On paper, the Cayenne Electric Turbo could read as the least exciting "Turbo" Porsche has ever built. It's a nearly 6,000-pound SUV with no V-8 to supply drama, and yet a brief drive left Road & Track's tester grinning uncontrollably. The verdict: this electric SUV is both a riot to drive and a serene luxury cruiser once the theatrics are done.

Built on the PPE platform it shares with Audi EVs and the Macan Electric, the range-topping Cayenne Electric was reportedly reengineered substantially by Porsche, making it effectively a different animal from its gas-powered namesake despite similar styling. With launch control engaged, the dual-motor Electric Turbo produces up to 1,139 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque, enough for a claimed 0-60 mph time of 2.4 seconds — a figure that reportedly felt conservative in real-world driving. The rear motor, developed in-house with Formula E-derived direct oil cooling, never showed signs of power fade during a demanding test loop.

Normal driving yields 844 hp, with a push-to-pass button temporarily boosting output to 1,017 hp for 10-second bursts. With that much power on tap, the rear end can get loose on cold tires, and the silent acceleration makes it easy to reach illegal speeds without realizing it.

The 800-volt architecture supports fast charging up to 400 kW through a 113-kWh battery, with the pack reportedly maintaining strong charging speeds even past 60-70 percent capacity thanks to a cooling system Porsche compares to roughly 100 refrigerators. In testing, the SUV charged from 17 to 84 percent in just 16 minutes. Estimated range sits at 298 miles, aided by a 0.25 drag coefficient and extending rear aeroblades that deploy at 34 mph.

The chassis stood out most, particularly with the optional Active Ride suspension, which lets the 5,880-pound SUV glide over rough pavement while staying firmly planted in Sport Plus. Optional rear-axle steering, sharp regenerative braking capable of handling 97 percent of everyday stops, and well-weighted steering further reinforce the sporting feel. Inside, a dual-tier 14.3-inch OLED display anchors the cabin, while physical controls remain for temperature and volume.

Rear legroom benefits from a wheelbase 5.1 inches longer than the gas Cayenne's, though cargo space is a modest 26.4 cubic feet. As tested, pricing approaches $200,000. Despite lacking the simulated-gear "E-Shift" feature coming to the next Taycan, Porsche's electric SUV flagship currently has no rival that blends this level of performance with everyday comfort.

Source: Road & Track

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