The Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric has broken records, not just for power – unleashing a temporary 1,139 horsepower – but also for weight. At 5,831 pounds (2,645 kilograms) before the driver even sits down, it’s officially the heaviest production vehicle Porsche has ever built.
From Lightweight Racers to Heavy SUVs: A Shift in Priorities
This milestone marks a significant departure from Porsche’s historical focus on lightweight performance. For example, the 1951 Le Mans-winning Porsche 356 SL, designed for engines under 1,100 cc, weighed just 1,410 pounds (640 kg). The new Cayenne Turbo Electric’s battery pack alone—a massive 113-kWh unit—tips the scales at roughly 1,322 pounds (600 kg).
This weight gain isn’t unique to Porsche. The previous record holder, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe, weighed 5,721 pounds (2,595 kg). While Porsche’s EVs like the Taycan and Macan are lighter, the Turbo variant adds another 110 pounds (50 kg), cementing its status as the heaviest model ever to roll out of Zuffenhausen.
The Global Trend: EVs Are Getting Heavier
Porsche isn’t alone in building increasingly heavy electric SUVs. The Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology weighs in at a staggering 6,801 pounds (3,084 kg). The EQS SUV isn’t far behind at 6,792 pounds (3,081 kg). American EVs take the crown: the Cadillac Escalade IQ weighs 9,134 pounds (4,143 kg), and even the Rivian R1S exceeds the Porsche at 7,068 pounds (3,205 kg).
This trend is driven by the sheer weight of large battery packs needed for extended range and performance. While automakers are exploring lightweight materials and battery technology, today’s EVs remain significantly heavier than their combustion-engine predecessors.
Porsche’s Weight History: From Off-Roaders to Electric Giants
The original 2002 Cayenne, born under Ferdinand Piëch’s leadership, wasn’t exactly light at 5,191 pounds (2,355 kg). It was designed as a capable off-roader with four-wheel drive, locking differentials, and hydraulic suspension. However, the new Cayenne Turbo Electric pushes the boundaries even further.
What’s Next? More Weight on the Horizon
Porsche has announced plans for a three-row SUV that will initially launch with combustion engines before an electric version arrives. Given the trend, a seven-seat configuration will likely push Porsche’s weight record even higher. The company’s trajectory suggests that heavier vehicles are now an inevitable part of their product strategy.
In conclusion, the Cayenne Turbo Electric represents a new era for Porsche: one where raw power and electric capability come at the cost of unprecedented weight. While performance remains a priority, the increasing mass of these vehicles raises questions about handling, efficiency, and the future of Porsche’s design philosophy.
