SEPANG: Porsche Malaysia has launched the all-electric Cayenne, adding a high-performance electric option to its popular family of sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
The new Cayenne Electric is available in six variants, starting with the entry-level Cayenne Electric at RM699,000, and is followed by the Cayenne S Electric (RM759,000), Cayenne Turbo Electric (RM969,999), Cayenne Coupe Electric (RM749,000), Cayenne S Coupe Electric (RM805,000), and finally the Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric at RM999,999.
Launched at the Sepang International Circuit, the Cayenne Electric joins the existing internal combustion-engined and plug-in hybrid Cayenne variants.
The range-topping Cayenne Turbo Electric produces up to 850kW (1,156PS) and 1,500Nm, and while Launch Control is included, it allows this SUV to sprint from 0 to 100kph in just 2.5 seconds before maxing out at 260kph.
At the other end of the spectrum, the standard Cayenne Electric is still considered a potent choice, having been endowed with up to 630kW (857PS), depending on variant and specification.
The electrified Cayenne has a new 113kWh battery that comes with an 800V architecture, and this allows for up to 390kW or 400kW of fast DC charging (under ideal conditions).
This means that the battery's State of Charge can be brought from 10% to 80% in under 16 minutes.
While the battery can provide up to 642km (WLTP) on a full charge, the more aerodynamic Coupe variants are said to be able to reach up to 669km.
Porsche has also applied technology developed through motorsport, with energy recuperation capable of up to 600kW.
The system allows around 97% of braking operations in everyday driving to be handled by the electric motors.
Visually, the Cayenne Electric retains the familiar Porsche silhouette while adopting a sharper interpretation of the brand's design language.
Slim Matrix LED headlights sit above a low bonnet, while strongly sculpted front wings and the characteristic sloping roofline retain the Cayenne's identity.
The rear features a distinctive 3D light strip with animated graphics and illuminated Porsche lettering.
Aerodynamics also play an important role, with the SUV achieving an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.25.
Active aerodynamic elements, including cooling air flaps and an adaptive roof spoiler, help to balance efficiency with high-speed stability.
Inside, the Cayenne Electric receives Porsche's latest digital cockpit comprising of a 14.25-inch OLED instrument cluster that's accompanied by a curved Flow Display as well as an optional 14.9-inch passenger display.
Malaysian models also receive a generous list of standard equipment, such as quad-zone climate controls, 14-way powered front comfort seats, rear sunblind and even a high-end Bose surround sound system.
The entry-level Cayenne Electric also gets Sport Chrono, Electric Sport Sound, automatic parking with 2D Surround View and rear-axle steering as standard.
The Cayenne S Electric adds HD Matrix LED headlights, while the Turbo Electric gains a Burmester sound system, Mood Modes and an augmented-reality head-up display.
Porsche Asia Pacific chief executive officer Ragnar Schulte said the Cayenne Electric builds on the model's history of combining sports car character with everyday usability.
"The Cayenne has become one of Porsche’s most important models, and while also building up a strong enthusiast following, it holds particular significance in Southeast Asia as the first Porsche to be locally assembled outside Europe, right here in Malaysia,” said Schulte.
Schulte also said the Cayenne Electric is setting a new standard for performance, versatility and everyday usability, and with more than two decades after the original Cayenne that redefined what a Porsche could be, the new Cayenne Electric is now poised to do so once more.
Sime Darby Auto Performance chief executive officer Christopher Hunter said that the newly introduced Cayenne Electric now allows Malaysian customers to choose from a comprehensive list of their preferred form of propulsion - combustion, plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrains.
“This reflects Porsche's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our customers, while ensuring that every Cayenne delivers the performance, versatility and driving experience that are unmistakably Porsche,” added Hunter.
