Towcar of the Month: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
December
Towcar of the Month: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Porsche is as much an iconic brand as Airstream. It would be impossible to have a more perfect caravanning couple than these two – arguably the best towcar in the world towing the flagship Airstream.
This large SUV – and it is large at 4.93m long and 2.19m wide (including mirrors) – is not what you’d typically expect from Porsche if you still think of it as a sportscar manufacturer.
Performance
Performance is almost sportscar-like if that’s what you’re after but we’re more interested in how all that power and torque can be used for towing. And it is a huge amount of power on tap. The 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine on its own produces 304hp and 420Nm of torque, which is more than ample for most towing needs but, as this is a plug-in hybrid, there is that electric battery pack on hand, which produces a massive 460Nm and another 176hp of power.
This gives a combined output of 470hp and 650Nm and we used it constantly with the hybrid system engaged (there is a steering wheel- mounted dial that allows the driver to select between electric, hybrid and sports and sports plus, which both primarily use petrol power) when towing. This ensured all the power was on tap to tow that heavy Airstream.
Joining dual-carriageways where we had to reach 55mph to slot in between lorries was a breeze – the car can reach 60mph from a standing start in just 9.3 seconds while it is towing a 2.1-tonne caravan. That is the sort of reassuring power that makes towing with this Cayenne so much more relaxing, especially so as the power is transferred to all the wheels via Porsche’s super-slick eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Engine, comfort and practicality
This model had paddles on the steering wheel to manually shift between gears when required. Most of the time, this was not needed but it comes into its own on hill descents or when approaching tight bends where engine braking is advantageous.
This engine braking is of course in addition to the massive disc brakes (390mm at the front and 358mm at the rear) that can bring the car and the caravan to a halt from 60mph in just 57.6m.
It is these elements that make this car such a worthy winner of its title as the best towcar of the year. While the list price of this Cayenne is just shy of £80,000, there are certain options anyone considering towing with it will need and want. For a start there is the towbar (£945), which is electric and disappears and reappears from beneath the rear bumper at the touch of a button.
Then there is the Adaptive air suspension (£1,760) which not only enhances stability when driving and towing but also allows the rear to be lowered and raised to help when hitching and unhitching.
Some of the other options we’d suggest are Porsche’s Power Steering Plus (£222) and rear axle steering (£1,325) which both aid manoeuvrability, especially the rear axle steering.
The surround view parking system is also a bonus when reversing to hitch up a caravan and would be worth considering at £1,116 as it gives the driver a crystal-clear view of what’s going on, not just at the rear but all around the car.
Comfort when driving and for passengers is exceptionally good – this is a luxury family SUV and is far removed from the unforgiving ride of Porsche sportscars of yesteryear.
Boot space, at 627 litres, is not massive but should be ample for most getaways.
Verdict
The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a remarkable car for towing, offering impressive power and torque. With its combination of a V6 petrol engine and electric battery pack, it delivers a whopping 470hp and 650Nm of torque.
This abundance of power makes towing heavy loads, such as the flagship Airstream caravan, feel effortless. The Cayenne's eight-speed automatic gearbox and paddle shifters provide smooth gear changes, while the powerful disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power.
Additionally, the car offers useful features like an electric towbar, adaptive air suspension for enhanced stability, and rear axle steering for improved manoeuvrability.
Useful information
- Insurance: 50
- Engine: 2,995cc, V6 turbocharged petrol with electric motor
- Power: 456bhp (340kW)
- Torque: 700Nm (516Ib ft)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Spare Wheel: Tyre inflation kit
- Kerbweight: 2,370kg (with driver)
- Gross Vehicle Weight: 3,030kg
- Gross Train Weight: 6,530kg
- Noseweight Limit: 140kg
- Towing Equipment: Electrically extending towbar system
- Fuel/tank/test econ: Petrol/16.4 gals (75 litres)/33mpg (solo)/24mpg towing 1,679kg
- CO₂: 75g/km
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