Distinctive features of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid are the brake callipers in acid green and appropriate emblems. The needles of the cockpit instruments also feature this distinctive colour.

Very clear technical advances have been made compared with the previous Cayenne S Hybrid: the Cayenne S E-Hybrid has a lithium-ion drive battery that now has energy content of 10.8 kWh (previously: 1.7 kWh, from a nickel-metal-hydride battery), which enables pure electric driving for 18 to 36 kilometres, depending on the driving style and the topography. This enables most everyday journeys to be made without consuming any fuel or producing any local emissions. The power output of the electric motor has more than doubled – from 34 kW to 70 kW (95 hp). The overall fuel consumption is now 3.4 l/100 km instead of the previous 8.2 l/100 km, corresponding to CO2 emissions of 79 g/km. The old model emitted 193 g/km.

The drivetrain has already proved itself in the Panamera S E-Hybrid, and has been adapted for use in the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. As with the former, the power development of the electric motor and the activation of the combustion engine can be precisely regulated via the accelerator that has an activable pressure point. At 416 hp, the combined total power output of the charged three-litre V6 engine and the electric motor coupled with total torque of 590 Nm enables performance at sports car level: 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 243 km/h. The electric top speed is 125 km/h. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is networked via Porsche Car Connect (a standard feature). Information, for example on the state of charge or energy efficiency, can be accessed or the optional stationary heating/air conditioning can be controlled. This cools and heats the vehicle interior when the ignition is switched off – in order to reach the desired temperature before setting off whilst the vehicle is still connected to the electricity supply. The energy needed on the road is reduced and the electric range is increased.

Details of a perfect plug-in-hybrid concept

The lithium-ion battery has the same housing as in the Panamera S E-Hybrid and it is also accommodated under the load compartment floor. But it has cells with a greater capacity – 28 Ah instead of 24.5 Ah.

The vehicle comes with a 3.6 kW charger as standard. An integrated charger with power output of 7.2 kW is available as an option and charges the Cayenne S E-Hybrid twice as quickly as with the standard charger – assuming that an appropriate electrical connection is available. For example, in Germany the vehicle is charged in less than an hour and a half instead of just under three hours.

The pressurised fuel tank is a special feature of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Slight positive pressure of 0.3 bar in the tank ensures that degasing fuel does not escape outside to worsen the emission balance. During refuelling the tank is depressurised by pressing the fuel flap release button and the fuel gas is neutralised via an activated carbon filter. Needless to say, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid complies with the Euro 6 emissions standard.

High level of hybrid expertise at Porsche

Porsche is the leading supplier of premium hybrids. As the first plug-in vehicle in the luxury class, the Panamera S E-Hybrid set standards when it was launched in June 2013. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid now carries this forward-looking technology to the premium SUV segment. With its record-breaking time on the Nürburgring in September 2013 the 918 Spyder demonstrated in impressive style that even super sports cars can achieve new dimensions in performance and clearly leave conventional drive systems behind when it comes to driving dynamics and efficiency.

In this respect, the 919 Hybrid – the LMP1 class Porsche race car for competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) –has a pioneering role as a high-technology vehicle . It is a research laboratory on wheels for the further development of hybrid technology with the aim of achieving maximum dynamics and efficiency. Its drive combines a charged V4 petrol engine that drives the rear axle with two energy recuperation systems. In addition to braking energy recuperation a generator operated by the exhaust-gas flow generates further electric power. This is stored in a water-cooled lithium-ion battery and released to an electric motor which drives both front wheels via a differential when the vehicle accelerates. This means that the 919 Hybrid has all-wheel drive at times. The coordination of all drive components is extremely complex and has the aim of making every second on the racetrack completely predictable whilst driving with maximum precision and speed. Independent of race results, Porsche gathers knowledge and experience with every kilometre that the 919 races, and this will help give future generations of sports cars a competitive edge.

Incidentally, the world's first hybrid vehicle also came from Porsche: the 1899 Lohner-Porsche designed by Ferdinand Porsche combined battery-electric drive with a combustion engine.