Porsche reveals Cayenne EV’s interior ahead of official launch

Porsche will reveal the new Cayenne EV in full before the end of the year, but the manufacturer has decided to show off the SUV’s innovative interior before then. In typical EV fashion, the SUV’s cabin is chock-full of new technologies, including the largest display ever equipped to a Porsche. 

“Our goal was to combine quintessential Cayenne characteristics and the newly developed display surfaces with the features of the new ‘Porsche Digital Interaction’ into a harmonious overall package,” said Markus Auerbach, Director Interior Design at Style Porsche.

Let’s take a closer look to see if Auerbach’s vision has been achieved.

Related: Porsche's Record-Breaking New SUV Is Almost Here

Introducing The New Porsche Flow Display

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Porsche has gone to town with display screens inside the Cayenne EV, which seems inspired by the Mercedes Hyperscreen in terms of size. The fully digital instrument cluster is a 14.25-inch unit, but this isn’t technically part of the Flow Display. The latter features a center touchscreen that “flows” vertically into the center console, and like the other displays, uses OLED technology for crisp, high-resolution visuals.

Like other recent Porsches, there’s an optional passenger-side display measuring 14.9 inches. This has a more integrated look than the awkwardly designed passenger-side display found in many new Audis.

If the multiple screens aren’t enough, you can equip the Cayenne Electric with a head-up display using augmented reality tech, creating an effective display size of 87 inches. 

Customization was also a priority, both for usability and to cater to different visual tastes. Drivers can make use of configurable widgets, and the Themes App has five predefined color schemes to change the look of all displays. 

“The aim of redesigning the screens’ digital content was to create an even more immersive and intense connection between driver and sports car,” says Ivo van Hulten, Director Driver Experience at Style Porsche. Note that van Hulten referred to the Cayenne EV as a sports car, not an electric SUV, a not-so-subtle hint at its performance credentials.

Related: You Can Wirelessly Charge The Porsche Cayenne EV Like a Smartphone

New Features Include Mood Modes And Power Rear Seats

Besides the new digital interface, the new Cayenne EV aims to pamper occupants more than is typical for a Porsche. Rear seats will be power-adjustable (a standard feature), and the cabin will also boast surface heating and Mood Modes. Surface heating warms contact areas like the armrests and door panels, not just the seats.

Mood Modes will balance sound, light, climate, and seat settings to create different atmospheres; there will be modes promoting relaxation or concentration, for instance, based on the driver’s mood. Another impressive addition is a sliding panoramic roof with Variable Light Control, the largest glass sunroof ever fitted in a Porsche. The electrically controlled liquid crystal film of the roof allows users to switch between Clear and Matte settings. There are also two semi-transparent modes that allow for 40 or 60 percent opacity.

Besides the interior lighting, the Cayenne EV will continue the brand’s long tradition of extensive material customization. Customers can choose from genuine leather or leather-free interiors, along with 13 interior colors and five accent packages. For a likely high cost, you can also delve into the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Sonderwunsch programs, with an even wider range of colors and materials to choose from.

A new Porsche Digital Key and an AI-powered voice assistant complete one of the most tech-rich new Porsche interiors in recent memory.

It’s Still A Porsche, So Expect Class-Leading Performance

With the tech overload in the cabin, it’s easy to forget that this is still a Porsche, so the focus on power and performance has not been forgotten. All versions of the Cayenne EV will be quick, with outputs ranging from around 400 to 800 horsepower—and some predicting a 986-hp version. Hopefully, it has the athleticism to set it apart from rivals like the BMW iX and Cadillac Lyriq.

Porsche has claimed an impressive range of 373 miles, too, although the EPA estimate will be closer to 320 miles—still a competitive number.

If Porsche has invested as much time and energy in the Cayenne EV’s driving dynamics as it has in the advanced interior, we should be in for a treat when the SUV arrives.