In what can only be described as a silent assault on the laws of physics, Porsche’s upcoming electric Cayenne prototype quietly showed up at the 2025 Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship at Shelsley Walsh and then loudly made history.
Yes, it still had camouflage on, but camouflage isn’t very stealthy when it’s wrapped in neon-purple lettering shouting “Cayenne.” There was even a roof rack strapped on, because subtlety is overrated.
Despite being a hulking electric SUV with large wheels (likely 22 or 23 inches) and a new-age design language, the prototype blitzed the climb in 31.28 seconds. That’s more than four seconds quicker than the previous SUV record — an eternity in hill climb terms.
From the lights, it catapulted itself to 60 feet in just 1.94 seconds. That’s quicker than a hiccup and is helped by what sounded suspiciously like artificial acceleration noises possibly piped through external speakers. The announcers put it best: “For a big car that is scuttering up the hill... something special.”
Behind the wheel was Gabriela Jilkova, Porsche’s Formula E factory test driver, and from the footage, she seemed to have unlocked every ounce of torque those motors could deliver. While Porsche hasn’t revealed full specs, expect power figures in the north of 600 bhp and torque approaching 1,000 Nm, if their Taycan is any clue.
What’s visible? Familiar Porsche cues, quad LED DRLs, a sharp rear LED strip, and an EV-specific window line around the C-pillar. Active aero elements flapped enthusiastically during the run, hinting at tech meant to keep the weighty SUV properly planted.
Interestingly, while the Cayenne EV is now very real, Porsche has also confirmed that petrol-powered Cayennes will continue past 2030. So it’s not curtains for combustion just yet.
For India, this record signals serious intent. When this electric Cayenne eventually reaches our shores, it could redefine what performance means in the premium SUV space, assuming your driveway is wider than the Shelsley Walsh track.
