Porsche’s largest and most luxurious automobile but, codenamed K1, has been noticed for the primary time, as testing begins some three years forward of its scheduled launch.
New pictures, which look to have been taken at a Porsche testing facility, purport to indicate the brand new electrical SUV present process dynamic testing, giving an early indication of its measurement and form.
Conceived to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and BMW iX however with the added utility advantages of a 3rd row of seats, the K1 has been described beforehand as having a silhouette that’s “part saloon, part crossover”.
These first pictures appear to corroborate that positioning, with the prototype seemingly standing as tall because the Cayenne however having a flatter roofline and a straighter again finish, along with an extended wheelbase and a decrease experience top.
Gaps within the camouflage recommend it will likely be a detailed visible relation to the brand new Porsche Macan Electric, with a well-known LED headlight design and wraparound rear mild bar, however cumbersome cladding and pretend trim particulars obscure the positive particulars.
It’s uncommon to see a automobile testing in production-spec bodywork so far as three years earlier than its scheduled launch, however the Macan Electric hit the highway for the primary time again in 2021, so it stands to cause its bigger sibling’s design has been locked in.
Sources at Porsche have beforehand indicated the K1 – which shall be greater than 5 metres lengthy – will supply “a completely new experience inside”, in addition to “strong performance” and automatic driving.
To give it appropriate off-road capabilities, it is additionally stated to characteristic appreciable experience top in its most excessive driving mode. Ground clearance shall be adjusted through subtle air suspension with a number of settings.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has described the automobile as “a very sporting interpretation of an SUV”, including: “This new vehicle concept is designed to offer strong performance and automated driving with the typical Porsche flyline, along with a completely new experience inside the vehicle.”
He added: “We’re thereby underlining and strengthening our sporty luxury positioning. We’re observing growing profit pools in this segment, in particular in China and the US.”
Deputy chairman Lutz Meschke stated the K1 was the “perfect match for the Chinese market”.
When it arrives, the superior four-wheel-drive flagship will head a rising Porsche line-up, consisting of seven particular person fashions.
The K1 will supply the newest in synchronous electrical motor, high-performance battery and rapid-charging know-how – developments that, insiders on the firm’s Zuffenhausen headquarters in Germany say, will lengthen its value nicely past the £150,500 of the prevailing ICE Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
