You might have missed the announcement: the Porsche Macan is now exclusively available as an electric vehicle. However, whispers suggest Porsche might be considering a return to petrol-powered Macans, potentially driven by a perceived drop in sales for the new all-electric version. In my opinion, this would be a mistake. The electric Macan is the ideal Porsche to make the transition away from gasoline.
Porsche has recognized the importance of reducing emissions, a reality that all car manufacturers must embrace. Electrifying the Macan, Porsche’s smallest, most accessible, and everyday-focused SUV, is a strategic move. It safeguards the future of the iconic 911, Porsche’s flagship model, which maintains the brand’s performance legacy.
Macan buyers are often located in affluent areas, using the vehicle for daily commutes. This is an ideal use case for electric vehicles. If you drive around 100 kilometers per day—a distance many drivers cover—charging the Macan Electric just once or twice a week is realistic. With a 7kW home charger and some solar panels, the running costs could be nearly nonexistent, making it an even more attractive option.
The Macan Electric offers impressive performance. Its circa-95kWh battery provides a driving range between 616 and 654 kilometers, depending on the specific model. The vehicle also supports ultra-fast charging. This makes occasional long road trips easy.
During my week with the Macan 4, the second model in the lineup, I experienced its blend of solid performance and long range. It effectively fills the role of the popular Macan S, which was the best of both worlds. Performance statistics are impressive: the Macan 4 produces 300kW and 650Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds. The top-tier Turbo version delivers a staggering 470kW and 1130Nm, completing the same sprint in just 3.3 seconds.
The Macan Electric is refined on the road, operating silently. The adaptable suspension on my test car provided for a smooth ride over city streets and maintained a firm grip when cornering on winding roads. The steering is classic Porsche: perfectly weighted steering and excellent feedback, which gives a predictable and confident driving experience. Because it is an SUV, the addition of the battery weight is less of an issue. The weight of those batteries actually benefits the Macan; by lowering the center of gravity, it reduces the trade-offs of a high-riding SUV. The interior has the familiar Porsche quality and the electric powertrain gives more room inside since the absence of mechanical components frees up space. The Macan’s rear seat is not the most spacious, but the trunk offers ample storage, which is important for everyday use. The only downside is the price. The starting price of $128,400 before on-road costs represents a price increase of over $30,000 compared to the entry-level petrol model. The Macan 4 starts at $134,400, then jumps to $149,300 for the 4S, and tops out at $184,400 for the Turbo.
For Porsche, it is better to stick with the electric Macan. With its great features and electric future, this is a step in the right direction.
