For over two decades, the Porsche Cayenne has set the benchmark for blending sports car performance with SUV practicality. Now, Porsche is taking a bold step into the future with the upcoming all-electric Cayenne—promising not only zero-emissions motoring, but also a new standard in performance, versatility, and everyday utility. Ahead of its official launch, Porsche offered the world an exhilarating glimpse of what’s to come through an impressive film production in England.
Porsche chose a historic motorsport venue to showcase the Cayenne Electric’s performance chops: the legendary Shelsley Walsh hill climb. Dating back to 1905, the narrow and unforgiving course stretches 914 metres with gradients up to 16.7%, testing both driver skill and vehicle dynamics.
Behind the wheel was Gabriela Jílková, simulator and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. Piloting a camouflaged, near-production prototype, Jílková smashed the existing record for an SUV—clocking in at just 31.28 seconds, over four seconds faster than the previous best. Remarkably, she achieved this on her very first attempt.
Jílková credited the Cayenne Electric’s Porsche Active Ride suspension system for giving her complete control and confidence. “There are no run-off zones and little room for correction,” she noted. “But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision.”
The advanced Porsche Active Ride system played a pivotal role in the Cayenne Electric’s record-setting run. This cutting-edge suspension technology keeps the vehicle’s body level even during aggressive acceleration, braking, and cornering. It optimizes wheel load distribution for a flawless connection to the road—enhancing both performance and comfort.
“This system significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort,” said Michael Schätzle, Vice President of the Product Line Cayenne. “It’s a game-changer for how an electric SUV can perform.”
The electric Cayenne’s launch prowess was also on display: it passed the first 60-yard marker in just 1.94 seconds—a feat previously reserved for purpose-built single-seater race cars with slick tyres. Yet Porsche’s SUV achieved it on standard summer tyres, giving a tantalizing preview of its extraordinary powertrain capabilities.
While fine-tuning is still ongoing, Schätzle confirmed that the record-breaking prototype’s powertrain was already at production level—underscoring Porsche’s commitment to bringing top-tier performance to the final product.
Porsche didn’t just show off speed—it also demonstrated the Cayenne Electric’s day-to-day usability. During filming, British TV presenter Richard Hammond hitched a trailer carrying a two-tonne classic car behind the prototype for a real-world towing test. The result? A smooth and composed journey, despite the nearly three-tonne load.
The Cayenne Electric has been engineered to handle up to 3.5 tonnes of towing capacity—matching the capabilities of its combustion-powered sibling. This makes it one of the first battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to reach such a benchmark, thanks to a robust body, drive system, and thermal management design. “Our customers have always appreciated the high utility value of the Cayenne,” said Schätzle. “We made sure the electric version would be no exception.”
While Porsche remains committed to its combustion and hybrid Cayenne offerings for the foreseeable future, the electric version signals a dramatic leap forward. The performance levels seen at Shelsley Walsh—and soon to be witnessed again at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (10–13 July 2025)—are only possible through electrification.
“The Cayenne Electric will set new standards,” Schätzle affirmed. “And it does so without compromising the qualities our customers know and love—everyday usability, comfort, and serious power.”
Porsche’s latest chapter is more than just about building an electric SUV—it’s about redefining what’s possible in the segment. With the Cayenne Electric, the brand proves once again that innovation doesn’t mean sacrifice—it means evolution. 
