Porsche Cayenne, the fourth generation is coming. And it won't just be electric: three powertrain variants

A surprising announcement from Porsche: the brand will retain its combustion engines into the next decade. The turnaround will be ushered in with the fourth generation Cayenne, which will debut in 2025 in an electric version, but will also keep the current thermal variant in the range by continuing to update the classic twin-turbo V8 to comply with future emissions regulations, which will then be joined by a new hybrid powertrain with the aim of offering three powertrain variants, thermal, hybrid and electric.

In an official statement, Porsche confirmed that the brand is simultaneously developing its powerful combustion and hybrid models, which will be joined by the electric for the fourth-generation Cayenne, allowing for a wider choice of variants based on buyers' needs. Engineers in Zuffenhausen are already working on improving the efficiency of the twin-turbo V8 with the use of new, extended technical measures that will help it stay on the market longer than originally expected.

The current third-generation Cayenne was introduced in 2017 and received a major update in 2023. Offering it beyond 2030 will require a restyling to bring it in line with the latest models. Despite the renewed multi-proposal approach for now offered for the Cayenne, Porsche will always remain strongly committed to electric mobility. Indeed, the new programme plan envisages that more than 80 per cent of the brand's sales will be electrified in 2030, while taking into account the evolution of electromobility globally.

The surprising announcement also includes images and information about the future all-electric Cayenne. The suv is, in fact, currently undergoing final testing on public roads, following detailed development of the car, to which digital testing has also been added. The camouflaged prototypes will cover millions of kilometres of testing around the world in the most extreme weather and topographical conditions, with the aim of ensuring that everything will be ready for the big market launch announced for 2025.

Porsche has also confirmed that the new battery-powered Cayenne will utilise a further development of the VW Group's Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, which includes an integration of the latest technology in terms of high-voltage systems, powertrain and even chassis. The development goals of the new Cayenne include not only Porsche's driving characteristics, but also high efficiency charging capacity and an optimal level of comfort in everyday use.