More than a year after Porsche confirmed that it was working on the first-ever Cayenne Electric, the big EV is almost ready for its public debut in showroom-ready format. And to keep our attention before that big day later this year, Porsche has released the first images and details of the Cayenne SUV's new interior.
That's a lot of digital real estate...
Indeed it is. Along with a 14.25-inch OLED screen for the digital instruments and the (optional)14.9-inch passenger display, is what Porsche calls the 'Flow Display'. That's the OLED touchscreen in the middle of the car. Look closely and you'll spot it actually curves down into the centre console.
Porsche says all this - termed the 'Porsche Digital Interaction display and operating concept' - forms the largest continuous digital surface yet in one of its cars. Oh yeah, you can add a head-up display with augmented reality to the mix as well.
We'd like to take this moment, however, to say “bravo Porsche” for retaining what appears to be a bank of physical buttons at the base of the Flow Display to supplement the on-screen climate control switchgear.
Are the disco lights standard?
They're likely customisable as part of the new 'Mood Modes', which incorporate the ambient lighting, climate control, sound and seat functions. Porsche tells us though, that buyers of this Cayenne will have more personalisation options than ever before - extending to 13 interior colour combinations, five accent packages and four interior packages.
There are leather and leather-free upholstery options, including a 'Pepita' print and new colours called 'Magnesium Grey', 'Lavender' and 'Sage Grey'.
Incidentally, along with heating for the seats, Porsche will fit surface heating for the armrests and door panels, enhancing comfort, and also efficiency - as this uses less battery charge than a traditional car-heating system. The rear seats will be electrically adjustable as standard, too.
Letting light flood into the cabin is a new glass roof with 'Variable Light Control' so no physical blind will be necessary, and despite the use of liquid-crystal technology, the front section of the roof can slide open.
Any other technology on board?
Porsche mentions the incorporation of an AI-powered voice assistant and the new Porsche Digital Key. And we've previously been told about a wireless charging system for the EV that buyers can install at home.
Has Porsche told us anything else about the Cayenne?
Remarkably little, actually. We do know that its battery pack can charge at up to 400kW on a suitable powerful DC charger thanks to the car's 800-volt electrical architecture, and 11kW on the AC-supplied wireless charger.
Mention has also been made of the Cayenne's active suspension system called Porsche Active Ride, while the SUV is mooted to get a 3,500kg tow rating. And one last thing: the introduction of this all-electric Cayenne does not signal the end of the plug-in-hybrid and petrol models, as Porsche is continuing to develop those.
Ok, last last thing, zoom in on the interior pics and the digital instrumentation appears to show an electric range of 546 kilometres within the central 'power meter', though we doubt that's the figure for a fully charged battery. Still, surely Porsche didn't leave it in the photograph by mistake?