Porsche’s newest revelation for the eco-minded driver finds the Cayenne hybrid spruced up for next year. The 2019 version of the model has enjoyed a comprehensive suite of updates, keeping car-selling criteria power and luxury at the top of the list, and sweetening the deal for those still sitting on the fence when it comes to going at least partially electric.
As a result, the model continues to sit on the fence a little bit itself. Although fuel economy has, according to Porsche, been improved, EPA numbers are not yet available. The outgoing model registered at 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway gas-only. But this Cayenne E-Hybrid gives more responsibility to the E side of the equation, bringing the range up to 27 miles on a full charge, a significant improvement over the 2018’s 14. An optional power charger delivers in 2.3 hours.
It also amps the overall power available. The 3.0L V6 is paired with a new 14.1 kWh battery—a 40% increase over the battery power of the outgoing Cayenne E-Hybrid—for a total of 455 HP and 516 pound-feet of torque. It’s quicker and faster too, and can now hit 60 from a standstill in 4.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 157 MPH; outgoing numbers check in at 5.8 seconds and 152 MPH, respectively.
Cabin luxury sees a few advancements, too, most notably in a cellphone app that will detail nearby charging stations and energy status, and handle environmental options; massaging seats are a nice optional touch, as is the head-up display. Porsche’s Sport Chrono package will be standard for the model, with four drive modes.
The price is attractive, too; base sticker for the 2019 model is a whisker under $81K.