Porsche is charting new territory with the new Macan, leaping into the all-electric SUV market and setting a lofty benchmark in the process. Reimagining its popular compact SUV of which more than 840,000 units have been sold, the all-electric Macan hints at a future where engineering prowess meets sustainable mobility, packaged in a vehicle that delivers on the brand’s renowned design language without comprising on its reputation for dynamism.
The all-electric Macan was unveiled to the world in Singapore last week and will arrive in two variants: the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo. Both offer dual-motor all-wheel-drive setups, rapid charging capabilities, and compelling range. The new Macan promises practicality as well as power, delivering more torque than the current Taycan Turbo S, achieved through more efficient and higher-quality cabling.
While we won’t get to experience the vehicle until April, on paper, the Macan Electric boasts some serious performance credentials that suggest they’ve achieved their aim of creating the sportiest car in its segment. It features a state-of-the-art 800-volt architecture, supporting high-performance fast charging at up to 270 kW.
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Striking performance
Power is also plentiful with over-boost power up to 300 kW (408 PS) & 650nM on the base Macan 4, ramping up significantly in the range-topping Turbo variant which boasts up to 470kW (639 PS) & 1,130nM (the Taycan Turbo S offers 1,050nM).
Understandably, these numbers result in impressive acceleration stats with the Macan 4 sprinting to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and the Macan Turbo clocking a mighty 3.3 seconds — making it the fastest Macan of all time, by a considerable margin. Handling is enhanced by twin-valve dampers and rear-wheel steering.
Exterior aesthetics
With frameless doors, stretched chassis, and a lower roofline, the new Macan is noticeably sleeker than its predecessor — akin to the Cayenne Coupe, with a Taycan-inspired front end — framed by a dramatic two-part headlight to emphasise width, and resulting in a dominant stance. At the rear, the Macan benefits immensely from the iconic sculptural 3D light strip.
Significant emphasis has been attributed to the Macan’s aerodynamics, aimed at reducing drag and improving mileage. Fully variable cooling flaps and vents distribute air through the front bumper and around the wheels while an adaptive rear spoiler optimises airflow over the rear, settling the car at speeds up to 260km/h.
Interior delights
Despite the lack of a driveshaft, Porsche has opted for a traditional dash boasting digital and analogue controls which now benefits from a lot more storage. A redesigned, driver-orientated cockpit now accommodates up to three screens, including a free-standing 12.6-inch curved-design instrument cluster and a 10.9-inch central display, with a third optional 10.9-inch display available for the passenger. For the first time, an optional head-up display with augmented reality technology is also on the cards.
Completely redesigned seats, which now sit 28mm lower in the car, offer customers the best of sport and comfort, even in the Macan 4. Electrification has also led to increased luggage space in the Macan, with a ‘frunk’ now boasting 84 litres and up to 540 litres behind the rear seat (in cargo mode).
Battery benefits
The Porsche Macan Electric houses a 100 kWh battery expected to provide a substantial range, making it amongst the most capable electric SUVs on the market. With an active usable capacity of 95 kWh, the vehicle can achieve a range of up to 591 kilometres in the Turbo and 613 kilometres in the Macan 4.
With charging ports on both sides, owners can enjoy high-performance fast charging at up to 270 kW; the battery can reach an 80% charge in just 21 minutes under ideal conditions. Alternatively, up to 135 kW is sourced from 400-volt systems and 11 kW from AC. Up to 240 kW of energy can also be recuperated via the electric motors while driving.
Price and availability
The Macan 4 is available from $133,700 and the Macan Turbo starts at $180,100 before on-roads. Orders for the new all-electric Macan are open with models arriving in Australia in late 2024.
