2022 Porsche Cayenne may have a new plug-in hybrid variant [Update]

Update: ‘Porsche Cayenne sales’ section updated.

Introduced in August 2017, the third-generation Porsche Cayenne (Porsche E3) is heading towards its fifth anniversary. An improved version that is to come out this year is road-testing, and the family will reportedly include a new Porsche Cayenne PHEV variant.

Exterior

The incoming Porsche Cayenne will have different front and rear sections for a sharper look. Pictured is the current model. Image: Porsche

Spy photos Motor1 published in May 2021 showed the 2022 Porsche Cayenne featuring different design bits. Sticking to its new-formed traditions, Porsche is disguising Cayenne test mules with masking and faux plastic panels, but changes can be made out with keen eyes.

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne appears to have narrower headlamps with slimmer light modules inspired by those of the Taycan. The air intakes look new, and the same goes for the bumper. Changes at the rear will likely be noticeable, with spy shots revealing the repositioning of the license plate to the portion below the tailgate in style similar to that of the present-day Cayenne Coupe. The new tailgate may carry a clean design with fewer cutouts and a smoother surface, and the tail lamps will feature new clusters.

Spy images Motor1 published on November 11, 2021, showed a new Cayenne prototype with what looked like redesigned tail lamps. Porsche had masked the rear lights with red tape on the most part and also black tape in some places. So it wasn’t possible to make out the design of the new cluster, but the size appeared to be larger, with a broader extension inwards.

Interior

It’s about time Porsche embraced virtual instrument clusters for its gas-powered models (including hybrids). The company offers a semi-digital instrument cluster in the Cayenne. Image Source: Porsche

Inside, a big change in the 2022 Porsche Cayenne could be the shift to a fully digital instrument cluster, a feature Porsche has been prolonging on traditional vehicles. The company has conceded that customers are demanding a switch to a fully digital instrument cluster, explaining why it designed the Taycan with that feature from the outset. There’s no doubt that the next-gen Porsche Macan (EV) is getting a fully digital display.

Pro spy photographer Andreas Mau/CarPix (Instagram: @race356) snapped a test mule of a 2022 Cayenne prototype last year that featured a fully digital instrument cluster. We can’t tell if it’s the same curved 16.8-inch screen as the Taycan, but it has similar rounded gauges. A spy shot Instagram user dererlkoenigpaparazzi posted more recently shows the fully-digital instrument cluster, and a closer look at the virtual speedometer.

The 2022 Porsche Cayenne has been spotted with a fully-digital instrument cluster like the Taycan (pictured). Image Source: Porsche

Expect multiple layouts for the new cluster, including but not limited to one that gives a full map view, one that reduces the information to the essentials, and one designed for performance sprints like lap runs and drag races. There could be small, touch-control fields at the edges of the display for the light and chassis functions.

Spy shots Motor1 published in September 2021 had revealed that Porsche has designed a new rising center console for the 2022 Cayenne. The spy shot from Instagram user dererlkoenigpaparazzi posted later showed the same change, plus a glimpse of the infotainment system’s UI. The new console appears to have five toggle switches, a 992-generation Porsche 911-style rotary dial, and just a few buttons. The glass panel on which the toggle switches and rotary dial are there could be a touch panel.

Another bit borrowed from the latest 911 is the electric shaver-like gear selector, which we were hoping Porsche was done with when it released the all-new 911 GT3. Autocar had reported in May 2021 that Porsche plans to replace Cayenne’s gear selector with the 911’s smaller unit, which some may find more confusing during initial use, as pointed out by Motor Authority.

PCM 6.0

Porsche kickstarted 2022 with the introduction of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM 6.0) infotainment system. The company has confirmed the availability of the enhanced infotainment system in the current Cayenne. It would introduce the PCM 6.0 infotainment system in the Cayenne from the factory with the upcoming facelift.

The latest update to the PCM infotainment system has brought a revised UI, native Spotify integration, revised Voice Pilot voice assistant, and wireless Android Auto support. Moreover, the new system allows improved planning for charging stops for EVs.

