The Most Potent Fresh 6-Cylinder SUV You Can Purchase Today

Despite the era of electrification, six-cylinder motors remain in demand. They provide an added dash of strength and velocity for drivers aiming to enhance from a four-cylinder without leaping to a V8.




With SUVs reigning as the top pick among vehicles in the American market for years, if you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, odds are it will be an SUV. Fortunately, there are abundant choices in the SUV segment that still provide a six-cylinder motor. The most potent one accessible for 2024 is the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, featuring a total power yield of 512 horsepower. Its six-cylinder motor is aided by an electric engine within a plug-in hybrid configuration. Let’s delve into some of its attributes.

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid: Model Overview

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUV was initially unveiled for the 2024 model year, resurrecting a name linked to the hybrid variant of the second-generation Cayenne between 2015 and 2018. The new addition filled a void in the lineup that had been vacant since the arrival of the third generation in 2018: a higher-powered version of the plug-in hybrid Cayenne and the second most potent model in the Cayenne family after the 729-hp, V8-driven Turbo E-Hybrid. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is offered in both SUV and coupe formats, with the SUV version being $7,400 pricier than the standard E-Hybrid (starting at $99,100 compared to the base hybrid’s $91,700).

The S E-Hybrid not only provides added power thanks to its 174-hp electric engine, but it also comes with various enhanced design, technology, and mechanical components as standard: this includes LED headlights with automatic high beams, quad tailpipes, the Sport Chrono package (featuring a launch control function and broadening the range of driving modes), 20-inch wheels and tires, and a smart key with push-button start. When chosen in the coupe body style, the S E-Hybrid is slightly less expensive (just $4900 pricier than the base hybrid) and introduces black trim pieces to the car’s exterior.

Driving Modes & Performance

Despite what the title might indicate, the S E-Hybrid isn’t a plug-in hybrid variation of the V8-powered Cayenne S. Instead, it is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, the same one present in the non-hybrid Cayenne, generating 348 hp independently. This is paired with an electric motor as part of a plug-in hybrid system for a combined power output of 512 hp.

Five distinct driving modes are accessible on the Cayenne S E-Hybrid; they are selectable through a drive mode selector located on the steering wheel, included in the standard Sport Chrono package. The default mode is termed E-Power: this emphasizes electric-only operation, giving preference to the Cayenne’s electric motor and battery configuration over its gasoline engine.

The subsequent mode is referred to as Hybrid, and though it has a slight inclination towards the electric motor, it integrates the gasoline engine as required. The Sport and Sport Plus modes offer a different approach: not only do they maintain the gasoline-fueled V6 operational to ensure optimal power delivery when necessary, but they also engage the vehicle’s air suspension. The air springs are a standard provision on the S E-Hybrid, but they are also available as an optional feature on its less powerful counterpart, the E-Hybrid. Lastly, there’s the Offroad mode, tailored to enhance the vehicle’s performance on rough terrains.

Interior & Comfort

The Cayenne’s dashboard has gone through a complete digital transformation for the year 2024, replacing analog gauges with an all-digital instrument cluster and a dual-screen infotainment system that spans the interior. The plush seats offer various amenities, from heating and ventilation to a massage function, and thanks to the generous legroom, there’s ample space even for rear passengers to unwind.

All variants of the Cayenne series are equipped with a range of conveniences, such as a 10-speaker audio system, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi hotspot for staying connected during journeys. Additionally, several optional packages are offered. The Premium Package includes aPremium Bose audio system, soft interior lighting, and adaptive cruise control; under its more premium version, the Premium Package Plus, it also boasts ventilated front seats, 14-way power seats with memory, and climate control for four distinct zones.

Cutting-edge Infotainment & Driving Aids

The Siblings of Cayenne S E-Hybrid

There exist five other variants in the 2024 Cayenne series. The base model features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivering 348 horsepower, while the Cayenne S is energized by a 468-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. Following is the E-Hybrid model, which combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for a total power of 463 hp. Ranked within the lineup is the S E-Hybrid, succeeded by the 729-hp Turbo E-Hybrid and the 650-hp Turbo GT, the priciest in the lot at a staggering $196,300. A thrilling addition coming soon is the Cayenne GTS set for the 2025 model year, featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 generating 493 hp, accompanied by faster gear shifts in the Sport and Sport Plus modes for heightened responsiveness.

Second Place: Opting Out of Hybrid

If aiming for the most potent six-cylinder SUV on the market, sans the hybrid commitment, the runner-up is the exclusively gasoline-powered Lincoln Navigator. This model is equipped with a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 440 hp without electric support. A spacious three-row SUV with ample seating and cargo room, the Navigator comes in three trim options for 2024: beginning with the Premiere entry level, followed by the Reserve and the Black Label. The top two trims can also be selected in an “L” version, offering an elongated wheelbase and increased trunk space.

The Reserve version introduces enhancements like 22-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof, whereas the highest Black Label edition offers a distinctive grille, 30-way power front seats with massage function, and an upscale 28-speaker audio system. Each variant provides a broad selection of luxury amenities, including heated and cooled front and mid-row seats, a 13.2-inch entertainment display, and three-zone climate regulation.