The 2018 Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid returns 22 MPG combined, a number secondary to the driving experience for most buyers. This plug-in hybrid SUV prioritizes performance and exclusivity over significant fuel savings, appealing to a buyer who wants Porsche dynamics with less gas, even if it doesn’t result in class-leading efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Cayenne S e-Hybrid at 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This split shows the hybrid system’s potential for fuel savings in stop-and-go traffic, where the electric motor contributes more. On the open road, the 3.0L supercharged V6, producing 333 horsepower, takes over, making the highway figure more indicative of traditional gasoline-powered driving. The e-Hybrid has an electric-only range (about 14 miles when new), but those figures aren’t reflected in the standardized EPA ratings. The EPA assumes the car will be driven on both gasoline and electric power over the full distance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,650 for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation uses the national average fuel price at the time of testing, providing a standard for comparison. Actual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and how much the vehicle is charged and driven on electric power.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard estimate, real-world fuel economy for the Cayenne S e-Hybrid can vary. Drivers who frequently charge the vehicle and use electric-only mode for shorter trips will see an improvement over the EPA figures. On the other hand, those who prioritize performance and often engage the full power of the V6 engine may find their fuel economy falls below the 22 MPG combined rating. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and challenging weather conditions can negatively impact efficiency. How the vehicle is driven as a hybrid also matters. Drivers who rarely plug in the vehicle will find the Cayenne S e-Hybrid drives like the non-hybrid Cayenne S models.

How it compares

The Cayenne S e-Hybrid occupies an interesting space in the luxury SUV market. The BMW X5 xDrive40e (plug-in hybrid), a direct competitor from the same era, achieves a similar 24 MPG combined. A 2018 Audi Q7, equipped with a 3.0L supercharged V6, returns 21 MPG combined. These numbers show that the Cayenne S e-Hybrid’s fuel economy is competitive within its class of performance-oriented luxury SUVs. For a buyer considering a standard, non-hybrid Cayenne, such as the Cayenne S with its 20 City / 23 Hwy efficiency, the e-Hybrid offers a slight improvement, but at a higher price that many justify only for its additional power output. See CAYENNE MPG across all years for a broader look. Across the Porsche lineup, all Porsche fuel economy data reveals that fuel efficiency is often secondary to performance and driving dynamics.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Prioritize electric driving for shorter trips. The Cayenne S e-Hybrid excels in urban environments when operating on electric power. By frequently charging the battery and using electric mode for commutes and errands, you can reduce your reliance on gasoline.

Use regenerative braking strategically. The Cayenne S e-Hybrid features a regenerative braking system that recaptures energy during deceleration. Anticipate stops and coast to recover energy and minimize brake wear. Avoid abrupt stops and high-speed downshifts to improve braking performance.

Monitor tire pressure and vehicle weight. Ensure your tires are properly inflated as specified by Porsche. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo can negatively impact efficiency under hard acceleration.

Drive conservatively on the highway. While the Cayenne S e-Hybrid is capable of performance, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding aggressive acceleration on the highway will improve fuel economy. Use cruise control on flat terrain to maintain a consistent speed and minimize throttle changes.

Use the Porsche Connect app to manage charging. The Porsche Connect app allows you to monitor and control the charging status of your Cayenne S e-Hybrid. Use this feature to schedule charging during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are lower, to reduce your running costs.