Two years after announcing plans for an electric Cayenne, Porsche has finally set a timeline for its arrival. The all-electric fourth-generation Cayenne will make its debut in late 2025 during a special event on the West Coast, as confirmed by CEO Oliver Blume during a recent Q&A session. Despite the introduction of the new EV model, Porsche has assured enthusiasts that the current combustion-engine Cayenne will remain in production well into the 2030s.
Unlike the strategy adopted for the Macan, which will see its gas-powered version retired next year in favor of an EV-only lineup, the Cayenne will continue offering its powerful V-8 engines alongside the new electric variant. The upcoming Cayenne EV will be built at the same Bratislava, Slovakia, factory that currently produces its gasoline counterpart, allowing both versions to coexist in Porsche’s evolving lineup.
An Alternative Gas SUV in the Works?
In a surprising development, Porsche is considering an all-new combustion-engine SUV that could serve as a more affordable alternative to the Cayenne. Although details remain scarce, this potential new model might effectively replace the first-generation Macan for customers who still prefer gas-powered performance over electric propulsion. Given Porsche’s commitment to offering a diverse powertrain portfolio, this move aligns with its long-term strategy to balance EV growth with traditional engine options.
718 EV Timeline Shifts Behind Cayenne EV
One significant consequence of Porsche’s shifting priorities is the delayed arrival of the electric 718 Cayman and Boxster. Initially expected to debut before the Cayenne EV, the brand has now confirmed that the large electric SUV will take precedence. While Porsche maintains that the 718 EV remains on track for a “mid-decade” launch, it is clear that the rollout sequence has changed.
The gas-powered 718 has already been phased out in Europe due to stringent cybersecurity regulations introduced last year. Production for the model is set to end by mid-2025, leaving Porsche without a sub-911 sports car until the electric 718 makes its long-awaited entrance.
Porsche’s Three-Row Electric SUV Still on Track
Beyond the Cayenne EV, Porsche is also pushing forward with plans for an even larger all-electric three-row SUV. Announced in mid-2022, this new flagship model is expected to be manufactured in Leipzig and arrive in the “medium term.” However, Porsche has hinted at the possibility of offering hybrid or combustion engine variants, with Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke previously stating that the brand is reconsidering its initial plan of making this SUV an EV-exclusive model.
Porsche’s Future: A Multi-Powertrain Approach
As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, Porsche remains committed to a diversified strategy. While fully electric models are a major part of its future, the company will continue offering a mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and EVs in parallel well into the 2030s.
With the Cayenne EV set for a 2025 launch, the 718 EV expected to follow soon after, and new SUV concepts under development, Porsche is ensuring that its future remains dynamic, catering to both traditional enthusiasts and the growing EV market alike.
