In a bold move sure to delight purists and modernists alike, Porsche has announced that its flagship SUV, the Cayenne, will continue to be offered with combustion and hybrid powertrains well into the next decade. This comes despite the brand's aggressive electric vehicle push.

Porsche's beloved Cayenne, its top-selling model, will stride into the 2030s with three powertrain options. Starting next year, we'll see the introduction of an all-electric fourth-generation Cayenne, standing alongside the updated versions of the current third-gen combustion and hybrid models.

The extensive upgrades to the current Cayenne, which saw a major overhaul just last year, will focus on the heart of the beast – the 4.0-litre V8 engine. This powerhouse, delivering 350 kW in the Cayenne S, 485 kW in the GT, and a staggering 545 kW in the Turbo E-Hybrid PHEV, is set to be made as efficient as possible to comply with future emissions regulations.

Porsche promises that "extensive technical measures will ensure that the twin-turbo engine is ready to comply with future legislative requirements," hinting at a blend of engineering ingenuity and regulatory foresight.

However, Porsche has remained tight-lipped about whether the 3.0-litre V6 engine, available in a 261 kW pure form, as well as 346 kW and 382 kW hybrid versions, will see similar upgrades.

This continued commitment to combustion engines will depend heavily on market regulations, with regions like the UK set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 onwards. But Porsche is hedging its bets, ensuring that no matter the market, customers will have options.

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume emphasized, "The Cayenne has always defined the sports car in its segment. The fourth generation will set new standards as an electric SUV, but we’re committed to offering powerful and efficient combustion and hybrid models well into the next decade."

This announcement follows closely on the heels of Porsche scaling back its EV ambitions, adjusting its target to 80% of sales being electric by 2030. This cautious approach mirrors sentiments from other automotive giants like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Stellantis, all noting a recent slowdown in electric vehicle sales.

Indeed, European EV sales grew a mere 2% in the first half of 2024, a sharp drop from last year's 28% surge. This likely prompted Porsche to maintain its combustion offerings for the Cayenne, ensuring its most popular model doesn't suffer if the electric version doesn't immediately captivate the market.

In 2023, Porsche sold a total of 320,221 vehicles globally, with the Cayenne accounting for 87,553 of those, just edging out the Macan at 87,355. This strategic move ensures that the Cayenne, a cornerstone of Porsche's lineup, remains a formidable force on the road, catering to both the traditionalist petrolheads and the forward-thinking eco-warriors.