It’s common knowledge that Porsche has been working on the Macan EV for a while. It’s natural that the brand’s highest-selling model in recent years, in terms of unit sales, will lead the German automaker’s move towards electric vehicles. While the Taycan showcased Porsche’s move towards electrification, the Macan, with its more affordable price and larger consumer base, will be a better indicator of how well Porsche’s electric strategy will scale.
If the Macan is going to remain Porsche’s top-selling model, certain aspects need to remain consistent, even amid the electric transformation. This means that its compact SUV shape should stay the same, with the battery architecture designed around its form, not the other way around. Additionally, the Macan needs to maintain a price point that allows it to serve as the brand’s entry-level offering and attract new customers.
At first glance, this might seem challenging, given the current premium associated with EV technology. However, Porsche has a strong track record of overcoming such challenges with ease. We now have a clearer look at Porsche’s future vision as the company has begun prototype testing in plain sight, revealing some hints about how the car will look inside and out.
It’s worth noting that combustion-engine Macans will still be available alongside the EVs, which could help hedge the bet on the success of the latter. However, Porsche aims to make the Macan EV its star player, with the ICE versions serving as a “behind the scenes” alternative for customers who might not be swayed by the aggressively marketed EV.
How Things Are Shaping Up
The Macan EV is set to launch for the 2024 model year as part of the Macan’s overall design refresh, which also includes the gas-powered versions. The EV models will feature distinctive design cues to set them apart, while also providing the functional benefits required by fully electric powertrains. As part of the VAG conglomerate, the Macan will share the same underpinnings as the upcoming Audi A6 e-tron.
Porsche has long promoted its 800-volt architecture as the foundation for all their future electric vehicles, and the Macan will also utilize this technology. There have been specific improvements for the Macan’s 100 kWh battery design, providing better range and easier access for repairs. However, the charging capabilities have not seen significant advancements, with the same 270 kW maximum intake and 5% to 80% state-of-charge replenishment taking 22.5 minutes to complete, similar to the Taycan.
Upon release, it appears that Porsche will follow its previous approach, by introducing the all-wheel drive Macan EV with both a “standard” and “high-performance” variant. Following this, additional and/or in-between trims are expected to be released over the coming months. This suggests that the debut of the Porsche Macan EV will feature S (or 4S) and Turbo models, with a GTS and Turbo S model to follow thereafter. It remains to be seen whether the Macan EV will also offer a rear-wheel drive base model, similar to the Taycan, in an effort to widen the appeal of the compact SUV.
In Further Detail
Sources indicate that the Macan Turbo EV is set to produce at least 603 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, making it the fastest Macan ever produced despite the weight penalty caused by the electric- drivetrain. Base EV models are expected to have power figures similar to the current GTS variants, approximately in the mid-400 hp range, while a 4S equivalent is likely to be in the low 500s.
During regular driving, the Macan EV’s rear e-motor will provide 100% of the driving power, with the front e-motor coming into play during more spirited driving or when additional traction is required. The e-motor control system is also capable of instantly distributing front and rear torque in any optimal permutation. Up to 250 kW can be recuperated under regenerative braking.
The new Porsche Macan EV will maintain a multi-link front and rear suspension design, with a fixed steel spring setup and an air suspension system (PASM) coming standard on the entry-level models and Turbo models respectively. For the latter, this provides ride height adjustability based on the Macan EV’s different driving modes, allowing the car to be lowered up to 5.9″ in Sport+ mode and raised up to 8.7″ in Off-Road mode. The normal ride height benchmark is set at 7.1″.
For the first time on a Macan, rear-wheel steering will also be available (as standard on the Turbo models, and optional on the lower models). This system enhances the overall driving dynamics of the Macan EV, reducing turning radiuses at lower speeds and improving stability at higher speeds. Macan EV’s equipped with this feature also have a front-steering rack which turns 15% quicker than the standard configuration.
Compared to the previous-gen Macan, there will be significant changes to the interior, aligning it with other models in the Porsche line-up. This will include the conventional Porsche infotainment system featuring a 10.9″ center dashboard touchscreen and a 12.6″ digital instrument cluster, providing a standardized experience across new Porsche models for interacting with the car’s operating system.
More To Follow
No information about the exact release date or pricing for the Porsche Macan EV is available yet. Some estimates suggest that the starting price for the “standard” Macan EV (the 4s model) will likely be around $80,000 USD, positioning it between the current-gen Macan S ($72,300) and Macan GTS ($86,800). The Macan Turbo EV is expected to be priced at around $100,000 USD. Future base models could start at around $70,000.
As more details become available, we will provide updates on Porsche’s latest fully-electric vehicle. The Porsche Macan EV has the potential to appeal to both Porsche enthusiasts and those interested in zero-emissions vehicles. It is anticipated to deliver strong performance, utility, and eco-friendliness—essential qualities for a commercially successful and scalable car in the modern era.
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