Record-Breaking Hill Climb
In June 2025, a camouflaged Cayenne EV prototype broke the all-time SUV record at the historic Shelsley Walsh hill climb in the UK. Clocking in at just 31.28 seconds, it beat the Bentley Bentayga and even the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
Porsche Formula E driver Gabriela Jílková was behind the wheel, showing off what the company’s next-gen EV platform is capable of. The prototype’s instant torque, grip, and agility suggest Porsche isn’t compromising on performance with electrification.
Porsche’s Surprising Strategy Shift
Despite the Cayenne EV’s impressive performance, Porsche recently revealed a more cautious EV roadmap. According to statements from CFO Lutz Meschke, EV sales dropped 35% in 2024, leading Porsche to retain gasoline and hybrid versions of models like the Cayenne and Panamera into the 2030s.
This is a significant shift from their earlier goal of making 80% of sales electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030. The Cayenne EV will now be part of a multi-powertrain strategy, rather than replacing combustion models outright.
Why It’s So Controversial
Performance vs. Product Planning
The Cayenne EV is already proving itself with lap times and engineering prowess. However, Porsche’s decision to keep internal combustion models alongside it makes some enthusiasts question the brand’s long-term commitment to electrification.
Design Pushback
While still under camouflage, leaked renders and early impressions show a design some fans think leans too heavily on generic crossover cues. On Reddit, one user commented: “They look so BYD… a Porsche should look like a Porsche.” As Carscoops reported, this design direction may alienate some loyalists.
Model Line Confusion
With gasoline, hybrid, and EV versions of the Cayenne all coexisting, buyers might feel overwhelmed—or underwhelmed—by the lineup. For a brand that prides itself on precision, this could feel like a diluted strategy.
Delayed Rollout
The Cayenne EV won’t hit the market until late 2025 or early 2026, and Porsche confirmed it will coexist with refreshed combustion versions well into the next decade.
What It Means for EV Buyers
If you’re shopping for a luxury performance SUV, the Cayenne EV is shaping up to be one of the most capable electric vehicles in its class. But Porsche’s decision to walk back its EV-first stance may make eco-conscious buyers think twice.
Meanwhile, automakers like BMW and Mercedes are doubling down on dedicated EV platforms. Porsche is choosing a slower, dual-track approach—perhaps to keep its legacy fanbase happy while buying time for broader EV adoption.
Bottom Line
The Cayenne EV has already proven it’s not just another electric SUV. It’s fast, refined, and capable of setting records. But the mixed messaging from Porsche’s leadership has stirred controversy, not because the EV isn’t good—but because it might not get the spotlight it deserves.
If you’re curious about the climate impact of modern EVs, check out our related post:
EVs Are Now 73% Cleaner Than Gas Cars — Here’s the Proof