Porsche Cayenne twin-turbo V8 to continue to be used after 2030

Porsche’s surprising announcement confirms the Cayenne will continue to use internal combustion engines for the next decade

Porsche may be working tirelessly on the next-generation all-electric Cayenne, but it’s not neglecting the internal combustion engine versions of its popular model. Amid recent skepticism about the future of pure electric vehicles, the automaker has confirmed that the current Cayenne will continue to be sold alongside new EV models, offering three powertrain variants – internal combustion, hybrid and electric – well into the next decade.

“Porsche is simultaneously advancing the development of its powerful hybrid and combustion engine models. By 2030 and beyond, this successful SUV will be available worldwide in three powertrain versions,” the company said.

MORE: Porsche admits buyers aren’t ready for EVs, so how will the 2025 electric Boxster fare?

Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG, confirmed that the fourth-generation Cayenne EV will be available in the middle of the decade and is expected to set new standards in the electric SUV segment. Blume added that Porsche customers “will still be able to choose from a wide range of powerful and efficient combustion and hybrid models well into the next decade”. This will be achieved by “further upgrading” the current third-generation Cayenne, which will continue to be sold alongside its all-electric successor.

This means that Porsche is determined to keep the twin-turbo V8 powertrain alive. The Zuffenhausen engineers have increased the efficiency of the powertrain by applying “extensive technical measures”. This will enable the V8 to comply with future legislative requirements and remain in sale for longer than originally expected.

2024 Porsche Cayenne

The current third-generation Porsche Cayenne was launched in 2017 and received a major update in 2023. Models from 2030 onwards may need another facelift to be on par with the newer model.

Despite Porsche’s return to a multi-path strategy (at least for the Cayenne), the CEO insisted that the company is “firmly committed to electromobility.” Blume added that their plan is for more than 80% of new car sales to be fully electrified by 2030, although that statement comes with an asterisk. The CEO noted that this goal could “depend on the needs of our customers and the development of electromobility around the world,” suggesting that Porsche is keeping a close eye on the volatile market.

Porsche Cayenne EV

The surprise announcement included photos and information about the upcoming all-electric Cayenne. The SUV is currently undergoing testing on public roads after a “long period of digital development and testing.” Camouflaged prototypes will undergo “millions of kilometers of testing in extreme climate and terrain conditions around the world” to ensure everything is ready for the big reveal, which is likely to take place sometime in 2025.

MORE: 2026 Porsche Cayenne EV looks like a super-sized Macan EV

Porsche confirmed that the electric Cayenne will feature a “comprehensive further development” of the Volkswagen Group’s Platform Premium Electric (PPE) architecture, integrating the latest technologies in “high-voltage systems, drivetrain and chassis”. One of the development goals for the new Cayenne was “Porsche driving characteristics, high capacity and stable charging, high efficiency and a high level of comfort and everyday usability”.

Porsche