Porsche has launched a Malaysian-assembled version of its Cayenne SUV that comes with upgraded standard equipment along with a highly attractive pricing thanks to the ASEAN free trade agreement.
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe is priced at just Bt6.29 million, which is cheaper than a 718 Boxster, as it is assembled at Porsche’s first assembly plant outside of Europe at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah.

The plant produces the Cayenne exclusively for the Malaysian market – from March 2022 to May last year 1,000 units have rolled out from the facility. The plug-in hybrid coupe variant, meanwhile, is exclusive for the Thai market, and could add 1,000 or more units to the Malay production total, according to Peter Rohwer, managing director of Porsche Thailand by AAS Group.

“The Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe is produced exclusively in Malaysia for Thailand and offers a compelling price point along with outstanding performance and equipment level,” he told thaiautonews.
Rohwer has been with AAS Group for 28 years and for the past 20 years has played a pivotal role in convincing Porsche AG to start CKD production in this region.

Although Thailand is the automobile production hub of ASEAN, AAS Group is an import company and distributor without any production experience.
“That’s why we chose to partner with Sime Darby in Malaysia which already has vast experience and existing infrastructure in auto assembly — they have been working with Mazda, BMW and Kia, apart from being the local importer for Porsche (since 2010),” he said.

Production at the Malay plant is expected to rise dramatically with the Thai-destined model.
“The production capacity is 2,000 units per year but this can be expanded if there is more demand,” Rohwer stated.

The Cayenne is by far the most popular Porsche model globally, including Thailand. Although customers can still order European-assembled Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupes, they would not get the same price or equipment level.
“The reason for importing from Malaysia is the shorter logistics route which is just two weeks compared to two months from Europe,” Rohwer said. “The Malaysian version offers the same build quality as we use the same assembly techniques and we also offer the same warranty.”

Porsche offers a range of the Slovakia-made Cayenne variants in Thailand with prices ranging from Bt7.29 million to well over Bt22 million for the top-of-the-range Cayenne Turbo GT. The standard Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe is priced at Bt7.29 million, but comes with less power and standard equipment compared to the Malay Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe.

Boasting maximum output of 519 horsepower and a whopping 750Nm of torque from its hybrid powertrain, the new model is able to complete the 0-100km/h dash in 4.7 seconds and has a best-in-class top speed of 263km/h.
The 25.9kWh battery can be charged from 0-100 per cent in 2.2 hours via an 11kW onboard AC charger to provide an all-electric range of up to 88kms.

The cockpit features a 12.6-inch curved driver display, 12.3-inch center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 360-degree surround view and lots of luxury.

Being the S version means that it gets various upgrades compared to the standard version, ranging from red brake calipers with improved braking performance to match the power increase, HD Matrix LED headlights, air suspension, GT Sports steering wheel, Sports Chrono package, analog Porsche Design clock, 14-way adjustable comfort seats with Porsche crest emblem on the front headrests, choice of black or red/black leather upholstery, powered rear window sunblinds, four-zone climate control and BOSE audio system.