2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid (photos)

Porsche's first hybrid is built on its Cayenne SUV platform, which shares a power-train with the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid.

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The Cayenne S Hybrid uses the same body styling as other Cayennes, with the addition of a badge that reads "hybrid" in Porsche script on the fenders.

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The power train combines a supercharged 3-liter V-6 with an electric motor, nickel metal hydride battery pack, and eight-speed transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

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The Cayenne S Hybrid is a five-passenger SUV. Cabin room is ample, and the car affords a high seating position.

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The Cayenne S Hybrid uses an air suspension, which can lower the car for sport driving or raise it up for off-roading.

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The cargo space offers a good amount of room, but it is somewhat compromised by the rear slope of the hatchback.

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Porsche makes a luxury play with the cabin appointments, using such features as a leather-wrapped dashboard.

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The steering is heavily boosted, making for light wheel turn and eliminating road feel.

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Paddles on the steering wheel are these molded metal pieces, which fit neatly over the spokes.

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Porsche uses five gauges, with the tachometer front and center, sports car style. The gauge to the immediate right of center is actually an LCD.

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The LCD in the instrument cluster shows a variety of information, such as navigation.

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With the optional Porsche Communications Management, an LCD head unit is fitted into the dashboard. It brings in navigation, audio functions, and a Bluetooth phone system.

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The Cayenne S Hybrid's eight-speed transmission has a manual mode, but not a specific Sport mode.

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Controls for changing the ride height and engaging sport mode for the power train are mounted behind the shifter.

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The LCD shows a power flow animation for the drive train, typical on hybrids.

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The navigation system's maps look very good, with topographic details and buildings rendered in 3D.

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The touch screen allows destination entry, but Porsche should offer a cabin tech interface on the level with that of Audi and BMW.

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The Bluetooth phone system offers typical functions, such as contact list download.

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The Cayenne S Hybrid comes with a minimal set of audio sources.

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The audio interface offers the capability to assign a unique name to a CD, which the system will remember whenever that same CD is played.

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The iPod interface lets drivers browse by album and artist.

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The Cayenne S Hybrid shows a heat map for parking distance, and a rear view camera is available as an option.

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