Porsche fans who are fervent believers of internal combustion engines are going to be horrified. The Macan, which has been Porsche’s best-selling vehicle since 2016, has gone electric. It is a complete horror story for ICE devotees but welcome news for car enthusiasts who embrace EVs.
While the is called Macan, it does not share the gas-powered model’s underpin; it is built on a new platform which will be shared with the upcoming Audi A6 e-tron. Speaking of which, ICE devotees can breathe a sigh of relief because fossil-powered Macan is very much alive, well, at least until Q3 2024. OK. The horror did not stop.
Anyhoo, the new Macan marks the first model in the lineup to be fully electric, and the first car to use Volkswagen Group’s Platform Premium Electric (PPE) parts. Remember, Taycan may be Porsche’s first EV but it is a brand new model; not an existing lineup, when it was launched.
Porsche’s latest masterpiece, the Macan, goes electric, boasting powertrains up to 470 kW (639 PS/630 HP). With an impressive WLTP electric range of 516-613 km (321-381 miles), it combines sports car-like performance with practicality. The Macan Electric Models promise zero emissions and a high level of day-to-day usability.
The Macan 4 and Turbo are engineered with the latest in electric motor tech, offering overboost power of up to 300 kW in the Macan 4 and 470 kW in the Turbo. The torque reaches 650 and 1,130 Nm (480 and 833 lb-ft), respectively, ensuring top-notch performance. The Macan 4 hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, while the Turbo does it in 3.3 seconds, with top speeds of 220 and 260 km/h (137 and 162 mph).
Energy comes from a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery, a key part of the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with 800-volt architecture. The fast charging capability allows a boost from 10 to 80% in roughly 21 minutes. The WLTP range is up to 613 km (381 mi) for the Macan 4 and 591 km (367 mi) for the Turbo.
Design-wise, the Macan sports a dynamic, sleek look, complete with up to 22-inch wheels and frameless doors. Its interior blends classic Porsche style with digital interfaces, offering a spacious, customizable environment.
Tech features include a head-up display with augmented reality, an Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system, and Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It also introduces rear-axle steering and two-valve dampers for enhanced driving dynamics.
Priced at US$78,800 and up, the Macan is a bold step into the electric future, offering a combination of high performance, advanced tech, and eco-friendly driving.
Images: Porsche.
