The Porsche Cayenne is the brand’s global bestseller—and for good reason. It combines performance, practicality, and luxury in a way few SUVs can. While everyone’s talking about the all-electric Cayenne coming in 2026, don’t count out the internal combustion engine (ICE) version just yet. It’s still very much in the game and could stick around longer than many expect.
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Facelift
Back in 2023, Porsche gave the Cayenne its first major facelift in seven years. But this wasn’t your typical nip and tuck with new bumpers and a sharper set of DRLs. It was a deep refresh with upgrades to the chassis, powertrain, and advanced driver assistance features. Porsche clearly intended for this generation to go the distance—potentially lasting until the end of the decade.
But now, whispers from inside the industry hint that Porsche might not be done updating it.
Strategy
Let’s talk big picture. Porsche has made it clear it wants 80 percent of its lineup to be battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030. The 911, Porsche’s iconic sports car, isn’t going fully electric anytime soon. So, logically, most of that remaining 20 percent will be made up of 911s. That puts pressure on models like the Cayenne to either evolve or exit.
So why would Porsche invest more time and money into updating the Cayenne’s ICE version again?
Demand
Here’s where things get interesting. Around 2023 and 2024, the EV market started to show signs of slowing down. At the same time, interest in hybrids and traditional ICE vehicles began to rise again. Consumers wanted more options and weren’t ready to go all-in on electric just yet.
This shift in sentiment could be why Porsche is reconsidering the Cayenne’s roadmap. Add to that the news that Audi’s Q7—built on a similar platform—is expected to get one last ICE version around 2026 or 2027, and it starts to make sense.
Possibility
It’s unlikely that Porsche will launch a completely new ICE Cayenne. Developing a new combustion model takes years and serious investment, and with strict legislation banning ICE sales from 2035 in places like California and Europe, the return just isn’t there.
But another facelift? That’s a more efficient way to stretch the Cayenne’s life. And it would align perfectly with the launch of the all-electric Cayenne in 2026. Porsche could sell both side by side—one for the traditionalists and one for the forward-thinkers.
Timeline
So, what might the Cayenne’s future look like? Here’s a rough timeline based on current signals:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Major ICE Cayenne facelift launched |
| 2026 | Electric Cayenne to debut |
| 2026 | Likely second facelift for ICE Cayenne |
| 2030 | ICE Cayenne to be phased out or replaced |
| 2035 | ICE sales end in California and Europe |
This gives Porsche enough time to cater to both segments without rushing a full transition.
Options
For buyers, this dual-approach means more choices. Want the thrill of a V6 or V8 engine? Stick with the facelifted ICE Cayenne. Prefer silent, zero-emission driving? Wait for the EV. Either way, Porsche is making sure it doesn’t alienate long-time fans during this massive shift in the automotive world.
Porsche’s strategy seems less about picking sides and more about keeping its base happy while preparing for what’s next.
FAQs
Is Porsche ending the ICE Cayenne?
Not yet. It may get another facelift and stay till 2030.
When is the electric Cayenne coming?
The EV Cayenne is expected to launch in 2026.
Will the ICE Cayenne be redesigned?
A full redesign is unlikely, but another facelift is expected.
Why keep the ICE Cayenne longer?
Demand for hybrids and ICE cars is still strong.
What’s Porsche’s 2030 EV target?
Porsche aims for 80% of its lineup to be EVs by 2030.
