The 2024 Cayenne S E‑Performance is the most sensible Porsche

Sitting between the Cayenne E Hybrid and the Turbo E-Hybrid in the new Cayenne range, the S E-Hybrid focuses on "the fine balance between everyday usability and performance". The latter target is hit easily. Combining a 353PS (260kW) 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with a 176PS (130kW) electric motor means the S E-Performance effortlessly breaches 500PS and thumps out an impressive 750Nm (553lb-ft) – figures that translate into 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds a 162mph top speed.

That's impressive for a vast, four-wheel drive family car, but it's even more impressive when you consider the Cayenne’s carrying a hefty 25.9kWh battery that can be charged in two and a half hours using an 11kWh wall charger.

The added weight of the battery means the S E-Performance is unlikely to be the driver's Cayenne. Still, its ability to travel up to 56 miles on battery power means, on short trips, it'll cost buttons to run, while you can call on the petrol engine's firepower on longer journeys. You should take Porsche's official fuel economy of up to 201.8mpg with a generous dose of salt, though.

At least the Cayenne's suspension will cushion the fall of your MPG from 'stated' to 'real world'. Two-chamber, two-valve air springs are fitted as standard, which according to Porsche means the Cayenne's setup can range from incredibly comfortable to extremely controlled.

A set of 20-inch alloy wheels also comes as standard; you get twin exhausts with brushed stainless steel trims and matrix LED headlights, with the option to upgrade for powerful HD matrix LEDs. The standard Cayenne has silver exterior trims; the Coupe gets shiny black plastics.

Inside the Cayenne's roomy interior, you get eight-way electrically adjustable front seats with driver's side memory; the Sport Chrono pack with driving modes, stainless steel pedals and a Diamer interior package finished in SilverShade. Options include a passenger screen for video playback and an air quality system with improved filtering.