Porsche CEO Oliver Blume talked about the automaker’s plans to launch a sporty new all-electric SUV. The model will be positioned in the top-tier, higher than the Cayenne and Macan. The vehicle is expected to be launched in mid-decade.
The new SUV appears to have been somewhat expedited as Porsche faces delays on its all-electric Macan SUV due to software development issues at parent company Volkswagen Group. In case you’ve been living in a bunker your whole life, Porsche AG is a German sports car manufacturer with nearly a century of experience in going fast and doing so stylishly. Like many veteran automakers, Porsche has built its legacy upon combustion vehicles like the Cayenne, Boxster, and 911 Turbo. That being said, it has recently pivoted its vehicle development toward electric vehicles.
This EV transition began with the ever-popular Taycan, which is supposed to be followed by an all-electric Macan (more on that later). Following this early success of the Taycan, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume sped up the company’s EV goals to electrify 80% of vehicles by 2030. “In 2025, half of all new Porsche sales are expected to come from the sale of electric vehicles – i.e. all-electric or plug-in hybrid. In 2030, the share of all new vehicles with an all-electric drive should be more than 80 percent.”
Issues with VW
News emerged earlier this month that EV software developer and Volkswagen Group subsidiary Cariad was facing development issues threatening production delays to Bentley’s 2030 electrification goals. Furthermore, the software issues have the potential to delay production schedules for the upcoming electric Porsche Macan SUV and sibling model Audi Q6 e-Tron – both of which were scheduled to launch next year.
Now, with a Porsche IPO vital to Volkswagen Group’s growth looming and potential EV production delays, the sports car manufacturer is apparently developing its most expensive SUV yet and it’ll be all-electric. According to Automotive News Europe, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has confirmed a bespoke electric SUV model codenamed “K1” targeted for the middle of the decade. Blume elaborated during Porsche’s recent capital markets day. “We plan to add a new luxury, all-electric SUV model to our attractive portfolio, which will roll off the production line in Leipzig. This will further expand our position in the luxury automotive segment. We are targeting the higher margin segments in particular and aim to tap into new sales opportunities in this way.” Additionally, Porsche shared that the new, top-tier electric SUV will come equipped with some of the technology from the Mission R concept presented IAA in Munich last year, including its direct oil-cooled electric motor.
