Porsche’s plans for an electrified SUV lineup will come to fruition this year with the debut of the new, and electric, Porsche Cayenne. The model will join the Macan EV as the brand’s second electric SUV. Following the new Cayenne, Porsche will introduce the successor to the 718 lineup, consisting of the Boxster and Cayman. These, too, will be electric.
The Electric Cayenne Comes First
The newly electrified Cayenne does not mean the demise of the gasoline-powered SUV. Instead, the Cayenne EV will continue alongside a combustion-powered lineup (including the model’s V8 engine). This is notably the opposite of the strategy Porsche elected to pursue with the Macan, though Porsche did indicate in a press release it was evaluating “an independent model line in the SUV segment with combustion and hybrid powertrains.” It isn’t clear if this new SUV is Porsche’s planned three-row flagship SUV, or a reversal of the brand’s strategy with the Macan. Either way, we’re looking at a mix of powertrains across the Porsche SUV lineup.
What About The Boxster And Cayman EVs?
Contrary to previous reports, it appears Porsche was able to find a way around the bankruptcy of its battery supplier, Northvolt. Initially, it was thought the battery maker’s demise could lead to the delay of the brand’s first fully electric sports car, though the automaker’s media materials imply that isn’t the case: “Porsche will introduce all-electric sports cars in the 718 segment” — after the debut of the new electric Cayenne. Right now, that should mean the pair of electric sports cars will debut relatively soon, as Porsche has used the phrase “mid-decade” to allude to a rough timeline for the 718 replacements for a while now.
TopSpeed’s Take
Porsche’s two new EVs are big risks. The Cayenne EV will still have its gas-powered alternative to compete with here in the US, and that may result in some buyers deferring to “old reliable” when ordering their new Cayenne. 718 buyers Stateside likely won’t have the same choice. Despite the odd rumor indicating Porsche’s hesitancy to nix the current 718 lineup, the new models are on their way, and with them a new electric drivetrain. It’s a gamble on Porsche’s part, and one we’ll be watching closely.
Read the full article here