PLUG & PLAY
Porsche and BMW have updated their sporty plug-in hybrid SUVs – which one is best?
Pictures: Pete Gibson
LUXURY models are often at the cutting edge of new-car technology, and the large SUV segment is one area that has seen plenty of developments in terms of plug-in hybrid systems. Here we’re testing two of the very best of the breed.
The third-generation Porsche Cayenne has received a facelift that includes updates to the E-Hybrid model, with more power for the electric motor and a bigger drive battery. However, the BMW X5 has also been revised, and the xDrive45e has been replaced by the xDrive50e. The different name signifies more power, while it also gains a larger battery.
Of course, these two manufacturers are known for their sporting models, and the Cayenne and X5 are two of the most entertaining large SUVs available. Do they still deliver driving enjoyment when a hybrid powertrain is added to the mix?
NEW CAR
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Price: £79,800
Powertrain: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol plug-in hybrid, 463bhp0-62mph: 4.9 secondsEfficiency: 188.3mpg/41.4mpl
CO2: 33g/km
Annual VED: £560
UPDATED RIVAL
BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport
Price: £80,835
Powertrain: 3.0 6cyl twin-turbo petrol plug-in hybrid, 483bhp0-62mph: 4.8 secondsEfficiency: 313.9mpg/69mpl
CO2: 21g/km
Annual VED: £560
Porsche Cayenne
MODEL TESTED: Cayenne E-Hybrid
PRICE: £79,800 POWERTRAIN: 3.0-litre V6 petrol plug-in hybrid, 463bhp
THE updated Cayenne features a tweaked look and revised interior tech, plus this E-Hybrid model has more power and a longer range than before. While the car in our pictures is a Cayenne Coupé, we’re testing the standard SUV version against the X5 here. A starting price of £79,800 is less than the BMW’s, but that can be easily increased by adding options.
Tech highlights
SUBTLE styling revisions mean that spotting an updated Cayenne will be tricky for anyone other than a Porsche enthusiast, but the main differences on the outside are a redesigned front bumper and boxier headlight units. These are now fitted with Matrix LEDs as standard across the Cayenne range, while Taycan-style HD Matrix lights that use 32,000 pixels per lamp are available as a £1,755 option.
Inside, the Cayenne features a new dashboard layout that mirrors that of the Taycan EV, with a 12.6-inch dashboard display and additional gloss-black trim, while the drive selector has been moved from the centre console to a posit
