2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Review

A sporty and luxurious people-mover that's also a hybrid. And it's a Porsche. What's not to like?

The most telling feature of the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is the fact that unlike every other hybrid on the market there isn’t a giant display screen boldly proclaiming your excellent fuel economy. In fact, that info is nearly impossible to find, buried several menus deep in the car’s onboard computer.

This speaks to the fact that the gas-electric Cayenne is less about getting good fuel economy, and more about looking like you’re getting good fuel economy. And that’s by no means a criticism. In fact, it’s another very important reason people will buy a Porsche. And when it comes to the Cayenne, there are already three good reasons.

First, it’s a Porsche. Second, it’s a functional family vehicle… that’s also a Porsche. Third, it’s a trendy performance SUV… that’s also a Porsche. And now the German automaker has added a fourth reason: it’s a hybrid… that’s also a Porsche.

NO SUCH THING AS “MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE”

Now some used to say (and many still do) that a performance SUV is a ludicrous idea. And while true in theory, in practice Porsche has proven just how dynamic a machine a top-heavy truck can be. A similar feeling by “haters” is shared about hybrid SUVs, a seemingly incongruous concept, attempting to transform a behemoth monstrosity into a green (greenish?) machine. Now, for the first time ever, all of these aspects have been combined into one package and with that Porsche crest up front, how can it not be a success?

Looking at both the performance and the fuel economy, the Cayenne S Hybrid manages to register some impressive numbers in each category, while not giving up anything in terms of its functionality. Holding true to the “S” in the name, it makes 380-hp and 427 lb-ft of torque while also achieving 20-mpg city and 24-mpg highway. During our test we averaged 23-mpg, which is no small feat for a five-seater truck with plenty of cargo room and a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds.

By comparison, the 400-hp Cayenne S gets a 16/22-mpg rating and shaves just a half second off the hybrid’s sprint time. Yes there’s a cost associated, with a $4,000 premium over the Cayenne S, but at this level, that’s less than the cost of an option package and for most shoppers isn’t even worth a second thought.

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