Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid E3.1 vs Audi SQ5 Sportback: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the SQ5 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.42 s versus 4.74 s for the Cayenne E-Hybrid. Despite lacking instant torque, 367 hp of power compensates. At this point, the SQ5 Sportback leads by 0.32 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the SQ5 Sportback is doing 142 km/h against 141 km/h for the Cayenne E-Hybrid. The gap is 0.22 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the SQ5 Sportback crosses the line in 12.76 s versus 13.01 s. The 0.26 s gap represents roughly 12 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the SQ5 Sportback continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 195 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the SQ5 Sportback finishes in 23.50 s versus 23.81 s, with a 0.31 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (253 vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Cayenne E-Hybrid is capped at 253 km/h, the SQ5 Sportback at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 7.35 seconds. The 0.32 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.