Here is an interesting question that just occurred to me: apparently the Cayenne Hybrid will go into "sailing mode" when you take your foot off the gas pedal. In this mode it not only shuts down the gas engine, but also disengages the engine driveshaft and essentially coasts - great for fuel economy

But oftentimes when you're descending a snow covered or slick road it is useful to downshift and use engine breaking to keep control of the vehicle versus using the breaks

So how does this work in the hybrid? Does it always engage the engine if you put the transmission into manual shift mode? Or are you out of luck I.e. Have to rely on braking alone?

Having just ordered a hybrid, I'm beginning to get cold feet and am starting to lean towards the turbo!

 

On my Lexus gs450h when I downshift the cvt engine it does gear down in a way. Able to "engine break" if you will still.

 

I have a Pruis, and and you can put it into engine braking mode. I'm sure the Cayenne will have the same for offroading purposes.

 

Hi, I just picked up a 2013 Cayenne hybrid. How do I engage in the sailing mode?

 

You've just got to be at a speed between 30 and 97 mph (not in Sport mode) and take your foot fully off the accelerator pedal. If you're on a downhill gradient greater than 4%, it also won't coast, but will begin recuperation for the high-voltage battery which will slow the vehicle.

 

I see. Just tried it out! I wonder why it doesn't use the battery to maintain the speed? For example, if the battery is full and I am on cruise control.