Porsche is looking to reverse a recent downturn in its South Korean sales with the introduction of the Macan Electric, an all-electric version of its popular SUV. South Korea is Porsche’s fifth-largest market globally.
In 2023, the German automaker achieved a milestone, exceeding 10,000 units sold annually in South Korea for the first time. However, sales declined approximately 30 percent last year. “(The gas-powered) Macan has been in production for over 10 years. With two facelifts, the SUV hit cumulative global sales of 844,236 units by 2023,” said Lee Suk-jae, head of retail qualification at Porsche Korea, during a press briefing. “The Macan Electric continues this legacy, having already delivered over 18,000 units globally, following its release in Korea last month,” he added.
The Macan Electric is available in four trims: Macan, Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo. Each model offers improved driving performance. The Korea Herald recently test-drove the Macan Turbo and Macan 4S models.
The Macan Turbo’s Sport mode delivers performance reminiscent of a sports car. It harnesses the instant torque of its electric motors and a high-voltage nickel, manganese, and cobalt battery with a capacity of 100 kilowatt-hours. When accelerating, the car can go from 50 kilometers per hour to 110 kph in under three seconds. The Turbo model’s official zero to 100 acceleration time is 3.3 seconds.
The all-electric Macan incorporates an artificial engine sound, echoing the experience of a gas-powered car. The cabin remains quiet even at high speeds, with external air effectively sealed out to minimize wind noise.
The vehicle’s air suspension enhances dynamic driving by allowing drivers to feel the road surface, while minimizing body movements. While not entirely eliminating body roll during high-speed cornering, the rear-end electric motor’s dynamic torque distribution and rear-axle steering contribute to agile handling.
Switching to Normal mode provides a comfortable ride, ideal for city driving. Even with regenerative braking activated, the system minimizes abrupt movements often found in EVs. The Macan 4S, positioned between the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, provides performance comparable to the Turbo model.
In terms of design, the Macan Electric features headlights integrated into the bumper and frameless doors, a sporty touch rarely seen in SUVs. The rear features a 3D taillight strip and standard 22-inch wheels. The car’s wheelbase has been extended to accommodate the battery, but the overall length remains largely unchanged, resulting in shorter overhangs and a more robust appearance. Inspired by the Porsche Spyder, the side blades are available in various materials and colors.
Inside, the head-up display utilizes augmented reality technology to provide driving directions, lane markings, and distance warnings. The Macan, Macan 4, Macan 4S, and Macan Turbo models are priced at 99.1 million won, 159 million won, 114.4 million won, and 138.5 million won, respectively.
