2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is lovely and sedate

Porsche's initial slate of plug-in hybrids gave its performance-oriented trims a serious power boost, but not everybody's interested in feeling green to the tune of 670 horsepower. 

Now, the automaker is bringing its PHEV parts to lower trims, and the combination of a smooth electric motor and a potent-but-not-too-potent gas engine results in a model that's more luxury car than peak performer.

Comparison shopping with the BMW X5 xDrive45e can be a little rough, considering it has more cargo space, a larger battery and better range with a starting price of $66,395. 

The X5 xDrive45e is less powerful, and the Bimmer's 7,200-pound tow rating is a smidge behind the Porsche's at 7,700 pounds. 

Mercedes-Benz builds a GLE-Class PHEV with a honkin' 31.2-kWh battery, too.

But as of this writing, you still can't buy it in the US, despite it being built here. Hmm.

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid rides a pretty fine line between being a luxury-forward family vehicle and a proper Porsche performer, with a bit of a bend toward the former.

It's cushy and easy to drive, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers plenty of flexibility in how electricity is both accumulated and distributed.

For those looking to ease into electrification, this is a good place to start.

Keep scrolling to check out even more pictures of the 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.