Porsche to Continue Selling Combustion Cayenne Beyond 2030
Porsche Commits to Offering Multiple Powertrains for Cayenne
Porsche has announced that it will continue to provide the Cayenne with combustion and hybrid power options beyond 2030. This decision ensures that the Cayenne, which is the brand’s best-selling model, will enter the next decade with three distinct powertrain choices.
The company has confirmed that it will further develop and upgrade the current third-generation Cayenne, which received a significant mid-life update last year. This upgraded version will be sold alongside the electric fourth-generation Cayenne, which is set to launch next year.
Efficiency Upgrades for the 4.0-Litre V8 Powertrain
Porsche plans to focus on enhancing the efficiency of the Cayenne’s 4.0-litre V8 powertrain, which is currently used in the Cayenne S and GT models. The goal is to ensure compliance with future legislative requirements. Additionally, Porsche will introduce a more efficient Turbo S E-Hybrid PHEV variant, although the release date has yet to be confirmed.
It remains unclear if Porsche will continue to upgrade the current generation’s 3.0-litre V6 powertrain, which is available in both pure-petrol and plug-in hybrid configurations.
Market Compliance and Individual Sales
The decision to offer combustion and hybrid options for the Cayenne beyond 2030 is subject to individual market compliance. For instance, the UK has announced a ban on the sale of new pure-petrol and pure-diesel cars starting from 2030.
Porsche CEO’s Statement
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume stated, “The Cayenne has always defined the sports car in its segment. In the middle of the decade, the fourth generation will set standards in the segment as an electric SUV. At the same time, into the next decade, our customers will still be able to choose from a wide range of powerful and efficient combustion and hybrid models.”
Wavering Electric Uptake and Sales Strategy
Porsche’s decision to continue selling combustion variants of the Cayenne comes after the brand adjusted its electric vehicle (EV) target, citing a decrease in buyer interest in electric cars. This trend is reflected across the industry, with Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Stellantis expressing similar concerns.
The slower growth of EV sales in Europe, with only a 2% increase in the first half of 2024 compared to 28% last year, likely influenced Porsche’s decision. The brand aims to avoid a significant drop in sales by extending the availability of combustion Cayenne models alongside the electric version.
Last year, Porsche sold a total of 320,221 vehicles globally, with the Cayenne accounting for 87,553 units, closely followed by the Macan at 87,355 units.
It remains uncertain if Porsche will adopt a similar strategy for the combustion Macan, as the brand has already confirmed plans to make it electric-only by 2025. The electric Macan was recently launched with a starting price of £67,200 and a top-end range of 398 miles.
