The recently launched Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric, while boasting an extraordinary 1,139 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque during temporary bursts with launch control, has paradoxically earned the title of the heaviest production vehicle Porsche has ever created. Without a driver, this Turbo variant tips the scales at an imposing 5,831 pounds (2,645 kilograms).
This new electric SUV surpasses its predecessor, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe, which previously held the record at 5,721 pounds (2,595 kilograms). The substantial increase in weight is primarily attributed to the massive 113-kWh battery pack, weighing approximately 1,322 pounds (600 kilograms). To put this into perspective, this battery alone is almost as heavy as an entire vintage Porsche 356 SL, a lightweight racer from 1951 that weighed just 1,410 pounds (640 kilograms).
Despite its significant mass, the Cayenne Turbo Electric isn't the heaviest electric SUV on the market when compared to other models like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (6,801 lbs) or EQS SUV (6,792 lbs). However, it is considerably lighter than American counterparts such as the Cadillac Escalade IQ (9,134 lbs). Historically, the original 2002 Cayenne Turbo S also demonstrated a considerable weight at 5,191 pounds. Porsche's trend of increasing vehicle weight is expected to continue, particularly with the anticipated arrival of a three-row SUV, which, especially in its electric seven-seat configuration, is projected to further escalate the brand's weight record.
This evolution in vehicle design and power output, while pushing the boundaries of performance, underscores the challenges and compromises inherent in the transition to electric powertrains, where the sheer size and weight of batteries become a dominant factor. It challenges manufacturers to innovate not just in power and range, but also in developing lighter, more efficient energy storage solutions to balance performance with practicality and environmental responsibility.
