Reinventing yourself when you’re at the top of your game is no mean feat, but the best make it look effortless. This brings us to the all-new Porsche Macan Electric. It has huge boots to fill. The current petrol-powered Macan just experienced its best sales figures ever and is the second bestselling Porsche globally after the Cayenne. In terms of reinvention, can the Macan make a seamless transition from petrol to electric? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out.
Exterior Styling
Starting at the front, when the car is on, the first thing you’ll probably notice is Porsche’s distinctive four-dot daytime running lights, first seen on the 918 hypercar and later on the 911 and Taycan. The actual headlights are lower, and, like the Taycan, this car doesn’t need a big grille due to its electric nature. However, it does have nifty air curtains that direct air through the front bumper and past the front wheels, enhancing aerodynamics and efficiency.
Wheel Options
The Porsche Macan EV car has optional 22-inch alloy wheels. Lesser Macans come on 20-inch wheels, and if you opt for the Turbo, 21-inch wheels come as a no-cost option. The electric Macan has inherited the distinctive side blades of the petrol Macan. These blades visually shrink the car’s height, though it’s interesting that you can pay extra to have them in body colour.
Interior Review
If you’ve ever sat in a Taycan, the interior of the new Macan Electric will feel familiar. You can sit low behind the steering wheel, just as you’d want in a sporty SUV. The steering column and seat offer ample adjustment for an optimal driving position. The cabin feels enveloping, with a high dashboard, high window line, and raised centre console. Unlike many competitors that embed climate controls into the infotainment system, the Macan features physical rocker switches for climate control—a touch that many drivers will appreciate.
Infotainment and Display
In front of the driver is a 12.6-inch curved display, inspired by the 911’s dials, which are configurable to show various information from media to navigation. The central 10.9-inch infotainment screen, while familiar in appearance, now boasts integrated Android technology, making it faster and more responsive. An optional second screen for the front passenger allows them to control media or watch videos, with a clever film that ensures the driver only sees a blank screen from their perspective.
Practical Storage
The central cubby houses a cooled wireless charging pad, preventing your phone from overheating. The new raised centre console provides a large storage bin, two cup holders, and an additional storage space under the centre armrest. High-quality materials are used throughout, ensuring the interior feels premium.
Rear Seats and Space
The Macan Electric is 103 mm longer and 15 mm wider than the petrol version, allowing for more room in the rear—a welcome change, as the petrol Macan was known for being cramped. With the front seat set for a 5’9″ driver, there is ample legroom and space for feet under the seat. Despite a roofline that is 3 mm lower, the seats have been set 15 mm lower, ensuring adequate headroom even with the panoramic roof. The seats, though fixed, can split 40/20/40, making it easy to carry longer items like skis while retaining two rear passengers.
Boot Space and Practicality
The boot offers a respectable 540 litres, larger than that of the closely related Audi Q6 e-tron, the BMW iX3, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. If you opt for upgraded sound systems or the Turbo model, you may lose 60 litres of underfloor storage due to the subwoofer. However, Porsche includes a front storage area, perfect for charging cables and a small bag.
Macan Electric Models and Range
The Porsche Macan EV is available in four models: the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Macan, the Macan 4, the sportier 4S, and the top-of-the-line Turbo. All models use a 95 kWh battery, but the single rear motor in the base version makes it the lightest and most efficient, with a claimed range of 398 miles. The base model’s 355 bhp allows a 0–62 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The Macan 4 ups the power to 401 bhp and cuts the 0–62 time to 5.1 seconds, while the 4S boasts 442 bhp, cutting another second off that time. The Turbo offers 580 bhp, with a launch control boost to 630 bhp, reaching 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Driving Impressions
The Porsche Macan EV handling is impressive, with quick, well-weighted steering and good feedback. The car balances well from front to rear, avoiding understeer and allowing for controlled power rotation. The optional rear-wheel steering enhances agility at low speeds and stability at higher speeds. The brakes deliver a strong feel due to a seamless blend of regenerative and physical disc braking.
Suspension and Comfort
Air suspension, standard on the Turbo and optional elsewhere, provides excellent body control and comfort. Smaller wheels are recommended for less road noise and smoother handling, as the 22-inch wheels can be noisy over rough surfaces. Even the powerful Turbo model boasts a range of 367 miles, promising long drives with minimal stops.
Charging and Rivals
The Macan can charge at up to 270 kW, enabling a 10–80% charge in just 20 minutes. A 150 kW charger achieves this in just over 30 minutes. The Macan Electric shares its platform with the Audi Q6 e-tron, making the latter a key rival. The Polestar 4 and Lotus Eletre also compete in this segment.
Pricing
When the Taycan debuted, it set a high bar for electric performance. The Porsche Macan EV, facing a tougher SUV market, has managed to stand out with its blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. Although starting at £67,000 for the base and £95,000 for the Turbo, any version delivers one of the sharpest driving experiences among electric SUVs.
