Porsche three-row crossover reportedly in development

A Porsche crossover that is longer, wider, and taller than the Cayenne is under development, according to a new report.

Automotive News Europe claims the flagship position of the Cayenne could be trumped by a new sporty “part sedan, part crossover” expected to sit at the top of the Porsche line-up.

It's understood Porsche retailers in the United States were shown a rendering of the new crossover during a recent dealer meeting, with one claiming the design was “very un-Porsche-like,” with a “flat rear design… not anything like the Macan and Cayenne”.

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Porsche Cayenne

Further details surrounding the new crossover remain uncertain, however the same dealer source told Automotive News a plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected when the vehicle arrives in the second half of the decade.

A fully-electric powertrain is also set to be on offer, especially if Porsche plans to sell the flagship model in Europe.

The rumoured new flagship is anticipated to offer a three-row seating layout – a Porsche first – with room for up to eight occupants, thanks to its aforementioned flat rear design.

While the report states a plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected, the new model is likely related under-the-skin to the flagship Volkswagen Group electric vehicle platform under development for Audi, Porsche and Bentley – codenamed ‘Landjet’.

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Porsche Macan

Previewed by the recent Audi Grandsphere concept, the range of luxury electric vehicles are expected to showcase the best of what the Volkswagen Group has to offer, with a driving range of up to 650 kilometres and a high level of autonomous driving capability.

Speaking with Automotive News, a Porsche spokesperson refused to confirm or deny the reports, and said the Stuttgart brand is “very open in sharing ideas under an initiative, Porsche Unseen, the majority of which do not make it beyond the ideas stage.”

“Whether these go any further than renderings and ideas to make it to the production stage — let alone how they will be powered or configured — is undecided,” they added.

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Audi Grandsphere concept

With the three-row crossover segment booming in the United States – bolstered by the recent addition of the BMW X7 and the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class – it makes sense for Porsche to offer a larger, three-row model in order to boost profit margins and overall sales – all of which help to keep traditional Porsche models, such as the 718 and 911, alive.