Porsche’s electrification push is going full throttle—literally.
This week, Porsche gave enthusiasts a first official look at its upcoming Cayenne Electric, sending a camouflaged prototype up the legendary Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in England. The electric SUV, expected to debut sometime in 2026, will be sold alongside the gas-powered and hybrid Cayenne models for years to come.
First Glimpse of the Cayenne Electric in Action
The Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb has been around since 1905, making it one of the world’s oldest racing events. Porsche chose this historic setting to showcase what it calls a “near-production” version of the Cayenne EV—hinting that the design is almost final.
Behind the wheel was Gabriela Jílková, a Porsche Formula E development driver, who wasted no time making history. She shattered the existing SUV record by more than four seconds on her first run up the hill.
In photos shared from the event, the Cayenne Electric prototype shows off its signature Porsche curves. Even under camouflage, you can spot design cues like the large front grille, high-mounted headlights, muscular fenders, and squared-off taillights, all finishing in a gently sloped roofline.
High-Tech Suspension and Serious Speed
What helped the Cayenne Electric dominate the hill climb? Porsche highlighted its innovative Porsche Active Ride suspension system, which keeps the body remarkably flat during hard cornering, acceleration, and braking—delivering sports car-like precision in an SUV body.
Porsche also teased its electric powertrain’s serious punch. The Cayenne EV covered the first 180 feet of the hill climb in just 1.94 seconds—a launch time typically seen only in single-seater race cars with slick tires.
Surprising Towing Power and Upcoming Debut
Porsche didn’t stop at speed alone. As part of a film project tied to the event, Richard Hammond (former Top Gear and Grand Tour host) used the Cayenne Electric to tow a 100-year-old Lagonda car up the hill—showcasing its unexpected towing capability of up to 7,716 pounds.
Porsche confirmed that both the electric and combustion-powered Cayenne models will be sold side by side well into the next decade, giving buyers plenty of options during this transitional era.
Next up, the Cayenne Electric will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this week, with a full global debut expected either later this year or early 2026.