The Cayenne should get the PCM 6.0 infotainment system directly with the upcoming mid-cycle refresh. Image Source: Porsche

New, colored icons have made the functions easier to recognize. With native Spotify integration, customers can link their Spotify account to the vehicle and directly listen to their favorite Spotify songs and podcasts. The Spotify app offers the Like function and the new Go to Radio option.

Lastly, Porsche says that it has improved the calculation of charging sessions in the Charging Planner. The Charging Planner prioritizes high-power charging stations and plans charging stops more efficiently. Moreover, the updated Charging Planner considers the time required to begin and finish the charging process when estimating the total driving time.

New PHEV variant

Currently, the Porsche Cayenne PHEV is available in two flavors, E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid. Porsche upgraded both the plug-in hybrid models with a bigger battery pack in October 2020. From a 14.1 kWh, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid moved up to the 17.9 kWh battery. The bigger unit increased the Cayenne PHEV’s range by up to 30%. The Cayenne E-Hybrid can now cover up to 48 km (30 miles)* using only electric power. The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid’s range is now 42 km or (29 miles)*.

*WLTP rating

Porsche could expand the Cayenne PHEV line-up with the upcoming mid-cycle refresh. Autocar reports that there could be a new S E-Hybrid variant positioned between the E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid variants. The new variant could offer 552 hp of system power and around 30 miles of EV range (WLTP).

In addition to public roads, engineers are testing the new Cayenne on the Nurburgring race track. While improvements in the performance and driving dynamics could be in tow, it’s not uncommon to see a performance brand like Porsche put all its car on the limit around the Green Hell. You can view pictures of the new Cayenne flexing its muscles on the German Rennstrecke over at autoevolution. For the updated model’s plug-in hybrid variant, efficiency improvements could be the company’s absolute focus.

Future Porsche PHEVs to get 50+ miles of EV range

The Porsche Cayenne PHEV would be able to travel much longer solely on electric power in the future, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume hinted at the 2021 annual press conference. He said that Porsche would offer hybrid models with a range of over 50 miles without announcing a deadline.

When developing hybrids even further, we think into two directions. On the one hand, we focus on range-optimized vehicles that achieve a higher electric range with improved battery systems – a range of more than 80 kilometers (50 miles)**. On the other hand, we are working on high-performance-oriented vehicles, for instance, on very sporty and high-performance hybridization of the 911 that we already know for motorsports.

Oliver Blume, CEO, Porsche

**Assumed to be a WLTP target

The new Cayenne should reach U.S. showrooms as an MY2023 car later this year. It will face a new challenger in the form of the next-gen Range Rover Sport, which could hit the U.S. market by early 2023.

Porsche Cayenne sales

While the Cayenne was Porsche’s second best-selling car globally in 2021, the SUV lost ground in the U.S. market. In 2021, while the Macan’s sales spiked from 18,631 to 24,716 units, the Cayenne declined from 18,092 units in 2020 to 17,299 units, in a year where automakers struggled with sourcing enough semiconductor chips. The facelift with the upgraded interior will likely boost numbers this year, although Macan may continue as the best-selling Porsche stateside.

2021 was a record sales year in Porsche’s history. The brand delivered 301,915 vehicles to customers across the globe—a nearly 10% year-to-year increase in sales. The Macan was by far the best-selling Porsche with 88,362 deliveries followed by the Cayenne, of which 83,071 examples were sold. There were many Taycan lovers as well—sales of the EV doubled to 41,296 units outselling the popular 911. In Europe, 40% of new Porsches delivered were either plug-in hybrid or all-electric. By 2030, the brand aims to garner 80% of sales from electrified models.

2022 Porsche Cayenne PHEV FAQs

What is the 2022 Porsche Cayenne release date?

The improved Cayenne should go on sale in Europe & U.S. starting later this year.

What will be the 2022 Porsche Cayenne PHEV price?

When it comes available, the base Cayenne PHEV could set customers back by around $83,000 in the United States.

What will be the new Porsche Cayenne PHEV EV range?

It is unclear at this point, but Porsche is working to increase the Cayenne PHEV’s EV range to 50+ miles in the long-term.

Featured Image Source: Porsche

Keyword: 2022 Porsche Cayenne may have a new plug-in hybrid variant [Update]