No one is likely to take a Porsche Cayenne Electric off-road, but it sure is entertaining.

      Porsche

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      When the average person envisions driving a Porsche, off-roading typically isn't the first scenario that comes to mind. This is especially true for the 2026 Cayenne Electric. Owners likely wouldn't want to risk damaging their expensive SUV on a rough trail, and off-roading with an electric vehicle remains a niche pursuit. However, just because it's not commonly done doesn’t mean the vehicle lacks capability. Quite the opposite, as I discovered.

      I recently had the chance to drive the much-anticipated Cayenne Electric, and you can find that review here. I spent an extensive time behind the wheel of both the 435-hp base model and the astounding 1,139-hp Turbo, including navigating both models through a challenging off-road course. (Additionally, I had a ride-along with two-time Le Mans champion Timo Bernhard on a fast-paced, thrilling rallycross stage.)

      Off-Road Course

      Check out the photos here where I pushed the Cayenne Electric to its limits off the pavement—something few may ever attempt, but that hasn't deterred Porsche from designing its vehicles to high standards. The course was a loop featuring muddy trails, steep climbs, and numerous deeply rutted sections where the steering wheel had little influence.

      With Off-Road mode activated, the Cayenne Electric elevated its suspension and adjusted all-wheel-drive and traction-control settings to tackle low traction and potential wheel slip. It also engaged the surround-view cameras, which proved useful during climbs—whether ascending or descending—and sharp turns.

      “Very few will actually do this in real life, but it's important to understand its capabilities in case you find yourself off the beaten path,” my Porsche off-road guide remarked from the passenger seat.

      That’s a valid point. If I owned one—regardless of whether it was the base model or the Turbo—I wouldn't intentionally take it off-road. They are both six-figure SUVs, and unless you opt for something like a Defender Octa, you don’t purchase one to risk having wheels off the ground. Nevertheless, I did it because Porsche encouraged it.

      After a day spent cruising on WRC-level mountain roads, it was time for the Cayenne Electric to gently descend the first of several steep, muddy hills.

      I could feel the axle applying regenerative braking to help slow the vehicle and maintain control, which is impressive considering the electric SUV weighs nearly 6,000 pounds. Each tire could also utilize the mechanical brakes independently to ensure a safe descent. Even when the surface was slippery enough that the ruts often dictated the car's path more than the steering wheel did, traction control was able to distribute power effectively to keep me on course.

      With a ground clearance of 9.6 inches in its highest suspension setting, the Cayenne Electric can easily navigate most obstacles found on moderate trails. From my experience, and as evident in these photos, this was more than sufficient to overcome rocks and ruts in my path. On uphill climbs, it felt incredibly stable, even though it was equipped with all-season street tires that were clearly designed for performance rather than off-road use.

      Rallycross

      Who would have thought that a wide, tall, and heavy electric SUV could swiftly tackle a rallycross track with such ease—all while on street tires? No one. However, the Cayenne Turbo Electric paired with Timo Bernhard is far from ordinary, and the combination leads to impressive experiences.

      As with most action footage, the video below doesn't encapsulate the thrill of the experience. The feeling of being thrust back in my seat when he took off, the intensity of the braking, the sheer force of acceleration out of corners, and the exhilarating sensation of drifting through turns as Bernhard linked together sections of the track are all hard to convey.

      I won't attempt to describe it further; just watch the video and enjoy.

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