The Macan has been a huge success for Porsche and it isn’t hard to see why. It appeals to customers who want a Porsche Cayenne luxury SUV but prefer it in a compact and more agile package. For them, the Macan is the perfect compromise as they now have a similarly luxurious yet smaller and lighter-weight SUV that drives like a sports car.
A decade since its debut, the Porsche Macan returns for its second-generation iteration, but this time it’s now 100 percent electric (no combustion engines will be made available).
“We are taking the Macan to a completely new level through exceptional E-Performance, the new Driver Experience, and a very impressive design,” said Oliver Blume, chairman of the executive board of Porsche AG, on the occasion of the 100-percent electric Macan’s world premiere in Singapore.
Unveiled at the launch were two variants: the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo.
Porsche fitted these models with the latest generation of permanently-excited PSM electric motors on their front and rear axles. The new motors are not only more efficient, but can also generate the same power outputs more consistently.
With the Launch Control on, the Macan 4 produces up to 408 horsepower and 650 newton-meter while the Macan Turbo boasts up to 639 hp and a staggering 1,130 Nm. The power ratings allow the Macan 4 to accelerate from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.2 seconds, and the Macan Turbo achieves the same in just 3.3 seconds. Top speed of the models are 220 km/h and 260 km/h, respectively.
800-volt architecture
The Macan’s electric motors draw their energy from a lithium-ion battery located under the body of the SUV. The gross capacity of the battery is 100 kilowatt/hour, of which up to 95 kWh can be actively used. The battery forms the central component of the newly developed Premium Platform Electric that has an 800-volt architecture, used by Porsche for the first time in the new Macan.
With these systems, the combined driving range is up to 613 km for the Macan 4, and up to 591 km for the Macan Turbo.
Coupé-like lines
Thanks to sharper lines and proportions of the Porsche Design DNA, the new Macan models look dynamic and dominant.
“The new Macan is clearly recognizable by its brand identity as part of the Porsche product family. The classic Porsche proportions have been further developed and optimally adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle. This has further heightened the sporty, modern and dynamic appearance of the Macan. The design makes it clear: The Macan remains the sports car in its segment, even in electric form,” assured Michael Mauer, vice president of Style Porsche.
Strongly pronounced shoulders further give the rear a muscular look. The Porsche logo now sits at the center of the sculptural 3D light strip.
Porsche driving dynamics
Porsche developed this new 100-percent electric SUV to focus on quintessential Porsche driving dynamics and a characteristic steering feel. Both the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo have all-wheel drive. The two electric motors are controlled via the power electronics almost in real time. The electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management operates around five times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system, and can respond to slip within 10 milliseconds.
In addition, the all-wheel drive distribution is governed by the selected driving program. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle, also contributes to the traction, driving stability and lateral dynamics of the Macan Turbo.
Practical SUV
The new 100-percent electric Macan is a performance-oriented SUV that is also highly practical and suitable for everyday use. Having an electric power plant, for instance, means increased luggage room. The rear offers up to 540 liters of space, extending up to 1,348 liters when the backrest is folded down. Instead of an engine bay, there’s now a “frunk,” or a second luggage compartment in front, that adds 84 liters of space.
The Macan’s interior is unmistakably Porsche. Emphasizing the width of the cockpit is an integrated black panel. The rising design of the center console heightens the performance focus of the model. Large windows give a light and airy feel to the cabin.
Deliveries of the new 100-percent electric Macan will start in the second half of the year.
