Porsche apparently missed a memo about hybrids being modest fuel-sipping conveyances engineered specifically to cover as much mileage as possible between gas-station visits. The 2023 Cayenne E-Hybrid tosses the hybrid rulebook into a veritable shredder courtesy of its 455-horsepower gas-electric powertrain. But wait, there’s more: in Turbo S E-Hybrid configuration, output increases to 670 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful luxury SUVs on sale today.

What’s New for 2023

Having been introduced for the 2019 model year, this generation of Cayenne E-Hybrid and the mighty Turbo S E-Hybrid receive no noteworthy changes or mechanical updates for the 2023 model year. Both the Turbo S variant and the available Coupe body style arrived in 2020, battery size increased in 2021, and Android Auto compatibility was added circa the 2022 model year.

Design

The Cayenne E-Hybrid doesn’t look dramatically different from the non-electrified version of Porsche’s largest SUV. Upgrading to the E-Hybrid Platinum Edition trim adds 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, and adaptive LED headlights. The Turbo S E-Hybrid stands out a bit more with its carbon ceramic brakes peeking out from behind its alloy wheels. All in all, however, the Cayenne Hybrid in all its permutations (including regular and Coupe body styles) is relatively understated compared to racier-looking rivals.

Powertrain

Motivating the Cayenne E-Hybrid is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all Cayenne hybrid models, including the Turbo S variant. Speaking of that tire-smoking SUV, under the hood of the Turbo S E-Hybrid is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that’s also coupled to an electric motor. Although, in this instance, output streaks upward to 670 hp and 663 pound-feet of torque. Punch the gas pedal and the Turbo S E-Hybrid sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. It also has a top speed in excess of 180 mph.

Interior

The Cayenne E-Hybrid is equipped with partial leather seating, dual-zone climate control, two 7-inch digital instrument displays, power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, and a split-folding rear seatback. Porsche is famous (perhaps notorious?) for its extensive and pricey option packages. Plenty are available with the Cayenne E-Hybrid, though some of the more noteworthy stand-alone options include leather seats, power rear-window sunshades, massaging front seats, and quad-zone climate control.

Technology

A 12.3-inch touchscreen takes pride of place on the dashboard and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, satellite radio, four USB ports, and a 10-speaker stereo. 14-speaker Bose and 21-speaker Burmester audio systems are available for Porsche buyers that double as audiophiles.

Safety

Because it sells in such small numbers, the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) have not conducted crash tests on the Cayenne, including the hybrid models. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, rain-sensing wipers, and front and rear parking sensors are standard. Features like rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and lane-keep assist are available, but Porsche makes you pay extra for them.

Pricing

The 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid has a starting price of $93,250. One step above the base model, the E-Hybrid Platinum Edition rings in at $96,950. For the power hungry who don’t mind spending a little (or a lot) more; the Turbo S E-Hybrid is priced at $175,250. Only the Cayenne Turbo GT cost more, at roughly $190,000 per copy.