Electric Porsche Cayenne prototype breaks hillclimb record, with bonus tow duty performed by Richard Hammond
The Porsche Cayenne Electric, the latest addition to Porsche's lineup, has made a stunning debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, setting a new SUV record at the iconic hill climb event.
Richard Hammond, renowned presenter and car enthusiast, had the privilege of testing the Cayenne Electric's towing capabilities during its journey from his workshop to his garage. The 100-year-old, 2-tonne Lagonda was no match for the electric powerhouse, as it effortlessly pulled the vintage car with significant weight.
Porsche has designed the Cayenne Electric to set new standards without compromising on everyday usability and practicality. The vehicle's thermal management of its high-voltage system allows for a potential towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, a feat rarely seen in electric vehicles (BEVs).
The Cayenne Electric was also equipped with the Porsche Active Ride system, a technology that significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort. This feature will be offered for the Porsche Cayenne SUV in the future, promising a smooth and dynamic driving experience.
Gabriela Jílková, simulator and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, piloted the Cayenne Electric at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb. She praised the vehicle's enormous stability and precision during the event.
Michael Schätzle, vice president of Product Line Cayenne, confirmed that the drive power and equipment of the record-breaking Cayenne Electric were already at production level. The official market launch of the Cayenne Electric in Germany is expected in 2026, with the vehicle becoming available to customers starting that year.
The Cayenne Electric's impressive performance was not limited to the hill climb. It also starred in a short film with Richard Hammond and visited the UK for a series of publicity projects. Porsche claims that the Cayenne Electric will be one of the first BEVs in the world to achieve a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, depending on the configuration.
The Porsche Cayenne Electric will be on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, from 10-13 July 2025, giving fans a chance to witness this groundbreaking vehicle up close. As Porsche continues to develop the current model generation of the Cayenne, offering powerful and efficient combustion engine and hybrid models well into the next decade, the future of electric SUVs looks bright.
