Road test: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid
Lexus blazed a trail for hybrid SUVs when it launched the RX 400h in 2005, a move that built on parent company Toyota’s expertise in the field of petrol-electric cars, but which was slightly baffling. The luxury SUV segment wasn’t the most obvious for early adoption of hybrids, after all. Porsche has now followed suit with a hybrid model in its new-generation Cayenne line-up. The concept of a Porsche Hybrid SUV might be anathema to fans of the 911, but it certainly piques the interest of anyone who wants to see a future for cars that and green and interesting to drive. The big question is, which is the overriding consideration?
The latest iteration of the Cayenne has a hybrid engine, which comprises a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine and an electric motor. The petrol engine develops a maximum output of 328bhp and electric motor delivers 46bhp and a peak torque of 221ft-lb up to 1,150 rpm. The electric motor can be used by itself or to support the work of the internal combustion engine, and can also serve as a generator and starter. It also allows the Cayenne to be driven, Porsche claims, at up to 37mph on purely electric power, without any emissions: our experience, however, was that the petrol powerplant kicked at a much lower speed, usually around 20mph. Porsche also claims that the two drive units together offer the power and performance of an eight-cylinder engine, but with the advantage of much lower fuel consumption. After driving both cars, we’d have to say that the S Hybrid doesn’t quite feel as quick as the ‘base’ V8-powered S, which is reinforced by the official 0-62mph times, which gives the S a 0.6-second advantage. However, that means the S Hybrid can still manage the sprint in a pretty un-environmental 6.5 seconds, which is considerably better than the Lexus RX 450h’s 7.8 seconds. It’s certainly quick enough for most driving situations, though and, combined with its low-speed, electric-only capability, will be more than sufficient for the (majority of?) owners who live in urban areas and mostly drive around town. The S Hybrid’s engine is mated to Porsche’s new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which provides impressively smooth and immediate shifts, and which can also be conducted manually via paddleshifts mounted on the steering column.
Read the full Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid road test
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1 Comment
Please steer clear of the Cayenne Hybrid, I’ve had the new flagship Hybrid since July but had nothing but problems with it. The hybrid system has failed three times on the last occasion dangerously whilst on the motorway. Dealer support has been abysmal.
Peter Johnson
December 11, 2010, 7:53 am.
