Despite being built around an entirely different platform, the new Cayenne Electric sits alongside the petrol and hybrid variants at the top of Porsche's SUV range. The Turbo model is naturally the most potent, offering 845bhp from its dual motor powertrain. With launch-control activated overboost, output swells to a mighty 1,140bhp and 1,106lb-ft (1,500Nm) torque, comfortably making it the most powerful road-going Porsche ever made.

Overcoming its 2,645kg kerb weight, the Turbo hits 62mph from rest in 2.5 seconds, with 100mph arriving within 5 seconds, comfortably eclipsing the 918 hypercar. Most impressively, rolling acceleration from 49-74mph takes just 1.2 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 162mph. Another overboost exists in the form of the Push-to-Pass function - which can be activated for 10 seconds at a time - bringing an additional 174bhp boost.

Joining the Turbo at launch is the entry-level Cayenne Electric. This too uses a dual-motor drivetrain producing 436bhp and 616lb-ft (835Nm) torque with launch control active. All models use the same 113kWh capacity battery, which returns a WLTP range of 398 miles in entry-level form, with the range-topping Turbo offering up to 387 miles. Thanks to its 800v electrical architecture, the new Cayenne Electric can recharge from 10-80% in just 24 minutes when using a 400kW DC rapid charger. Home charging using a wallbox will take around 15 hours from 10-100%, and all UK-bound models include preparation for wireless charging.

Rather than sharing the drivetrain with the Taycan, Porsche opted for a bespoke pair of motors for the new Cayenne. These use a single-speed transmission, and the Turbo features direct oil cooling and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Alongside being able to unleash high power levels, the powertrain can recover at up to 600kW - close to Formula E racer levels of regenerative braking. While the Cayenne sees 420mm discs and 10-piston callipers employed up front, and 370mm discs with 4-piston callipers at the rear, Porsche claims that 97% of all braking can be done by the motors on their own.

Air suspension is standard for the new electric Cayenne, and the Turbo can be equipped with Porsche’s Active Ride system as an option. This can tilt into corners like a motorcycle, or compensate for body movements when turning, accelerating, and braking, keeping it flat at all times. Optional rear-axle steering allows the rear wheels to turn up to five degrees to improve low-speed agility, or increase high-speed stability. 

Standard equipment for the Turbo includes active aerodynamic elements, comprising cooling flaps in the grille, a roof spoiler, and extendable blades which protrude from the rear bodywork, featuring the coordinates for Porsche’s Weissach development centre stamped into them. The electronically-controlled panels optimise airflow and improve efficiency at high speeds, and help the Cayenne record a drag coefficient of 0.25Cd.

The shape of the car has clearly been designed with fluid dynamics in mind, but it’s not a radical departure from the piston-engined variant. The high-level headlights and pronounced front wheel arches are a familiar sight, but the electric SUV features a greater curvature to its roof line, and a mostly sealed front bumper. It’s also 55mm longer overall, with an extra 128mm found between the wheels.

As such, the cabin has grown with more room for up to five occupants, and a 747-litre boot behind the second row of seats. An additional 90-litre storage compartment is found under the bonnet. Ahead of the driver is Porsche’s curved instrument display, which can be customised with a range of colour schemes to match the main infotainment screen.

Mounted in the centre of the cabin, the new Flow Display features an angled lower section, providing a clear separation between the display and control areas. Navigation and media is found in the upper section; cabin and climate controls feature down below.

A dedicated wrist rest features at the base of the display, designed to make interacting with the touchscreen easier while on the move. A passenger display is optionally available, along with an augmented reality head-up display. Mercifully, unlike the new Mercedes-Benz GLC, the cabin isn’t all about the pixels; control switches with precisely knurled edges are found on the centre console, and on the steering wheel.

Eight colours are available for the Cayenne Turbo’s leather interior, while the exterior can be personalised with a range of hues for the bodywork, and two factory-fitted bodykits. The Sport Design Package adds a modified front bumper, side sill insert, and rear diffuser with body-coloured highlights. The Offroad Package brings matte grey plastic cladding to the wheel arches and side sills, while adding skidplate-style panels to the front and rear bumpers. This package adds an additional off-road setting for the suspension, and increases the maximum approach angle to 25 degrees. The maximum towing capacity also raises from 3,000kg to 3,500kg.

The new Cayenne Electric is on sale now from £83,200, with the Turbo starting priced at £130,900. That makes it £10,290 cheaper than the equivalent V8-hybrid model, and just £910 more than the Lotus Eletre 900. A trip to the configurator sees the list price rise to £160,993 in RUSH-spec with most option boxes ticked. Porsche’s flagship electric SUV comprehensively outguns its rivals from BMW, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, and Polestar, and looks set to beat the upcoming electric Range Rover to market. It will complement the existing Cayenne range, rather than aiming to replace it, as Porsche confirmed that the multi-powertrain strategy of electric, hybrid, and petrol is set to continue well into the next decade.