The combined electrical and gas engine output is pegged at 380 horsepower and a whopping 428 foot-pounds of torque. Fuel economy is rated at a counter-intuitive 10.4 and 8.4 L/100 km for city and highway driving, respectively.
My tester averaged 11.6 L/100 km during my spate of mainly city driving, during which stretching the distance served by a litre of fuel wasn’t a priority. Put into perspective, that’s a lot of horsepower moving a lot of weight for a long distance with relatively little fuel.
Power to launch
Thanks to the broad range of gearing supplied by its 8-speed automatic transmission and the abundance of low-end torque, the Cayenne Hybrid launches with surprising thrust, holding firm until highway speed and well beyond. And this is in spite of the vehicle’s significant 2,240-kg (4,928-lb) curb weight.
Porsche data assigns a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds to the Cayenne S Hybrid, and that’s pretty impressive for a hybrid-powered SUV.
Utilizing the vehicle’s Sport Mode recalibrates throttle and shift mapping to keep the Cayenne primed for maximum performance. The Sport Mode also stiffens the underpinnings while lowering ride height by half an inch or so.
Un-SUV-like handling dynamics
Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Cayenne S Hybrid is a Porsche through and through. That DNA assures us of its ability to carve turns with composure, prowess and precision. I track-tested the 2011 Cayenne S Turbo last fall and can attest to its outstanding athleticism. I have no reason to think that the Cayenne S Hybrid would be any less competent in the corners, especially when its Sport Mode is activated.
Perhaps the most significant dynamic separating the Cayenne S Hybrid from the rest of the Cayenne pack is its regenerative braking system. While this setup is effective at topping up the hybrid battery, it doesn’t provide the linear brake response of a conventional brake system.
My tester averaged 11.6 L/100 km during my spate of mainly city driving, during which stretching the distance served by a litre of fuel wasn’t a priority. Put into perspective, that’s a lot of horsepower moving a lot of weight for a long distance with relatively little fuel.
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| Utilizing the vehicle’s Sport Mode recalibrates throttle and shift mapping to keep the Cayenne primed for maximum performance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Power to launch
Thanks to the broad range of gearing supplied by its 8-speed automatic transmission and the abundance of low-end torque, the Cayenne Hybrid launches with surprising thrust, holding firm until highway speed and well beyond. And this is in spite of the vehicle’s significant 2,240-kg (4,928-lb) curb weight.
Porsche data assigns a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds to the Cayenne S Hybrid, and that’s pretty impressive for a hybrid-powered SUV.
Utilizing the vehicle’s Sport Mode recalibrates throttle and shift mapping to keep the Cayenne primed for maximum performance. The Sport Mode also stiffens the underpinnings while lowering ride height by half an inch or so.
Un-SUV-like handling dynamics
Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Cayenne S Hybrid is a Porsche through and through. That DNA assures us of its ability to carve turns with composure, prowess and precision. I track-tested the 2011 Cayenne S Turbo last fall and can attest to its outstanding athleticism. I have no reason to think that the Cayenne S Hybrid would be any less competent in the corners, especially when its Sport Mode is activated.
Perhaps the most significant dynamic separating the Cayenne S Hybrid from the rest of the Cayenne pack is its regenerative braking system. While this setup is effective at topping up the hybrid battery, it doesn’t provide the linear brake response of a conventional brake system.
 |
| Porsche data assigns a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds to the Cayenne S Hybrid, and that’s pretty impressive for a hybrid-powered SUV. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |