirely battery-powered drivetrain, and a healthy performance boost, all while being sold alongside its combustion-engine sibling. For now, this prototype provides us with the clearest look yet at what’s to come.

Electric Design Language

Like the Macan Electric, the EV variant of the Cayenne will break from the smooth, flowing lines of the gas-powered model. The design appears more upright and muscular, starting at the front with a headlight treatment that mirrors the Macan. Each unit includes four slim horizontal daytime running lights that also function as turn signals.

Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet

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Much of the front end of this prototype has been covered by non-production-spec parts, but we can make out the shape of the lower grilles, the central positioning of the main radar unit, and the general shape of the bumper. Those lower grilles will be similar to what’s found on the 992.2-generation 911, meaning they have the ability to be opened or closed.

The rear-end design of the electric Porsche Cayenne should also look familiar. Like its smaller electric sibling, the new model will rock narrow LED taillights, likely joined by a light bar. Some of the plastic design details on the bumper and the diffuser also look a little cheap, but these elements should be refined by the time the production model is revealed.

More: Porsche’s Electric Cayenne Dash Packs Four Screens And Barely Any Buttons

Earlier spy shots give us a good idea of what to expect inside. The cabin will feature a fully digital curved instrument cluster, a wide central infotainment screen, a dedicated passenger display, and a separate touchscreen for climate controls. While this modern, screen-heavy layout may not appeal to every longtime Porsche fan, it’s clearly aligned with the brand’s push toward a more connected, tech-centric driving experience.

Serious Electric Performance

While debate may rage about the SUV’s design, power-hungry buyers should be more than satisfied with the performance on offer. Though official specs haven’t been released yet, early estimates suggest the base model could produce around 400 hp, with the mid-tier S variant climbing to nearly 600.

At the top of the range, the Turbo versions could push past 1,000 horsepower, comfortably outpacing the already formidable 730 hp from the current Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Expect the quickest model to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in the low two-second range, though Porsche will likely cap top speed at 155 mph (250 km/h), as it often does with its EVs.

When it comes to driving range, Porsche is reportedly aiming for between 350 and 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the variant. That figure would keep the Cayenne EV competitive with other high-performance electric SUVs, while also offering the kind of long-distance capability buyers expect at this level.

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