It’s electrifying: The new EV Macan is sleeker and more streamlined than the older models, and has eye-catching lights.
Porsche has ingeniously revamped its immensely popular Macan, ushering it into the realm of electric vehicles (EV), setting a new benchmark.
After a successful foray into the electric landscape with the Taycan, the logical progression involved electrifying its most popular model, in line with the marque’s aim of achieving 80% EV sales by 2030.
Porsche’s second home, the state-of-the-art Leipzig factory in Germany, where the new fully electric Macan is assembled in tandem with its petrol-powered Panamera counterpart, has made huge strides towards achieving net carbon neutrality.
The EV versions of the 718 and Cayenne are set to be introduced by 2025, while the Panamera is cited to launch in 2026.
There is also an all-new flagship seven-seater electric SUV, earmarked for launch before 2030.
Porsche has strategically acquired high-performance battery manufacturer Cellforce Group. This enables it to produce batteries at scale, propelling its electric agenda forward.
The Macan EV, slated for debut next year, will come in the Turbo and Macan 4 variants.
Both versions will be equipped with a 100 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, balancing range and performance. While the official range remains undisclosed, Porsche has confirmed a minimum of 500km on a single charge for both variants.
Charging efficiency has also been optimised, with a remarkable 100km of range achievable in just 4 minutes, using high-voltage chargers.
Antoon Janssen, Porsche’s Macan powertrain manager, claims the Macan is set to claim the title of the sportiest car in its segment.
Although the power figures have not been officially confirmed, Janssen is adamant that the flagship will boast a minimum of 450kW and 1 000Nm of torque.
The development journey of the electric Macan has been unparalleled, with rigorous testing spanning about three million kilometres in climates ranging from -30°C to 50°C.
The revamped Macan’s design is unmistakable. Departing from the familiar bulbous shape, it adopts a sleeker, more streamlined profile that aligns with the contemporary aesthetics of EVs.
The distinctive lights echo the design language seen in the latest Cayenne and Panamera models.
Performance: The Macan is equipped with a 100 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and will have a range of about 500km on a single charge. Inside it has Porsche’s latest infotainment centre.
Inside, the Macan boasts Porsche’s latest infotainment system, featuring three screens with new software allowing integrated Google or Apple Maps in the infotainment screen.
The passenger display doubles as an entertainment hub, enabling video streaming and social media browsing. Equipped with a privacy coating, the screen is discreetly out of the driver’s line of sight.
Downloadable apps, such as Spotify, further enhance the in-car entertainment experience.
Additional features, such as the augmented-reality heads-up display, project a virtual 87-inch display 10m in front of the driver, aiding navigation through the integrated Apple or Google Maps.
Skilfully manoeuvred by a Porsche test driver on the Leipzig test track, which is an amalgamation of famous corners from racetracks around the world, the Turbo model of the Macan exhibits performance that defies comprehension.
It showcases its low centre of gravity and the 48:52 front-to-rear bias weight distribution, delivering impressive four-wheel drifts up the cloned corkscrew corner and exceptional straight-line speed and braking.
Transitioning to the Macan 4 on an off-road track at the facility, the vehicle shows its prowess, effortlessly tackling challenging terrain with impressive wading capability and adept handling on steep angles.
The Macan’s capabilities extend beyond initial impressions, demonstrating a versatility that surpasses expectations.
The new Macan emerges as Porsche’s pinnacle blend of performance and off-road performance, defying the constraints of physics on the track while demonstrating the physical prowess to venture where others hesitate to go off it.
These near-production models present a tantalising glimpse of what Porsche will unveil to the world in the early months of next year.
Porsche remains Porsche because it is not averse to change. Embracing EVs, the brand remains steadfast in building on its driver-centric ethos.
Just as the company delivers some of the most exhilarating combustion-powered cars, the transition to electric propulsion signals a continuation of high standards.
For EV enthusiasts, it’s a taste of Porsche’s ability to innovate, while Porsche enthusiasts can savour the brand’s excellence in a brand-new realm of motoring.