The new 630bhp all-electric, Porsche Macan has arrived
This isn't just another version of the Porsche Macan; it's now an electric car. This is a bold move by Porsche, especially since the Macan is one of their best-selling models globally. Even though Porsche has successfully introduced niche electric models like the Taycan, transitioning their mainstream models like the Cayenne and Macan to full electric early on is quite daring. However, there are some complications we need to address.
Petrol-powered Macan models will stop being sold in Europe on July 1st this year. This isn't due to emissions issues but rather because they don't comply with new EU cybersecurity regulations that came into effect after the current models were designed. Interestingly, Porsche plans to continue selling the Macan in the UK for at least the rest of 2024, taking advantage of certain Brexit-related loopholes. So, the newly electrified Macan is here alongside the traditional petrol models, all with upgraded features, ready to win over consumers.
Porsche Macan EV overview
New Porsche Macan EV on sale now
Prices start from £69,800
Porsche’s smallest SUV goes all-electric
Design akin to the Taycan
Clever new interior technology
Up to 612hp and 1,013Nm of torque
The all-new Porsche Macan is here, and it’s nothing like the Macan we once knew. It not only has a totally new design, it’s also only available in all-electric form – making it the second pure EV to come from the brand.
Porsche Macan EV: Design and Dimensions
The Macan Electric has dimensions of 188.4 inches in length, 84.7 inches in width (including mirrors), and 63.8 inches in height. It's a bit longer and wider than the previous model, but the height remains the same. The wheelbase is now 113.9 inches, which is 3.4 inches longer than before. This allows for shorter overhangs at the front and rear to accommodate the floor-mounted lithium-ion battery. The car looks stylish and athletic in pictures, featuring four-point DRLs similar to the Taycan and optional Matrix LED lights that can adjust individual LEDs to avoid glaring at other drivers.
With a drag coefficient of 0.25, the Macan Electric is highly aerodynamic, only slightly higher than the Taycan and nearly as good as the Audi e-tron GT. This efficiency is achieved through active elements like an adaptive rear spoiler, active cooling flaps on the front air intakes, air curtains below the headlights, and an overall aerodynamic design, according to Porsche.
The design also includes frameless doors, a prominent shoulder line, and a coupe-like roofline carried over from the first-generation Macan, adding to its distinctive appearance.
Porsche Macan EV: Performance
The electric SUV comes in two versions: Macan 4 and Turbo, both having dual motors. The Macan 4 has 402 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo boasts 630 hp and 833 lb-ft. These figures outperform traditional petrol powered Macan models.
Acceleration for the Macan 4 is 5.2 seconds from 0 to 62 mph, and the Turbo accelerates in a rapid 3.3 seconds. The top speeds are 137 mph and 161 mph, respectively.
A recent review of a nearly production-ready prototype in California left a strong impression. In Sport mode, the Macan exhibited an immediate change in character, with sharper throttle response and a more responsive suspension. The reviewer noted that the vehicle really came alive in Sport Plus mode, especially under more aggressive driving conditions.
Porsche Macan EV: Battery Range
The impressive performance of this electric SUV is made possible by its 95-kilowatt-hour usable battery capacity (with a gross capacity of 100 kWh). While slightly larger than the optional Performance Battery Plus (93.4 kWh) in the Taycan, it's significantly bigger than the standard offering (79.2 kWh). Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the SUV can charge at a high speed of 270 kilowatts, allowing it to add a 10-80% range in just 21 minutes when plugged into a fast DCFC.
On a single charge, the battery provides a range of up to 381 miles for the Macan 4 and 367 miles for the Turbo. However, these numbers are based on the European WLTP cycle, which tends to be more optimistic than the U.S. EPA ratings. WLTP ratings are estimated to be 22% higher than EPA ratings. Therefore, in the U.S., you can expect a range of around 300 miles for the regular version and slightly less for the Turbo.
Even with this adjustment, the electric SUV's range is notably better than the Taycan, which has EPA ratings ranging from 200 to 246 miles depending on the variant and model year.
Porsche Macan EV: New Generation Software
The new Macan offers a customisable setup with up to three screens: a 12.6-inch curved gauge cluster, a 10.9-inch central display, and an optional 10.9-inch screen for the co-driver. Additionally, it introduces a new head-up display featuring augmented reality technology.
Porsche explains that augmented reality elements, like navigation arrows, will be seamlessly integrated into the driver's view, appearing at a distance of 32.8 feet and resembling the size of an 87-inch display.
The SUV's updated infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive OS, known for its excellent performance in Volvos, and also supports Apple CarPlay. The user interface and software experience will be closely watched in early reviews to ensure a smooth and responsive performance.
It's worth noting that VW Group's software division, Cariad, underwent significant restructuring in 2023 due to reported system freezes and unresponsive touch screens in some VW EVs. This restructuring, which included job cuts, caused delays in the development of the Macan and related Audi Q6 e-tron, both crucial vehicles for the VW Group. So, the software performance will be a key aspect to monitor in the upcoming reviews of the final Macan product.
Porsche Macan EV: Price and Availability
Both versions can be ordered in the UK soon. The Macan 4 has a starting price of £78,800, and the Macan Turbo is priced at £105,300, excluding delivery and handling fees. The vehicles will be produced at the Porsche Plant Leipzig in Germany, sharing the manufacturing space with the Panamera and the traditional petrol powered Macan.
Deliveries in the UK are set to commence in the second half of 2024. The electric SUV will face competition from rivals such as the BMW iX, Genesis Electrified GV70, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, among others.
Lease the Porsche Macan EV with salary sacrifice
The Porsche Macan is now available through The Electric Car Scheme and you can enjoy savings between 30-60% on the overall cost. You can generate a personalised salary sacrifice quote using our online quote tool here. Remember, you need to join The Electric Car Scheme to get these savings. If you want to start, just click here to schedule a call with our team.
