German sports car manufacturer Porsche has introduced a third powertrain variant of its electric SUV lineup, unveiling the Cayenne S Electric alongside the previously announced Cayenne Electric and Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric.
The new model sits between the base version and the Turbo flagship in the range. Like all Cayenne Electric models, it comes exclusively with all-wheel drive, meaning Porsche's traditional distinction between rear-wheel-drive "S" models and all-wheel-drive "4S" variants does not apply.
The Cayenne S Electric delivers 400 kW of power, rising to 490 kW with Launch Control. By comparison, the entry-level Cayenne Electric produces 300 kW, or 325 kW with Launch Control.
"An additional 165 kW (224 PS) of power, sharpened exterior design, and even more extensive equipment options differentiate the S from the entry-level model," Porsche said.
In terms of performance, the Cayenne S Electric accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.
The model uses the same 113 kWh high-voltage battery found in the other Cayenne Electric variants. With charging capability of up to 400 kW, the battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 16 minutes, matching the charging performance of the other versions.
Despite its higher performance, the Cayenne S Electric delivers the longest range in the lineup, with a WLTP driving range of up to 653 kilometres.
Porsche did not directly explain the higher range in its announcement, but the company noted differences in the rear electric motor compared with the base model. While the standard Cayenne uses a motor derived from the Porsche Macan Electric with water-jacket cooling, the S variant adopts a newly developed permanently excited synchronous motor similar to the Turbo version.
The motor features direct oil cooling, allowing heat to be dissipated directly from the current-carrying components. The rear axle's pulse inverter uses silicon carbide semiconductors and processes currents of up to 620 amps, according to the company.
Externally, the Cayenne S Electric receives distinctive styling details, including model-specific front and rear aprons finished in Volcano Grey Metallic, body-coloured diffuser inserts and 20-inch Cayenne S Aero wheels.
The model also offers optional equipment previously reserved for the Turbo variant, including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, Porsche Active Ride suspension, and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system with yellow brake calipers.
The Cayenne S Electric is now available to order starting at €126,400. Production will take place at the Bratislava manufacturing facility operated by the Volkswagen Group.