Porsche Three-Row SUV Prototype Breaks Cover
Porsche has been rumored to be developing its first-ever three-row, seven-seater luxury crossover SUV, and recent scoop photos have finally given the world a first look at this much-anticipated prototype. Known internally as the “K1,” this flagship SUV will position itself above the Cayenne and is confirmed to be a fully electric vehicle (BEV), promising a blend of powerful performance and autonomous driving capabilities.
A New Dimension of SUV
The K1 aims to redefine the SUV category by delivering “powerful performance” while also embracing autonomous driving technologies. It will directly compete with luxury electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and the BMW iX. The vehicle is reported to exceed 5 meters in length, offering a unique appearance that merges the essence of a sedan with a crossover, a departure from Porsche’s traditional designs.
CEO Oliver Blume’s Vision
Porsche’s CEO, Oliver Blume, has described the K1 as a sporty reinterpretation of the SUV concept. At the 2023 Annual General Meeting, he hinted at the model being akin to a “high coupe,” emphasizing its role in reinforcing Porsche’s sporty, luxury positioning.
Design and Proportions
The prototype, despite its heavy camouflage, shows a crossover silhouette reminiscent of the Ferrari Purosangue, featuring a low roofline for an SUV and unique proportions that set it apart from Porsche’s Panamera sedan. The headlights adhere to Porsche’s latest design philosophy, suggesting that they might make it to the production model. Significant design evolutions are expected in the front and rear fascias, door panels, and around the concealed D-pillars.
Porsche Three-Row SUV Interior and Chassis Innovations
The K1’s elongated and low profile, coupled with a lengthy wheelbase, promises comfort for passengers in all three rows. The interior is poised to offer “a completely new experience focused on space.” Unlike the Taycan, which uses VW Group’s “J1” platform, the K1 will feature the newly developed “SSP” (Scalable Systems Platform), expected to outperform the Porsche-Audi co-developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture in performance metrics.
Porsche Three-Row SUV Technical Edge
The K1 will incorporate a 920V system enabling faster charging, possibly featuring oil-cooled motors. Although battery specifications are under wraps, it’s anticipated to exceed 100kWh, aiming for a WLTP range of over 700km. Advanced chassis technologies will include electronic control for 4-wheel steering, capable of steering the rear wheels up to 5 degrees for improved maneuverability and agility, enhanced by electronic differentials and torque vectoring.
Anticipated Premiere and Pricing
The world premiere of the K1 is planned for 2027, with pricing expected to surpass the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid’s $146,900, potentially reaching over $200,000. As Porsche has enjoyed tremendous success with the Cayenne as its flagship SUV over the past two decades, the K1 could represent a new pinnacle in Porsche’s lineup, marking a significant shift towards luxury electric mobility.
