Porsche has introduced its new Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe, the ASEAN-built Porsche that offers Thai customers higher specifications as well as more attractive pricing.
Porsche Thailand by AAS Group managing director Peter Rohwer said that while the global economy is currently experiencing a downward trend, Porsche sales in Thailand remain positive, albeit at a lower rate, reflecting the resilience of the German premium brand in the Kingdom.
And for 2024 the brand’s success is about to step up a notch with the introduction of a new Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe variant, assembled in Malaysia exclusively for the Thai market with a compelling price point. This gives Porsche fans in Thailand an elevated value proposition, while still providing top levels of luxury, quality and dynamic performance.
“The Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe is the second Cayenne model assembled by Porsche Malaysia (in addition to the Cayenne SUV offered only for the Malay market) and it is exclusive for the Thai market, which is one of our most important markets in the region”, Rohwer, who was Bangkok Post’s 2023 CEO of the year for luxury car distribution, said.
In 2022, Porsche Asia Pacific and Porsche AG set up its first assembly plant outside of Europe at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah, pairing up with Sime Darby Group, one of Malaysia’s largest automotive manufacturers of locally-assembled vehicles.
“Porsche takes a holistic approach when looking at expanding its presence in the regions, and the decision to work with Sime Darby in Malaysia for local production and as export hub for vehicle towards Thailand was a result of many factors. Thailand remains a very important region for Porsche in the Southeast Asian region for different reasons, and we are focusing on developing its vibrant community of customers and fans to become even greater in the future, for example with Das Treffen,” Rohwer, who has been with the AAS Group for 28 years, said.
A local content of over 40 per cent means that Porsche vehicles assembled at the Malaysian plant can be exported to Thailand without import duty, resulting in a highly competitive pricing of 6.29 million Baht.
In addition, the Thai-destined Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe comes with a significantly higher level of standard features compared to the same variant imported from Europe, giving Thai customers more for their money. The first deliveries will take place as early as August.
Although customers can also order the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe from Germany (at a higher cost), the Porsche Malaysia assembly plant offers the same build quality as is expected from customers of the iconic German marque.
Offering the same standard two-year warranty, Thai customers can extend additional warranty periods right up to 15 years.
Power comes from turbocharged V6 petrol engine with 353 PS (49 PS higher than the Cayenne E-Hybrid) mated to a newly-developed electric motor giving the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe a total output of as much as 519ps while maximum torque is claimed at a whopping 750Nm.
In terms of performance, 0-100km/h acceleration can be achieved in 4.7 seconds with the Sport Chrono package offered as standard while the top speed is claimed at a class-leading 263kph. Red brake calipers differentiate the S model with more powerful stopping performance.
An 11kW on board AC charger allows the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe to run on pure electric power for 88kms while the 25.9kWh battery can be fully charged (0-100 per cent) in just 2.2 hours via an AC charger.
Meanwhile, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) features a two-chamber, two-valve technology that benefits both on- and off-road performance. The adaptive air suspension also adds to the precision and performance of this new model, offering a clearer distinction between normal, sport and sport plus settings.
Three body colours are offered for the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe – Carrera White, Chromite Black and Dolomite Silver – which by statistics are the most popular choices of Cayenne customers in Thailand.
Customers are able to customize their Thai-spec Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe via a microsite especially designed for this model at https://thcayenne.online. Apart from exterior colour, they can also choose between two smooth leather interior colour choices (black and red/black) as well as Tequipment accessories.
But first take a look at the high level of standard features offered in the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe.
At the front there are newly-designed HD Matrix LED headlights featuring more than 32,000 individual micro-LED pixels per headlight, which create a bright, homogeneous and precise light area that adapts dynamically and at lightning speed to the respective driving situation.
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe is standard-fitted with 20-inch Cayenne S alloy wheels in Vesuvius Grey (21- and 22-inch wheels are optionally available). There is also keyless entry and a convenient electrically-powered tailgate with kick gesture control.
The cockpit features a large number of upgrades starting with the muti-function GT Sports steering wheel as well as Sport Chrono package with Porsche Design analogue clock on the console.
A BOSE Surround Sound System also comes as standard, along with Porsche crest emblems on the front headrests, genuine leather upholstery, 14-way powered seats and electric roll-up sunblinds on the rear rear windows.
There’s a 12.6-inch curved digital driver display and 12.3-inch infotainment centre screen, while the position of the gearshift lever has been relocated to the left of the steering wheel, thus creating additional space for a large driver-side storage compartment and air vent where one can also wireless charge their mobile phone.
Apart from Adaptive Cruise Control, there is also ParkAssist including 360-degree Surround View and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
Porsche Thailand currently has four outlets in Thailand – Porsche Centre Bangkok (Vibhavadee), Porsche Centre Pattanakarn, Porsche Studio Siam Paragon and Porsche Studio Bangkok Iconsiam. However, in the near future, three new Porsche Centres will be opened namely Porsche Center Kalpapruek, Porsche Center Bangna and Porsche Center Pattaya.
